U8 STARS

Ages 7 & 8

 Our CDA U8 STARS Development Program builds on the skills acquired from the CDA U6 ROCKETS program to introduce the "REAL" for the first time and referees. We focus on techniques such as passing, dribbling with both feet, receiving and teamwork. Games are played 4v4 on a larger field. Practices are twice per week for one hour and 30 min in the evenings and Sunday and are run by CDA professionally licensed coaches. 

Location:  Coppell, Trophy Club, Flower Mound, Haslet 
Fee:  $215
Required Equipment:  Complete (1 CDA Jersey with name on the back, 1 X CDA Shorts, 1 X CDA Socks; coaches salaries, North Texas fees, field mintenance, administrative costs, trophy for each player at the end of the Season) Please bring your cleats, water bottle, size 3 ball
Practices: 1 Evening Session for 90 min on Fridays from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Sessions: 8 Sessions
Games:  Sundays from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Rainout Information:Please sign up for field status notifications for the most up-to-date information. Field status is also available on our website. The complete CDA Rainout Policy can be found under "CLUB INFO".
U8 Girls Commissioner:  Rob Thornsby : [email protected] 
U8 Boys Commissioner: Rob Thornsby : [email protected] 

FORMAT

4v4 with No Goalkeepers Throw Ins and NO Direct Kicks In keeping with the trend and recommendations of both the US Youth Soccer Organization , CDA provides a small-sided 4v4 format (no  goalkeepers) at the U8 level.The small-sided environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for young soccer players. It’s a FUN environment that focuses on the player to get a lot of touches on the ball, and to interact with all his teammates and the opposing players. This is the opinion of the US Soccer National Staff Coaches, every US Youth Soccer State Director of Coaching, as well as the US Youth Soccer Director of Coaching! 

If you have any questions or comments regarding the format please contact our Executive Director of Coaching, Warren van der Westhuizen, at  [email protected]

Why Small-Sided Play?

• We want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development through more opportunities to possess the soccer ball)
• We want our young soccer players to make more quality decisions during the game! (Tactical development because less players on the field equals less complicated decision making)
• We want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space in which they are playing! (High intensity play with the ball versus long runs chasing after the ball)
• We want our young soccer players to have more involved playing time in the game! (More opportunities to solve problems that only the game presents)
• We want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to both attacking and defending situations)
• We want our young players to have more opportunities to score goals! (The pure excitement and satisfaction one gets from scoring a goal)

 

 Rules and Recommendations

 Games are comprised of four 12- 1/2 minute quarters.

• Substitutions take place at the quarter break. Allow players remaining in the game to get a drink of water, especially if it’s hot. This break should take 1-3 minutes.
• Substitutions cannot be made except at the three sub periods (1st quarter, half time and 3rd quarter) unless a player is hurt or ill or simply demands to come out of the game.
• Size 3 Soccer Ball
• There are no direct free kicks in U8. All kicks are indirect. Back all players away from the indirect free kick by 6 yards.
• All players must play 1/2 of the game. No player can play a full game until all players have played 3/4 of the game.