The U7-U10 teams practice two nights a week and play their matches on Saturdays.

 

The U7 matches are played with a small-sided format similar to the U6.  The teams are split into two 4 person teams and play two simultaneous games against the opposing team.  No scores are kept and the coaches try to match evenly skilled players to play each other.

 

The U8-U10 teams begin playing with goal keepers and play a on a larger field that uses traditional lines to mark out the goal and penalty areas.  The number of players varies by age group from 6X6 to 8X8.

 

The junior program teams all receive training from SYSA's trainer, STBW.  A schedule is published showing which nights the trainer will visit the team.  The trainer visists each team several times a season to help the coach and team develop a practice plan that emphasizes SYSA's training and development goals appropriate for each age group.  These goals are in line with Virginia Youth Soccer and USSF guidelines for development of youth players.  You can see these guidelines at VYSA's website.