U9 BOYS

U9 TIER 4 (COMMUNITY)  

OUTDOOR 2023 PROGRAM OUTLINE 

For players born in 2014 and 2015. 

Gender specific play unless not enough players register, then genders will be mixed. Players must be registered in their respective age group, based on birth date. 

Philosophy - "Me and My Friend"
To give players the opportunity to develop their movement ABC's and learn the basics of the game while emphasizing fun, cooperation, and maximum time on the ball. 

The focus is individual development, ball mastery and physical literacy, whilst beginning to learn to cooperate with a teammate. 

To develop a player's individual relationship with the ball, to want it, how to find it, deal with it, feel comfortable with it, keep it close. 

Developing all players confidence with the ball, the more they will become involved, and the more fun they will have with soccer. 

The two nights per week will be balanced between fun practicing and 5v5 games. All players will have equal playing time. The environment will be positive, and the emphasis is on fun and falling in love with the game. 

Coaching
One weekly practice session will be led by a Technical Coach from the SPDSA Technical Department with support from parent/volunteer activity leaders. The other weekly session (games) will be run by activity leaders. These parent/volunteer lctivity Leaders will be appointed for the season and will need to submit a valid Criminal Record Check (current within three years) and provide a team information sheet for their assigned team.

All activity leaders are required to complete Respect in Sports training (current within five years). SPDSA covers the cost of the course for those required to complete it. 

A full season curriculum and individual session plans will be provided electronically. 

The best qualities of an Activity Leader for this age player are: 

• Patience. 
• Good humour. 
• Clearly understand the capabilities and limitations of this age and appreciate the power of learning by watching. 
• Ability to demonstrate basic ball mastery skills.

Planting the seed of passion for soccer is the most important goal in this age group. 

Program Structure 
The Technical Coach led program is structured following the Canada Soccer and FIFA Preferred Training Model. In this approach, each training session is built around 4 activity stations that the players move through at regular intervals. 

The four stations focus on Fundamental Movement/Coordination, Soccer Technique, 1v1 games, and small-sided games. Addressing all four of these at each session will help develop well-rounded players with a foundation in physical literacy, soccer skills and ideally, an enduring love for the game. 

1 x 60-minute game and 1 x 60-minute practice per week 

Match Play - 5v5 (4v4 plus goalkeepers) with two x 30-minute halves.

Field Set Up
Two teams share a game field, for the 5v5 game (play against each other). 

Use U9 Framed goals. Mark the field with cones if the field isn't lined. Size 3 soccer ball only.

Game management
No scores to be kept. Equal playing time for all players. 

When the ball goes out of bounds, restart with a pass-in or dribble-in (NO THROW INS). 

No emphasis on team concepts or positions. Players should be encouraged to not fear having the ball, to be creative and to take chances. 

Don't punish mistakes. Play safely. Don't make winning the key. 

The Season
Nine (9) weeks starting the week of April 24, 2023 ending the week of June 26, 2023. 

Week one is weather dependent and will not be rescheduled. Remaining games that need to be rescheduled will be in accordance with the SPDSA rescheduling policy.
Two x 60-minute sessions per week. 

U9 Festival tournament: June 17 and 18, 2023 (cost included in registration fees). 

Days/Nights of Play
Tuesday and Thursday evenings with 6:00 pm or 7:15 pm start times (times may be subject to change, pending field availability). 

Games will be played in Sherwood Park. Field location to be determined.  

Registration and Fees
$280 early registration rate until March 3, 2023. Regular rate is $305 until March 24, 2023. $345 after March 24.

Fee includes shorts, socks, and jersey (players are required to provide shin pads and footwear).