WEEKLY SESSIONS
What time does the session start (and end)?
Each session will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Boys session starts at 8:30am and ends around 9:45am. The Girls session starts at 10:00am and ends around 11:15am. Your efforts to be on time/early will directly contribute to the success of the program. Late arrivals make it difficult for any fields that are not at full player capacity and sometimes result in moving players that have already started their session from one field to another one that has just started.
Do we play on Saturdays?
Yes. All Schoolyard players will train and play on Saturday mornings at LEE Elementary School in Rossmoor.
Will we train any other day of the week?
No. All training and games are played on Saturday since training and games are combined into one session. That session is held once a week.
When does the season start?
Our first session will be on Saturday, September 7th and the last session is Saturday, November 10th. Picture day will be on TBD (see website calendar).
Where do we play at?
All practice and games will be at LEE School, in Rossmoor.
How long is the season?
We will have 5-U weekly sessions.
Will bathrooms be available?
Yes. The bathrooms at the school will be open during the sessions on Saturdays. Due to school building maintenance, only the restrooms near the lunch tables will be open.
GAMES, TEAMS & UNIFORMS
Does the Schoolyard Program really play “real” games?
Of course, the game is the best teacher! So, we complete each weekly session by forming teams from the players present and then letting them play.
How are teams formed?
Teams will be formed randomly each week. As you arrive at the field, we will “form” teams by sending you to a field. There will be between 8 to 10 players at each field depending on the number of players present that day. This ensures enough players for each game (including substitution), allows each player to play and interact with different players each week and also allows each player to learn from a different coach. We require players to go to different fields each week so that they get to know all the other players. This eliminates issues with players missing a session and causing a team playing short for games.
Can I request specific participants on my son’s team?
Since all players stretch, train and play together, there are no issues with who is on whose team. Again, playing with different players and for different coaches will speed and enhance the soccer learning process.
Are all teams co-ed?
No, the Region will have separate boys and girls teams.
How many players on each team?
Usually....We will play 3 v 3 games with 4 – 5 players per team.
Do the kids get uniforms?
You bet! The Region provides each player with a T-shirt Jersey & socks. At game time, opposing teams will wear a colored “pinnie” (soccer training vest). The T-shirt Jersey belongs to the player at the end of the season.
What about shorts, socks and cleats?
For a perfect fit, you provide your own shorts and shoes. Remember, shoes can be cleats (no toe cleat) or tennis shoes. Typically, local sporting goods stores will offer package deals with cleats, shin guards and a ball before the season starts.
What size is the soccer ball?
For Schoolyard Program, we will use a size 3 ball.
COACHES?
Is there a coach for each Schoolyard team – I really wanted to coach my daughter?
Yes – officially there is a “master” coach provided by the Region who leads the weekly sessions. However, interested parents can “assistant coach” (this literally means providing assistance to the Master Coaches, so don’t worry, you will not be on your own) during the stretching/training portion of the session and will also help out during the games.
Do I have to take the Coaches Safe Haven Course?
Yes, all Schoolyard Program parent volunteers with an interest in coaching need to complete the on-line– Safe Haven & Head Concussion training at AYSOU (on the website...see tab). Take the course and print out your certificate. PLEASE NOTE: Safe Haven & Head Concussion are an annual requirement now.
How do I know if I have an AYSO ID number?
Go to our website ywww.ayso159.org and create a FAMILY account, then Player account(s). Please select a Coach Volunteer role
SESSION TIMELINE
Arrive at the field at least 10 minutes before the start of the session. The players need to be ready with T-Shirt Jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards, cleats and each player is required to bring their own size 3 ball. Total session time is 1hr and 15min:
Generally....(weekly updates will be provided)
00th min Warm-up & Stretch – Players go to a “field” (no field assignments but there is a limit of 10 players per field). Guided by parent coaches, the players and parents begin a warm-up and then some stretching. The Master Coaches visits each field to offer direction and instructions.
10th min Technique – Introduction of a specific soccer technique (Instep Kick, Dribbling or Throw in). Parents work with their player, with guidance from parent coaches, to learn the specific technique. The Master Coaches visits each field to offer direction and instructions.
25th min Group Game(s) – Introduction of 1 or 2 games that the entire group play in order to reinforce the specific technique just learned (Red Light Green Light, Mufasa, Sharks & Minnows, etc). The Master Coaches visits each field to offer direction and instructions.
45th min 3 v 3 Game: Form teams (4-5 players on each team) using the colored pinnies. Parents line all four sides of the field (just behind the white lines) to keep ball in play. Substitutions occur at the quarter and half (or when required by a 4yr old). Play continues until a short half-time break and then the second half begins. All goals scored are cheered for “loudly” by all non-players (and there will be many, many, many of them; so get set to cheer). The Master Coaches visits each field to offer direction and instructions.
70th min Tunnel & Cheer – Final whistle blows and all players shake hands. All parents/family members form tunnel and then players/parents meet in the “middle” for cheer and any announcements by the Master Coach.
75th min Ensure fields are “clean” (field equipment packed up and placed in a pile off the playing fields).