U7
to U8 Click HERE for U9 to U10
U7 to U8
For the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 seasons, this program is for players
born between 8/1/2000 and 7/31/2002.
These first and second-grade
children will experience weekly practice sessions for the first time and
move to a slightly larger field than the beginning U6 Cub players. The
teams also play 4-on-4 with no goalkeepers. The focus remains strongly
on fun, sportsmanship and the basic fundamentals of the game. Children
begin to learn a bit about positional play and parents have the opportunity
to enjoy coaching for the entire season at this level. The club supports
parent coaches with player and coaching clinics and written resources.
Games are referreed by a certified youth referee and remain very relaxed
and positive. All children play equal time. The 4-on-4, smaller field
format ensures that all players touch the ball many times during the game.
Why
Play Soccer?
Most kids who play soccer at West Des Moines Soccer Club also play other
sports and we encourage this. However, soccer offers many unique benefits
for young players:
- More activity: Soccer is a constantly moving game
–no standing and waiting! Kids are on the move all the time. The
small number of players on the field ensures that no one gets “lost”
on the field. Club policy ensures that all players play at least ½
of all games.
- Size doesn’t matter: Kids of all sizes can
enjoy soccer and play it safely.
- Low chance of injury: Although soccer is not a “no
contact” sport, there is much less chance of the violent physical
contact seen in other sports.
- Inexpensive to get started: All the equipment a
kid needs to play soccer can be purchased for less than $75; less than
that at sports consignment stores. Once outfitted the first time, the
annual cost will be $25-50 depending on how fast they grow.
- Fun to watch: Soccer games for kids under 10 years
old last 1 hour –tops and there is constant activity.
Teams
The children are placed on
teams of 8 players initialy based on neighborhoods, not schools. This formula
makes it more likely children will play with classmates and other kids
they know and allows for more localized practices, often in a neighborhood
park. Neighborhood placement is not guaranteed if teams are already in
place or registrations are received after the final date. In addition,
if there are not enough players to complete a team, neighborhoods may
be combined. Teams are formed as all-girls or coed. Once you are placed
on a team, you will remain on that team unless you sign up late, skip
a season or request removal from that team.
top
Schedule
Each team is scheduled for
8 games, generally on Saturday mornings between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. for
girls’ teams and Sundays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. for coed teams.
The season dates are chosen by the Greater Des Moines Junior Soccer League,
of which our club is a member, and generally begin around the first weekend
that school is in session for the Fall season, and the first weekend in
April for the Spring season. Games consist of four 12-minute quarters
with a little time between which the players can rest and get water. Games for the fall of 2008 and Spring of 2009 will be played on WDM's Jordan Creek Fields next to Valley Stadium. Our Raccoon River Soccer Complex suffered extensive damage in the June flooding and is being renovated.
Uniforms & Other Equipment
All players must have a West Des Moines soccer uniform. There are two Jersey's one blue and one white, shorts and socks. The blue jersey is used when your schedule indicates you are a visiting team. The white jersey is used when your schedule indicates you are a home team. All players need to wear shin guards to every practice and game. Soccer shoes are optional and must not contain a toe-cleat if they are chosen (no football or baseball cleats). We recommend players bring a water bottle and dress according to the weather. Pants and sweatshirts under jerseys are fine. If you are a visiting team and the home team has similarly colored jerseys, you may be asked to change to the alternate color to allow the referee to distinguish between teams easier.
This age group plays with a size-3 soccer ball.
Parent
Responsibility
We ask that parents to contribute
to their children’s soccer experience by volunteering as a parent
coach, assistant coach, referee (requires additional training), team coordinator,
administrative help or Club Events.. The club offers various clinics
and written aids for parents interested in coaching. If you choose not
to volunteer, we ask that you pay a $25 volunteer fee.
Registration
All new players to the West Des Moines Soccer Club require proof of birth
date in the form of a copy of a state issued birth certificate. Simple
photocopies are fine. According to the Iowa Soccer Association guidelines,
hospital birth certificates are not valid for proof of birth date. Other
proof of birth date can include passports. This proof of birth date is
only required for the first season the child plays. A completed registration
form is also required.
