Under 8 (U8)
Summary
The U8 program is one of the best ways to introduce a child to organized sports. Children participate in a league that emphasizes having FUN, while learning the fundamentals of soccer. Players also learn about good sportsmanship and teamwork. Game scores and team standings are not kept. This allows the focus to remain on fun, participation and allowing players to be creative on the field.
Players really enjoy participating in this program. Over the course of the season, they develop new friendships as they form a cohesive team. It is a joy to watch each player’s confidence grow every week, as they develop better skills and teamwork. Players are always disappointed when the season ends.
The fall soccer season is 10 weeks long and begins in September and lasts through November. All games and practices are in Piedmont. Players will be assigned to teams coached by our Age Group Coordinators. Most teams will meet on Saturdays during the fall and also each will have a single Sunday game against the Sunday only team.
Coaches
PSC offers many coach education opportunities and resources. For information on these, please see Coach Resources.
Coaches are required to complete the USSF F license, which is an online course that takes about 2 hours to complete. PSC will also host a coach education clinic before the season begins, which will usually take place in mid-late August on a Sunday evening in Piedmont. This clinic will be run by our Pro Coaches and will provide coaching tips, as well as demonstrate several activities that you can use with your teams throughout the season.
Coaches are also required to attend the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) class, details of which can be found here (PCA website – PSC will also one course every year. Usually in August). Parents are also strongly encouraged to attend this.
The PCA instructs coaches and parents on how to effectively teach children in a positive and supportive environment.
Additional Programs
New this year every U8 player registered for Fall will receive Pro Training from one of our 24-7 trainers. These sessions will take place on a bi-weekly basis throughout Fall (five sessions total). Details on times and location will be available from your Volunteer Coach once teams are formed. These sessions are at no additional cost and players can attend as few or as many as they would like to during the season.
There are also programs run by the club open to registered recreational players interested in additional soccer throughout the year. Please view our additional Programs under the main menu for more information on these.
U8 Highlander Program
In addition to the above, PSC has a U8 Highlander Program, which provides twice weekly sessions, run by a Pro Coach and Playdates against other clubs in the East Bay on the weekend (3 in Spring and 8 in Fall). This is separate from our Rec league and players cannot participate in both. For more information on our U8 Highlanders, please contact the Director of Coaching, who will put you in touch with the Pro Coach running the age group.
If you are interested in playing, please contact your fall soccer coach to put together a roster.
Contact the U8 Boys Age Group Coordinator with any questions:
u8boys@piedmontsoccer.org
