The Little Strikers is intended for players of all abilities. It is intended for players ages 3-8 years old who are being introduced to the game of soccer and the technical nuances associated with the sport. Our Little Strikers program is geared toward building motor skills and skill development through a series of fun, individual or team-based activities, that focus on specific technical foundations.

The benefit of building technical tendencies at these ages often plays a significant factor in how effectively they perform some of these functions at 9 and 10 years old and their ability to do these skills under pressure. Playing in the Little Strikers will improve soccer knowledge, awareness and enhance the transition from moving to the 7v7 format at 9U-10U.

The most fundamental skill in soccer is the individual mastery of the ball and the creativity that comes with playing the game. As the mastery of the ball becomes more advanced the game becomes easier to play and enjoy.

All practices will be centered around the development of the skills necessary to move and control the ball. As the individual skills grow, so will confidence and the creativity to improvise and problem-solve.

Players from the age of 3-8 have a great capacity to learn body movement and coordination. At the same time, their intellectual capacity to understand spatial awareness and positions is limited. Rather than focusing on formations, players are encouraged to learn with imagery and shapes.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The primary objectives of the Little Strikers program are the following:

* Teach fundamental technique
* Coordination and Motor Skill Development
* Problem Solving and Cognitive Development
* Strategic and critical thinking
* Social Interaction and Friendships



PROGRAMMING OPTIONS

Fall & Spring
During the fall and spring seasons, players will train in a clinic format on most Tuesdays. All sessions will be in a pool format and directed by our professional coaching staff. Training sessions will last approximately 60 minutes.

Winter
Players will also be strongly encouraged to participate in the winter development program.

Winter & Spring option is also available

Game Days

Little Strikers games will consist of Festival format games. These games are typically on Saturday mornings or Sunday late-afternoon early evenings so that we can minimize disruption with other family activities and often sibling events.

Our games are held at the FC United complex. Most games will be held inside our facility if possible, in order to minimize disruption to schedules and add predictability and consistency. All games will be in a 3v3 or 4v4 format with no goalkeepers. All players will play different positions and playing time (active time with the ball) should be significant. Participants will be required to focus on individual development, rather than results.

Tournaments
There is no tournament play at these ages.

Coaching Staff
The training sessions for our Little Strikers will be conducted by our Coaching Staff and sometimes assisted by our more senior players, as part of the mentoring program.

Team Formation
Teams will be formed by the club.