The SFSA manages an In House program as recommended by PA West for soccer ages 5-12. The main objectives for the In House program are: to introduce as many youths as possible to the game of soccer, to get them excited enough to continue playing, to teach basic individual and team skills, and to prepare players for entry into the travel program. We promote fair play, equal playing time, and emphasize player and coaching development over wins and losses. To that end, we maintain no team records, team scores, or individual scores. We follow the guidelines set by PA West in that there is no recruitment or tryouts used to construct teams. Teams are assembled by the SFSA Board in an effort to ensure the most even distribution of talent among all teams. The U5 thru U10 teams are gender specific. The U11/U12 teams are mixed. With the exception of the Cricket program, teams practice once a week with their SFSA coaches and sometimes trainers from outside organizations. Games are played on Saturdays. Occasionally, there are teams who have 2 games (double headers) on a given Saturday.
Cricket Program - For Soccer Age U5 and U6
The Crickets only train on Saturday mornings from 9 AM to 10 AM. One hour is about the limit of the attention span for this age group. This training is directed by their SFSA coaches and sometimes trainers from outside organizations. Each session consists of light training and small sided games. The main objectives at this age level is to develop each player's individual soccer skills and for the player to have fun. Each child is required to wear shin guards. Player provided soccer spikes are optional but recommended. Players should also bring a size 3 soccer ball and something to drink. The SFSA will provided a training shirt which is included in the registration fee.
U8 Program - For Soccer Age U7 and U8
Teams play 4v4 on a 25 x 35 yard field with 4' x 6' goals. Each team is assigned between 10-14 players. On game day, at the coaches' discretion, the teams are separated into two squads, typically an "A" and a "B". At the same time, the two "A" teams play against each other and the two "B' teams play against each other. This usually leaves each squad with 1-2 subs for rest. This gives the players the challenging opportunity to play at both skill levels to help them gain confidence and build their soccer skills. Each player is required to wear shin guards. Player provided soccer spikes are optional but recommended. Players should also bring a size 3 soccer ball and something to drink to all practices and games. The SFSA will provide a white and a green game shirt which is included in the registration fee. Practices are based on the availability of the coach for the team to which the player is assigned, but are typically held once a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, but could also be Monday or Friday. Practice times are typically between 5:30 PM and 8 PM. Games are played on Saturdays typically between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Please see additional info about the Soccer Skills Clinics offered for U8 players at the beginning of the season.
U10 Program - For Soccer Age U9 and U10
Teams play 6v6 (5v5 plus goalie) or 7v7 (6v6 plus goalie) on a 45 x 60 yard field with 6' x 18' goals. Each team is assigned between 9-12 players. This usually leaves each squad with 3-6 subs for rest. Each player is required to wear shin guards. Player provided soccer spikes are optional but recommended. Players should also bring a size 4 soccer ball and something to drink to all practices and games. The SFSA will provided a white and a green game shirt which is included in the registration fee. Practices are based on the availability of the coach for the team to which the player is assigned, but are typically held once a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, but could also be Monday or Friday. Practice times are typically between 5:30 PM and 8 PM. Games are played on Saturdays typically between 10 AM and 2 PM.
U12 Program - For Soccer Age U11 and U12
Teams play 8v8 (7v7 plus goalie) on a 50 x 80 yard field with 7' x 21' goals. These players are not assigned to a specific team but show up Saturday morning and the U12 coaches split the players into two equally skilled teams. Each player is required to wear shin guards. Player provided soccer spikes are optional but recommended. Players should also bring a size 4 soccer ball and something to drink to all practices and games. The SFSA will provided a white and a green game shirt which is included in the registration fee. Practices are based on the availability of the coach, but are typically held once a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, but could also be Monday or Friday. Practice times are typically between 5:30 PM and 8 PM. Games are played on Saturday from 9 AM to 10 AM.