Soccer
Cubs (U5/U6)
For the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 seasons, this program is for players
born between 8/1/2002 and 7/31/2004. This age requirement is set
by the Iowa Soccer Association. The only exception to this rule
is that a player who meets the Under 6 criteria who is actually in first
grade may play up in the Under 7 programs.
Preschool and kindergarten-aged
children will enjoy a developmental soccer program aimed at introducing
them to the game in a fun, no-pressure family atmosphere. By playing 3-on-3
soccer once a week, the children get great exercise and enjoy the excitement
of being on a team and having their parents cheer for them. The focus
on simply playing the game naturally starts to build skills that will
eventually become second nature and form the foundation for later developmental
levels.
All children receive equal
playing time. There are no weekly practices, plenty of do-overs and no
one keeps score in order to keep the focus on learning and fun. The 3-on-3
format and much smaller field ensure that every player touches the ball
often 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 or less, and there is constant activity.
Teams
The children are placed on
teams of 6 players and are primarily based on neighborhoods. This neighborhood placement
makes it more likely children will play with classmates and other kids
they know and allows for more localized practices when the players reach
U7 and above. 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 for even teams, neighborhoods may be combined.
All U5/U6 teams are coed.
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Schedule
Each team meets on eight Saturday
mornings between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. There are two sessions that are practices
where older players instruct the children on the basics. The remaining six
meetings are games against other 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 8-minute quarters with a little time between which
the players can rest and get water. All games for the spring 2009 season will be played at the Jordan Creek Fields next to Valley Stadium on Mills Civic Parkway.
Uniforms & Other
Equipment
The Soccer Cubs program registration
fee includes a team T-shirt and a size-3 soccer ball for each player.
No additional uniforms are required. All players need to wear shin guards
to every session. Soccer shoes are optional and must not contain a toe-cleat
(which is part of football or baseball cleats) if they are chosen. Tennis
shoes work fine at this age. We recommend players bring a water bottle
and dress according to the weather. Pants and sweatshirts under team T-shirts
are fine.
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Parent Responsibility
Parents take turns
coaching the games as well as refereeing them. Both coaches and referees
are on the field with the children. Coaches direct the kids toward the
appropriate goal and substitute players in and out to make sure everyone
plays equal time. Referees determine who kicked the ball out of bounds
and keep time. Both coaches and referees focus on keeping the game fun
and encouraging the children.
Parent & Coaches Quick-reference
Guide; U6/SOCCER CUBBIES
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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 registration is also required.
Spring 2009 Registration Information
