- Players in the U5 Academy meet once a week for practices and have games Saturday mornings
- Players work on fun, simple activities to introduce core soccer skills (dribbling, passing, etc.)
- Players are on one “team” and will be split up for games using colored pinnies
- This age group will use a Size 3 ball
- All games are in Lebanon at Reese Park and no travel is involved
- Starting 2025 all teams will be split for boys and girls teams (no coed)
- Each team will play 8 games, with all scheduled games on Saturdays (morning session and afternoon session)
- End of Season Tournament will be over Memorial Day Weekend!
- All players will play in every game for over half of the time. Players are here to get game time and improve their game. Creating good, confident players is key, not winning!
- Team Sizes
- U7 plays 4 v 4 (no keeper) – 10 minute quarters – Size 3 ball
- U9 plays 6 v 6 (5 + a keeper) – 25 minute halves – Size 4 ball
- U11 plays 7 v 7 (6 + a keeper) – 25 minute halves – Size 4 ball
- U12 plays 7 v 7 (6 + a keeper) – 25 minute halves – Size 4 ball
- *U14 plays 7 v 7 (6 + a keeper)* – 25 minute halves – Size 5 ball
- *U18 plays 5 v 5 (4 + a keeper)* – 25 minute halves – Size 5 ball
- *U14 and U18 format may change based on registration numbers*
*More info to come about the changes to the spring season. Changes will be dependent on numbers in each age group.*
Each team will be built to have about 2-3 subs max, so attendance at practices and games is important!
Game Rules
Kickoffs
Kickoff at the beginning of the game or at the half or after a goal is scored can be played with “one touch” in any direction.
Offside
No offside for U5-U7. Offside will be loosely enforced in all U9-U11 games. Strictly enforced in all U12-U19 games to the best of the refs ability.
Heading
Heading is not allowed in U5-U11 games. An indirect free kick is awarded at the spot of the header.
If a header occurs inside the penalty area, the indirect free kick is from the top of penalty area.
Goal Kicks
U5-U9 games – defending team must drop back to halfway line on all goal kicks.
U11-U19 games – Goal kicks can be taken anywhere inside the goalie box.
NEW UPDATE TO THE GOAL KICK RULE (FIFA 2019)
Goal Kicks no longer have to leave the Penalty Area for the defending team. The opponent is still required to vacate the box until the ball is kicked, but the team in possession can opt to take a quick kick inside the box with the defensive players in the box.
Corner Kicks
Corner Kicks are used at all age levels and formats
Drop Balls
All Drop balls are now uncontested. The team not in possession must be at least 4 meters away
If the ball touches the referee or another match official, and results in a change of possession or a promising attack, a drop ball will be awarded to the original team in possession.
Hand Balls
Goal scored or created with the use of hand or arm will be disallowed, even if accidental.
If a player makes him/her self “unnaturally bigger”, then a foul will be called.
Punts/Drop Kicks
NO punts or drop kicks allowed. GK can roll/throw the ball out or pass it out with their feet.
Kick-Ins vs. Throw-Ins
U5-U7 use Kick-ins; U9-U19 use Throw-ins.
Substitutions
Substitutions can be made on ANY stoppage of play.
Individual Player Eligibility
No player may play in more than two matches per day.
Coach Eligibility
Each coach must be registered with the Club and have an approved background check before the season begins.
Disciplinary Action (Should not ever come into play)
Any player ejected from a match will be ineligible to participate in the team’s next match. No substitution for an ejected player.
Any coach ejected from a match must leave the fields. He/she will then serve a one-match suspension.
Any coach or parent ejected more than once in the same season will be banned for the remainder of that Club’s matches for that season.
