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Soccer

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Farmington Recreation's Youth Soccer Program for the Fall 2021 for children born in 2007 (8th Grade) through 2017 is scheduled for Saturdays, September 11 through November 6 with no games on Columbus Weekend.  Those born in 2017 may participate in our Jr. Soccer - Instructional Program.

For more information or please contact Geoffrey Porter, Recreation Supervisor at (PorterG@Farmington-CT.org) or Ryan Deneen, Program Assistant (DeneenR@farmington-ct.org).

Per Connecticut General Statutes, programs that service children ages 7 - 19 who engage in an athletic activity such as an organized game or competition against another team or in preparation for a game or competition or who attend an athletic camp or clinic in which the purpose is to train, instruct, or prepare the participant to engage in an organized athletic game or competition to provide a written or electronic statement on the signs and symptoms of concussions to each athlete and parent/guardian upon registration.  Information can be found by visiting www.cdc.gov/headsup/.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Recreation Soccer, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022:  U5 (Born 2017)

  • Farmington Recreation's Jr. Soccer Program is an introduction to the game of soccer for those born in 2017. Clinic-like sessions will focus on the development of basic skills (dribbling, shooting, etc.) and the team concept. Farmington Recreation's instructional program places players in an environment that encourages practical training, imagination and self-confidence through age-appropriate coaching while fostering a competitive, professional, and enjoyable atmosphere. Reassurance and care from our coaches allows every player to gain a better understanding of the game of soccer.
  • Our 2021 Fall Soccer Program is slated to begin on Saturdays, September 11 through November 6 with no games on Columbus Weekend.  Our Jr. Soccer Program is scheduled for Saturdays, but make-ups may be scheduled on Sundays when necessary. When registering, please select one of the following time slots.
    • 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
    • 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
    • 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
  • Players will be provided with a Farmington Recreation Soccer Jersey and Coaching.
  • Players will need a size 3 soccer ball and cleats/shin-guards are suggested.

Recreation Soccer, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022: U6-Coed (Born 2016)

 General Rules for U6-Coed

  • Games will be played with a Size 3 Soccer Ball.
  • FIFA rules shall apply unless otherwise noted, with exception to the following.
    • One volunteer coach may be present on the field during play to instruct/assist.
    • Small-Sided Games will be played 7v7 with a Build-Out Line.
          • The Build-Out Line is essentially a line halfway between the penalty box and midfield.
          • The idea of the Build-Out Line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting.
          • When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the Build-Out Line until the ball is put into play. Once the opposing team is behind the Build-Out Line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw, or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed).
          • After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the Build-Out Line and play resumes as normal.
          • The opposing team must also move behind the Build-Out Line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play. 

Recreation Soccer, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022: U8 (Born 2015/14) and U10 (Born 2013/12)

General Rules for U8 & U10

  • Games will be played with a Size 4 Soccer Ball.
  • FIFA rules shall apply unless otherwise noted, with exception to the following.
    • Small-Sided Games will be played 7v7 with a Build-Out Line.
          • The Build-Out Line is essentially a line halfway between the penalty box and midfield.
          • The idea of the Build-Out Line promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting.
          • When the goalkeeper has the ball in his or her hands during play from the opponent, the opposing team must move behind the Build-Out Line until the ball is put into play. Once the opposing team is behind the Build-Out Line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw, or roll the ball into play (punts and drop kicks are not allowed).
          • After the ball is put into play by the goalkeeper, the opposing team can cross the Build-Out Line and play resumes as normal.
          • The opposing team must also move behind the Build-Out Line during a goal kick until the ball is put into play. 

Recreation Soccer, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022: U12 (Born 2011/10)

General Rules for U12

  • Games will be played with a Size 4 Soccer Ball.
  • FIFA rules shall apply unless otherwise noted, with exception to the following.
    • Small-Sided Games will be played 9v9.

Recreation Soccer, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022:  U14 (Born 2009/2008 & 2007 if in 8th Grade)

General Rules for U14

  • Games will be played with a Size 5 Soccer Ball.
  • FIFA rules shall apply unless otherwise noted.

Recreation Soccer, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022: : U6 – U14

Recreation Soccer (U6 – U14) practices will be held once per week at various times and locations.  Specific requests for practice days and times will not be accepted.

  • Recreation Teams will be created based on several factors including but not limited to the player's home address/school district, and the number of registrations received.  Specific requests for team placement will not be accepted. Please note that teams are based on Year-of-Birth and not the players grade in school.
  • Players will be notified of their team assignment and practice information approximately 1 - 2 weeks prior to the start of the season.
  • Games will be held on Saturdays and/or Sundays at Tunxis Mead Park at random times between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Players in the older divisions (U10 – U14) may play games in the Farmington Valley Recreation League which may result in away games being scheduled within the Farmington Valley (Avon, Burlington, Canton, Granby and Simsbury).
  • At the conclusion of the registration period, an email will be sent to those registered outlining the above information. Refunds and/or credits for sports leagues such as soccer, basketball and other team sports may not granted after the deadline to register unless Farmington Recreation can find a substitute participant.

Travel Soccer, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022: U9 – U14

Coaches Corner: Helpful Tips for Volunteer Coaches

U6 Training

U8 Training

U10+ Training

US Youth Soccer Player Development Initiatives

To further the development of youth soccer players in the U.S., the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) instituted important changes to youth soccer in 2016. These mandates apply to all USSF member organizations including the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) and, in turn, Farmington Recreation and the Farmington Soccer Club. 

The change for 2016 was that we, Farmington Recreation, began registering Recreational and Travel players by their year of birth (birth certificates may be required). In turn, Farmington Recreation organizes the Recreation League participants based on their year of birth as well.  For more information on the Travel Soccer League, please visit www.FarmingtonSoccerClub.org.

The changes for 2017 is that we, Farmington Recreation, began following the Small-Sided Games Mandate as well as the introduction of the Build-Out-Line. The Small-Sided Mandate includes alterations to field size, goal sizes and number of players on the pitch. The result will be a decrease in 11v11 competitions in lieu of more 9v9 and 7v7 competitions. U6 through U10 for recreation soccer will play 7v7, U12 will play 9v9, and U14 will play 11v11. For travel soccer, U9 - U10 will play 7v7, U11 - U12 will play 9v9, while U13 and up will play 11v11. The benefits of Small-Sided Games for players include more fun, more touches on the ball and more tactical decisions. The style of play will allow players to learn different positions, learn tactics quicker, increase fitness and allow players to be more emotionally and socially involved — creating a more fun and enjoyable game. 

*Please note that all Recreation and Travel Players must register with Farmington Recreation each season (Fall and Spring).