4U & 5U Academies

4U & 5U

REGION 37 4U AND 5U
Coach Kevin McIntyre and Coordinator Marla McIntyre

4U Academy
Tuesday nights at Shearer Park
Starting August 20, 2024

Information on the program and weekly schedule can be found HERE

The objective of the 4U Program, also known as AYSO Playground soccer, is to expose little players to the fundamentals of key motor, balance and coordination skills in an age-appropriate fun session. Players and parents will be supervised by an advanced certified soccer coach/instructor in fun activities. And you too will get to join your child on the field!

There is no competition in AYSO Playground Soccer! The goal of AYSO Playground is to allow kids to develop fundamental motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction in a fun and safe AYSO environment. Children get to gradually discover the game for themselves while bonding with parents or guardians.

Prior to the start of the season there will be an important parent meeting which we strongly suggest you attend.

5U Academy
Fridays at Shearer Park
Starting August 23, 2024

Information on the program and weekly schedule can be found HERE

The 5U Academy also known as School Yard Soccer will combine group training and small-sided games to provide a fun and interactive session for the youngest of our players. Parent involvement is a must during the initial part of each session. Parents will work in a one-on-one format with their children. The sessions will be led by a Master Coach and end with a small-sided match.

A “Master Coach” will lead each session. The Master Coach will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration. Each pair (player/parent) will then attempt the activity while the Team Coach and Master Coach circulates between pairs providing specific help or suggestions so that the activities are performed as intended. After a suitable amount of time, the Master Coach will bring the team coaches, players and parents back together as a group, recap what they have done, and introduce the next game/activity.

Each session will end with a 20 minute small-sided game to be overseen by the Team Coach and parents. Most importantly allow the players to play without coaching or teaching them as this experience is designed to expose them to soccer, not to begin developing them. The two goals of the program are to (1) allow the players to enjoy the activities and (2) to let the game be the teacher. For further information, please see the handbook below.

Prior to the start of the season there will be an important parent meeting which we strongly suggest you attend.