Potomac Soccer Association U7/U8 Developmental Program

The U8 Developmental Program was launched 2010 to give boys & girls between the ages of 6-8yrs the opportunity to compete in a premier team environment under the tutelage of the Potomac Soccer Association staff within OBSL (Olney Bethesda Soccer League). Players must be born on or after 8/1/2003 and have an enthusiasm to play.

Why OBSL?

Soccer is a game with levels of play for everyone. The beginning level of competitive soccer is “recreational soccer” or “rec” (with a focus on fun, sportsmanship and an introduction to the rules of the game. For some children, after a year or so playing rec, they are ready for a higher level of competition. At this point, the alternative to recreational soccer is Travel (Premier) Soccer. The OBSL is a great option - all games at U8 are held in Olney or Potomac on Saturdays with some Sundays for rainouts, and the level of play is far more challenging than that of the recreational soccer leagues.  OBSL allows professional, qualified coaches at U8 which recreational programs do not.  This provides the Potomac Soccer Association the opportunity to train and develop boys and girls within a competitive environment, while participating in the Olney Bethesda Soccer League helps to prepare them for a more challenging and higher level of play such as NCSL (Travel Soccer) (National Capital Soccer League) or WAGS (Washington Area Girls Soccer) at the older age groups.

Why choose Potomac Soccer Association?

• Licensed professional coaches (certified by US Soccer governing bodies (NSCAA,USSF)
• Coaching staff overseen by Technical Director with ongoing reviews and support
• Age appropriate training curriculum established by the USSF (United States Soccer Federation)
• Coaching focus on long-term player development
• Year round training
• Club Training Environment
• Goalkeeping Training
• Parent Educational Meetings

How do we join the Development Program?

Every year Potomac Soccer will hold tryouts at the end of spring (May/June) to form new teams and add to the existing rosters of all other teams in the older age groups.  Players may join the U7/U8 development program in one of two ways:

1) Completing the online registration for tryouts, then attending the tryouts, and being selected by a Potomac coach.

2) Contact Head Coach Alan Lydiate at alan.lydiate@potomacsoccer.org  or by cell: (240) 426-1112 and ask for an opportunity to attend the scheduled practices. (players may join the U7/U8 program at any time in the year)

What are the commitments?

Practices are twice a week in the Potomac/Rockville area (Monday/Wednesday) Times and location can vary from season to season, Fall/Winter/Spring. One game on Saturday Fall/Spring.  We strongly encourage players to attend practices and games as much as possible.

Is my child good enough to play travel?

Players at the U7/U8 age group are like sponges and they learn new skills very quickly.  With this in mind at this stage we are very inclusive as we want to provide an opportunity for the player to develop. The main criteria are basic physical ability, agility, balance, coordination and an enthusiasm to play.

Can my child play other sports?

Yes!! At this age it is important to play, and different sports encourage different movements that all help to develop the players athleticism. The player will know the right time to choose!!

What are the yearly fees and what do they include?

The U7/U8 developmental yearly fees are $1150 this covers all coaching, club and league fees these fees are divided over ten months of the year (September-June).  Players joining mid-season will pay the monthly rate of $150.  Uniform costs are additional $240 which includes x2 uniforms away and home (socks, shorts, and shirt) x2 practices shirts, Full Warm up, top and bottoms.  One indoor winter practice facility cost is also additional and amount is dependent on number of participants.

How do you select the teams, and can my child play on the same team as his friend?

Many players that come to theU8 program come with friends or players from their recreational team, while we try to provide players the opportunity to play on a team where they can car pool for games it is important that we mix large groups 4-5 players plus into different teams (depending on number of teams). The reason for this is because we want to encourage a club environment instead of the players creating individual teams within the club, the teams will practice together but play at different times on the weekend.

Are the teams selected by the player’s ability?

Not at this age, the main focus is to have fun and learn!

If you would like to know more about the U7/U8 program please contact Alan Lydiate at:

alan.lydiate@potomacsoccer.org

Cell: 240-426-1112