South Middleton Soccer Association

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U8 Soccer

Ages: Players born January 2017 – July 2019
Format: 7v7 small-sided games
Practice/Games: Twice per week (approx. 1 hour per session), plus inter-club games and a mini tournament

Program Overview

Our SMSA YDP U8 Program is designed for players ages 6–7 who are ready to transition from introductory soccer to a more structured, yet fun, game environment. Players will begin learning positioning on a larger field and playing in a 7v7 format, helping them understand teamwork and basic game strategies.

The program focuses on:

Skill Development: Building on fundamental techniques such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.
Game Understanding: Learning positions, basic rules, and game awareness.
Sportsmanship: Encouraging fair play, respect for teammates and opponents, and positive attitudes.
Fun & Participation: Creating a welcoming environment where every player has the opportunity to enjoy the game.

Coaching & Game Structure

Coaches act as referees during games to guide players, enforce rules, and provide teaching moments. Practices are structured to combine skill development drills with in-club scrimmages, allowing players to immediately apply what they learn in a game setting. High School players will act as referees during Saturday games and the mini tournament.

Games & Tournament

Players have the opportunities to participate in friendly matches either during the week or on select Saturdays. The season culminates in a mini tournament, giving players a chance to showcase their progress in a fun, low-pressure environment.

Why Choose SMSA YDP U8 Soccer?

This program is ideal for players who:

Are new to organized soccer or have limited experience
Enjoy a team environment focused on learning and fun
Want to develop foundational skills and confidence on the field

Whether your child is taking their first steps into soccer or continuing their early development, our U8 program provides a safe, supportive, and exciting environment to grow both as a player and as a teammate.

Registration Listing

SMSA Youth Development Program-Spring 2026

SMSA Youth Development Program - Youth Recreational Soccer - Register online at https://www.smsoccer.com !

U8 - For players born in September 2017 - August 2019.

Participants will begin to learn positioning on a larger field and are introduced to play in a 7v7 format. The program will continue to build on basic soccer fundamentals and lay the foundation for good sportsmanship. Coaches are the referees to encourage fair play and to teach the game. The program will also combine practices within-club scrimmage opportunities during the week (generally 2x per week for about an hour) and may include some optional opportunities for games against local neighboring teams either during the week or on an occasional Saturday.

U6 - For players born in September 2019 - August 2021.

Participants will learn about offensive and defensive positioning and begin to learn game fundamentals in a 5v5 format. This program will focus on ball skills along with passing and moving the ball on the field. Our coaches facilitate team play against other teams within the program to teach the game in a fun and positive learning environment. All practices and games are held during the week, 2x per week for about an hour over the course of the season.

U4 - For players born in September 2021 - August 2022.

Introduce your preschool-aged children to the game of soccer. This program is for our youngest players to get their first chance to learn some basic soccer fundamentals. This program is focused on learning introductory ball skills in a fun in and positive environment. A parent and/or guardian is required to stay and participate with and guide their child in activities led by the instructor for the duration of each session. Sessions are held for 45 minutes, 1x per week for 4 weeks and there are a limited number of spots available in each session.

The SMSA Youth Development Program for U6 & U8 for Spring 2026 season will begin on April 6th and run through May 30th.

The SMSA Youth Development Program for U4 for Spring 2026 season will begin on April 14th and run through May 5th.

Players of all ages will need a soccer ball and shin guards; cleats are strongly recommended. Registration fees are non-refundable & include a uniform shirt. Please be sure to double check to ensure you have selected the correct shirt size during registration. We regret that exchanges can not be made later.

Please note: SMSA reserves the right to make program changes and/or combine age groups based on final registration numbers for each season.

Some programs may remain open for a few days after the deadline to allow for late sign ups (late fee applied) if spots are still available. Late registration after the deadline is not guaranteed.