The focus of Little Kicks is FUN, using simple kid's games to expose children and their parents to the basic fundamentals of soccer. With Little Kicks -- "the game is the teacher."
The relaxed structure of the program allows all children to participate in soccer immediately--at their pace. Each Little Kicks session uses 2 game fields and a "3 on 3" or a "4 on 4" small-sided team structure to maximize the playing time of all children and increase their opportunity for ball "touches".
Each Little Kicks club is directed by volunteer parent coaches that truly enjoy having fun with children. These club coaches lead players through a simple "game plan" for each Little Kicks session, keeping clubs organized and sessions flowing smoothly. Little Kicks coaches are always encouraged to look for ways to expand the fun nature of the program with the ultimate goal of increasing the players enjoyment of playing soccer.
Little Kicks players and families participate in the fun and games of the OCYSA Soccer Jamboree celebration each season and each player will receive a participation award at the end of each session.
Little Kicks Beginner
Little Kicks Beginner is designed for our youngest soccer players, but is also recommended for older players that are more reserved or smaller in stature.
Beginner Clubs are scheduled 6 sessions during a season and play on Goshen or Buckner game fields. All sessions are on weekends and there are no additional practices during the week. The first two sessions of the season are "Soccer Buddy" sessions where each player and his/her parent (or other adult) practice and then play together.
The remaining sessions begin with a group practice period and follows with players being divided into teams to play soccer. Teams are formed to allow all players to opportunity to play with no player sitting out. (Coaches may assign some players to play for the other club to balance teams and insure all players play.).
Little Kicks Challenger
Challenger Club is designed for our older Little Kicks players, but also recommended for younger players that are more aggressive or ready for additional soccer challenges. While still focused on individual play and development, Challenger Club is more team oriented and introduces additional soccer basics to the players.
Little Kicks Challenger Clubs are scheduled 8 sessions during a season and play on Buckner game fields. All game sessions are on weekends and one additional practice is allowed during the week. Challenger sessions begin with a club practice/warm-up period and follows with the club dividing players into 2 teams and playing soccer against another club. Clubs will play a different club each week.
Every effort will be made by coaches to configure teams to have no players sitting out during games. Unlike the Beginner Club format, the Challenger Club format may require some substituting of players. However, all players will receive equal playing time.
Little Kicks Registration and Club Assignment
All Little Kicks players must sign-up through the regular OCYSA registration process. Players will be assigned to Beginner or Challenger Clubs according to the current seasonal year birth date guidelines. However, parents may request their players be moved to either Beginner or Challenger if it is considered to be in the best interest of the player. For Beginner Clubs only, parents must declare whether their child will play in Goshen or Buckner. All Challenger Clubs play in Buckner.
The number of Beginner or Challenger Clubs formed depends solely on the number of players participating and the availability of volunteer parent coaches. All Clubs will have a minimum of 8 children on the roster, with 10 to 12 children maximum. Please volunteer to coach! No previous soccer or coaching experience is required and training is provided by OCYSA.
Uniform and Equipment Requirements
Players are issued an official Little Kicks shirt, shorts and socks prior to the start of the season and must wear the uniform to each session. Fall players returning to play in the spring will wear the uniforms issued in the fall. Players are required to bring the following equipment to each practice and game session:
· Shin Guards are mandatory for all sessions. They are to be worn under the socks and covered completely by the socks.
· Size 3 soccer ball.
· Soft-cleat soccer shoes are recommended.
· Water bottle.
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