U8 RECREATIONAL SOCCER

U8 practices one night a week and plays Saturday am at HYSA.  The price includes 6-8 weeks of games, jersey and medals.  Registration link is on the home page.

U8 recreational soccer teams include U7 and U8 players. At this age group the players may play coed. All games are played within HYSA against other in-house HYSA teams.

Coach: Teams are coached by a volunteer parent coach. If you are interested in coaching a team, please indicate this when you register your child. Coaches are encouraged to take the US Youth Soccer Grassroots Level 1 Coaching course and obtain a coaching certificate. All coaches must pass a background check and, upon successful screening, are issued a Kid Safe badge.

Practices: 1-hour practice, once a week (extra practices are not allowed for this age group)

Team Formation: Teams are assembled without regard to skill. There are no tryouts or coach-based selection of players. Players are assigned to teams by a “blind” draft. A player may NOT request a specific team/coach. Unless a player requests otherwise, a player will be assigned to their fall team for the spring season.

Game Format: Games are typically played on Saturday mornings at the HYSA Complex. Each team plays approximately 8 games per season (depending on the number of teams formed).

  • 4v4 is used, no goalkeeper
  • Length: four 10 minute quarters
    • 1 minute brake between quarters
    • 3 minute half time
  • Offside rule does not apply
  • NO headers
  • NO slide tackles
  • No penalty kicks
  • The game score is not kept
  • Kick offs, free kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are used to start or restart play
  • Goal kicks and corner kicks should be taken in the general vicinity of the respective goal or
    corner
  • During goal kicks the opposing team must retreat to the center line.
  • If used, all free kicks are indirect
  • Opponents should be at least 10 feet away from the ball on all restarts
  • Coaches are not allowed on the field during game play, unless the referee has approved otherwise

Referees: There will be 1 game official for each field. Registered referees or referees-in-training may be used. At HYSA we encourage our youth players (usually select players) to become certified referees. Youth referees are introduced to the game in this way. All youth referees are in training.

Jersey: Each player will receive a new Jersey in the Fall and Spring season.

Equipment: Each player will need a size 3 soccer ball and must wear shin guards. Soft-cleated soccer shoes are recommended.

Additional questions, contact the U8 Commissioner at u8commissioner@haysyouthsoccer.org