Our SchoolYard Program is for children 4 years old and is loved by everyone! The SchoolYard Program was developed with the assistance of child psychologists and US Soccer.  The objective of the program is to provide young players and their parents with a “pressure free” introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer.  At this age, players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little or no practice and a minimal time commitment.

This is a One with One format where each player will have a parent (or other adult) working with them on the field. The adult must complete a volunteer registration form and view the SafeHaven training video. If you are not certain which parent or adult will be on the field, we strongly recommend that both parents register. Children can only participate with a registered adult accompanying them. There is no fee for the parent registration.

Once the parent has registered as a volunteer, you will have a registration ID# and you can now complete the online SafeHaven course at www.aysotraining.com . Register on line, along with proof players of age (does not need to be certified copy), and proof of completion of SafeHaven course.

A “Master Coach” will lead each session. The Master Coach will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration. Each pair (player/parent) will then attempt the activity while the Team Coach and Master Coach circulates between pairs providing specific help or suggestions so that the activities are performed as intended. After a suitable amount of time, the Master Coach will bring the team coaches, players and parents back together as a group, recap what they have done, and introduce the next game/activity.

Each session will end with a 20 minute small-sided game to be overseen by the parents. Most importantly allow the players to play without coaching or teaching them as this experience is designed to expose them to soccer, not to begin developing them. The two goals of the program are to (1) allow the players to enjoy the activities and (2) to let the game be the teacher.

In SchoolYard Soccer, goals are not counted to determine who wins - every player is a winner. Young players need to get a feel for the ball and the field, so even though there are adults all around and many opportunities to offer instruction, the emphasis is on fun and play. It’s a different kind of game in U-5, but the children still wear jerseys or pinnies, cleats and shin guards. Best of all, they find out that soccer is something they can do.