The HYS Foundations Program consists of several programs aimed at exposing younger players to the sport, developing soccer-related skills and foot/ball control in a non-competitive fun environment. The Foundations Program includes: Kick Start, Micro Soccer, and a 1st Grade Program.
Kick Start
Our “Kick Start” introductory soccer program is a 9-week program targeted to children who will be at least 4 on or before the August 31st before the season.
The 45 minute clinics will be held during the week or on Saturdays. Each session will focus on the non-competitive, fun development of soccer-related skills, including balance, coordination, and foot skill / ball control. No soccer experience is necessary.
All players will be required to bring a size 3 ball and water bottle each week. All players will receive a t-shirt and ball on the first day. Balls will only be given to players their first season of KickStart.
Micro Soccer
The Micro Program is for children who are enrolled in kindergarten or who have reached the age of 5 by August 31.
Teams meet for one hour during the week or Saturday mornings. The first half of the session is dedicated to practice and developing skills and the second half is team-based scrimmages with 3v3 and no goalies.
The objective is to keep the kids active and have them use their feet to move the ball as much as possible. The goals are small and optimized for success.Players will be given a ball if they did not play KickStart and receive one then.
1st Grade
The 1st grade program has separate leagues for boys and girls. Grade enrollment, not age, determines player placement.
Teams typically hold one practice each week for one hour and play games on Saturday mornings. First graders play 4v4 with NO goalies. These smaller-sided games enable each child to get more “ball touches” and better develop their ball handling and passing skills, which are essential for higher-level play.
Games consist of four twelve-minute quarters. Teams are made up of players with a variety of skill levels. The goal is to create teams of equal strength so that all end up with roughly a .500 record.