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Who Should Play?
Kicks for Kids is for the U6-U14 beginning or intermediate player interested in a fun recreational soccer experience. Kicks for Kids is a great experience for beginning players with no previous soccer experience but also continues to develop those with a few seasons of soccer experience.
Philosophy
The Kicks for Kids recreational soccer program and its player development philosophy are designed in the best interests of player development at the recreational level, while fostering a lifetime enjoyment in the game of soccer. Our philosophy addresses the common shortcomings of recreational soccer leagues. Those shortcomings are inequality in the level of coaching, an overemphasis on match results versus player development, and the failure to create a positive learning environment that fosters player creativity.
To bring equalibrium to the level of coaching, emphasize player development over match results each age division follows a specific age-appropriate practice curriculum set by our Director of Coaching. Additionally the training sessions will be run by HCSA professional staff coaches. This ensures each player receives a consistent level of coaching on a consistent curriculum. Parent coaches will assist the HCSA staff coach at practices and will manage their team’s games.
Training & Match Schedule
The season will begin in mid March and last through the end of May. Teams will have a weekly consistent training session for 75 minutes. Matches will take place weekly on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings. All Kicks for Kids events are held at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex, the premier soccer facility of western North Carolina.
Match Formats & Team Formation
Skill development in soccer occurs by how frequently players touch the ball. Kicks for Kids will emphasize maximizing each player’s opportunity to have touches on the ball in matches and will follow the United States Youth Soccer Association’s recommendations for small-sided games in the following formats:
U6-U7 – 4 v 4 scrimmages, no set teams, no goalkeepers
U8-U10 – 6 v 6 with maximum rosters of 12
U11-U12 – 8 v 8 with maximum rosters of 14
U13-U14 – 8 v 8 with maximum rosters of 14
Teams will be formed in the above age groups. Criteria for forming teams will be age, gender and skill level. Separate boys and girls divisions will be made in age groups where participation numbers allow. To the extent possible, Kicks for Kids will strive to create teams of equal ability to maximize the benefits to all player development and success will be prioritized.
Registration Fees
The cost of Kicks for Kids is $70 per season but there is a $15 discount if registered by the early registration date.
Cost includes NCYSA registration fees, HCSA administrative fees, referee fees, professional HCSA staff trainer fees, and a shirt.
If you have questions please feel free to contact the HCSA Director of Coaching Kiki Wallace (doc@hcavalanche.org, 828-406-5994).
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