What is U8 Soccer? Under 8 (or U8) Soccer is all about having fun while learning the technical soccer skills needed for future development. At the U8 level, boys and girls play on separate teams and practice twice per week. The kids still play small-sided soccer in a 4v4 format without keepers, which helps ensure that each child gets plenty of opportunities to touch and dribble the ball. Teams are limited to a maximum of eight players. The boys and girls teams play in separate divisions in an intramural league. Each child plays at least half of every game. U8 soccer emphasizes skill development over competition, fun rather than winning, and sportsman-like behavior. U8 soccer differs from soccer in older age groups in that (1) no score is kept, (2) the playing field is smaller (usually 30 yards wide by 40 yards long), and (3) there is no goalkeeper. Who can participate? Boys and girls whose birthdates fall within the specified time periods are eligible to play U8 soccer. To verify your child’s eligibility to play U8 soccer, click on the Age Group Chart. When do the kids play? The U8 season is a ten (10) week season. The spring season begins in late February and ends in the middle of May. The fall season starts at the beginning of September and continues through the middle of November. The teams typically have two practices every week.  What equipment is needed to play? Players wear team uniforms consisting of two jerseys, one pair of shorts, and two pair of socks. The uniform costs $30 and is available for purchase at the fields during registration or prior to the first game.  All players are required to wear shinguards. Soccer cleats are not required and playing in tennis shoes is allowed. All players should bring a size 3 soccer ball and a water/drink bottle to every training and game.  How much does it cost to participate? The U8 soccer registration fee is $115. How do I sign up to play? For information on the registration process, click here. How can I help with U8 Soccer? Adult volunteers are always needed for the U8 Age Group! If you are interested in being a head coach or an assistant coach, please so indicate on your registration form or contact the U8 Lead Age Group Coordinator. No previous soccer coaching experience or soccer knowledge is required. The Club’s Director of Coaching, Ricky Wolff, conducts soccer coaching courses before each season for all U8 soccer coaches. Coach Wolff will teach you everything you need to know to be a great U8 soccer coach and provide you with coaching handouts and material for the season. After the teams are formed and coaches assigned, each team will need a Team Parent to assist the team coaches with administrative duties, including the preparation of a snack schedule, indicating whose turn it is to bring team snacks and planning the team’s end of the season trophy party. If you are willing to serve as a Team Parent, please so indicate on the registration form or let your coach know of your willingness to help out.