Parents and Coaches -
Thank you for taking part in youth soccer here at Greater Northwest Soccer Association. GNWSA is a volunteer-run organization that strives to provide a safe and positive environment for our kids to learn and develop as players.
Below are some things to should help navigate through your season. If, after reading this, you have additional questions please let me know.
Good luck this season,
Aaron Brown
GNWSA U7 Commissioner
u7commish@gnwsa.com
SEASON DATES
Important dates for this season can be found on the GNWSA home page. Season schedules release about a week prior to the season start date.
EQUIPMENT
Coaches if you did not receive practice equipment, please let me know so that we can arrange for some to get to you.
Parents, your U6 child/children will each need the following for practices and games:
- Ball Size 3
- Shin Guards (required for practices and games)
- Soccer Cleats
- Sunscreen
- Water
UNIFORMS
All players are issued new uniforms (jersey / shorts / socks) in the Fall which will be worn for the Fall and Spring seasons. If you are a new player in the Spring, a new uniform will be issued. All uniforms are given to the coaches or team representative along with their coaching badges.
Head Coaches, please contact me if you are in need of a coaches jersey.
PRACTICES
For U7, we recommend coaches hold 1 practice a week for about 1 hour.
Your practice times and locations will be determined by the coach and are assigned based on availability. Issues with timing should first be directed to your coach.
Coaches can direct their practice schedule requests to myself or our scheduler. Practice schedules are posted on the Coaches Page at the beginning of the season after everyone gets their spot reserved.
GAMES
Games are held primarily on weekend, with the priority being on Saturdays. The weather and other factors may cause some games to fall during a weekday. U6 teams play four 10min quarters with a 5min halftime break.
Coaches are required to wear their coaching badges. If the badge cannot be produced prior to the game start a drivers license would serve as a substitute for the badge.
SPORTSMANSHIP
We all have a responsibility to show good sportsmanship. The game, at this level, is played for the fun and benefit of our children, not the adults. Be good role models, provide positive support for all players, coaches and game officials. No booing, taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures. No criticism of game officials, and show respect for their authority and decisions during games.
REFEREES
We all want quality referees. We need to do more to help with referee retention and encourage the referees that we have to continue to referee, so that they grow in their game management skills. You have a responsibility to help with retention by not making demeaning or derogatory comments or gestures directed towards any official. Use your influence as a coach to deter inappropriate conduct by players, parents and supporters. Encourage other parents and supporters to become a certified referee.
GAME CANCELLATIONS
Games can be cancelled for a any number of reasons. The weather is the primary culprit. Please follow the @GNWSA twitter account to stay up-to-date on weather related field closures.
Make up games will be rescheduled, when possible. Commonly, Sundays and team practice days are used to handle make-up games.
MY CHILD’S TEAM DOESN’T HAVE A COACH?
GNWSA is a volunteer run organization. We look to our parents to fill the ranks of coach in most cases. If you have not been contacted by a coach then it could mean that a coach has not yet been identified. Parents will be contacted to help identify the volunteer Coach(es). In the unlikely event, a Coach can not be identified, your team may disbanded and players will be reassigned and fees could be refunded.
GNWSA is always looking for parent volunteers. Please consider helping by coaching, refereeing or volunteering for an unfilled position. Contact a board member for more information!
U7 Practice Drills
Taking the kick off
This is a common 4v4 kick off formation.
Taking the kick off (advanced)
Here is an advanced 4v4 kick off formation.
Dribbling for Control - US Youth Soccer Quick Tips
Dribbling is a necessary skill for any age that can be practiced on the field and at home. Practice moving the ball with the top of the foot (instep/laces), outside of the foot, inside of the foot, and sole of the foot. Practice with BOTH feet.
Objective: Become comfortable using all parts of the foot to move and control the ball. Quick, light touches while dribbling. Look up and try to avoid other players.
Duration: 10 minutes (about 2 minutes per skill - instep, inside, outside, sole)
Setup: 15 yard X 15 yard area that they dribble in. Each player uses their ball.
Progression: Ask the players to keep track of their touches. See if they can break THEIR record next time.
Push Pass - US Youth Soccer Skills School
Here is a fundamental passing drill that works on passing and receiving. Accuracy will come with more practice. Provide positive feedback when a player uses the the correct technique.
Objective: Pass using the inside of the foot. This works on accuracy and weight (strength of the pass).
Duration: 6 minutes
Setup: Pair players across from each other. 1 ball per pair. Player A passes to player B. Player B receives. Player B passes to player A. Player A receives. Repeat.
Ball Control
Dribbling Basics
First Touch
How to Kick a Soccer Ball
Passing
Color Breakout - U4-U6 Coaches Training