Click here to register for Spring 2009.
U9
to U10
For the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 seasons, this program is for players
born between 8/1/1998 and 7/31/2000.
Players continue to build skills
and knowledge of the game at this level as the field gets a bit bigger
and teams are 6-on-6 (5 field players plus a goalkeeper). These third
and fourth-grade players remain strongly focused on fun and developing
fundamental skills. The concept of playing positions - forward, midfielder,
defender, goalkeeper - also becomes more prominent at this level. The
concepts of positional play also put more emphasis on teamwork and the
mental aspects of the game. Teams usually have at least one, perhaps two
practice sessions during the week in addition to one game a week. At this age, there are four home games which are played at the WDMSC's Hidden Valley Fields and four away games that will be played at other club's fields. The
parent coaches in consultation with the other team parents determine the
number of practice sessions. All players receive the equal playing time
and are encouraged to play all positions, including goalkeeper. The 6-on-6,
smaller field format continues to ensure all players on the field touch
the ball often.
Teams
The children are placed on
teams of 10 players primarily based on neighborhoods, not schools. This neighborhood placement
makes it more likely children will play with classmates and other kids
they know and allows forore localized practices, often in a neighborhood
park. Neighborhood placement is not guaranteed if teams are already in
place or registrations are received after the final date. In addition,
if there are not enough players to complete a team, neighborhoods may
be combined. Teams are formed as all-girls or coed. Once you are placed
on a team, you will remain on that team unless you sign up late, skip
a season or request removal from that team.
top
Schedule
Each team is scheduled for
8 games, generally on Saturday mornings between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. for
girls’ teams and Saturday afternoons between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. for
coed teams. The season dates are chosen by the Greater Des Moines Junior
Soccer League, of which our club is a member, and generally begin around
the first weekend that school is in session for the Fall season, and the
first weekend in April for the Spring season. Games consist of two 25-minute
halves with a little time between which the players can rest and get water.
All home games are played at the Hidden Valley Fields Each
team will generally have 4 home and 4 away games. The 4 away games will
be played at other Greater Des Moines soccer clubs - Urbandale, Johnston,
Altoona, Ankeny, Des Moines, Waukee and more. Driving directions to the
away fields are provided to the coach at the beginning of the season. All WDMSC home games will be played at WDM's Hidden Valley Fields south side. Our Raccoon River Soccer Complex suffered extensive damage in the June flooding and is being renovated.
Uniforms & Other Equipment
All players must have a West
Des Moines soccer uniform. There are two Jersey's one blue and one white, shorts and socks. The blue
jersey is used when your schedule indicates you are a visiting team. The
white jersey is used when your schedule indicates you are a home team. All
players need to wear shin guards to every practice and game. Soccer shoes
are optional and must not contain a toe-cleat if they are chosen (no football
or baseball cleats). We recommend players bring a water bottle and dress
according to the weather. Pants and sweatshirts under jerseys are fine.
If you are a visiting team and the home team has similarly colored jerseys,
you may be asked to change to the alternate color to allow the referee
to distinguish between teams easier. This age group plays with a size-4
soccer ball.
top
Parent
Responsibility
We ask that parents to contribute
to their children’s soccer experience by volunteering as a parent
coach, assistant coach, referee (requires additional training), team coordinator,
administrative help or Club Events. The club offers various clinics
and written aids for parents interested in coaching. If you choose not
to volunteer, we ask that you pay a $25 volunteer fee.
Registration
All new players to the West Des Moines Soccer Club require proof of birth
date in the form of a copy of a state issued birth certificate. Simple
photocopies are fine. According to the Iowa Soccer Association guidelines,
hospital birth certificates are not valid for proof of birth date. Other
proof of birth date can include passports. This proof of birth date is
only required for the first season the child plays. A completed registration
form or online regisration is also required.
Click here to register for Spring 2009.
