What: An 6-week, recreational soccer program for children born in 2020 -2016. Micro Soccer is all about having fun. The goal is to nurture a love for the game and to teach basic skills - dribbling, passing, and scoring.
Where: All games and practices are held on the Thorpe Multipurpose Field.
Cost: $105 for the 6-week season ($80 for Early Bird registration!). This cost includes a Micro Soccer jersey. *Need-based scholarships are available for qualifying families.
Player Requirements: There is no skill or experience requirement to participate in Micro Soccer. All you need is a soccer ball, shin guards, soccer socks, athletic shoes (preferably soccer cleats), and a ready-to-have-fun attitude!
Flagstaff Soccer Club's Micro Soccer program is modeled after the International Micro Soccer program designed by former Canadian World Cup Coach and England National Team player, Tony Waiters and United States Soccer Federation Director of Education, Bobby Howe.
The concept behind Micro Soccer is for children to play with small teams on a small field. Micro Soccer utilizes a 4v4 format to provide a positive recreational co-ed soccer experience for young children. Having fewer players on the field provides opportunities for more touches on the ball, for a constant transition between attacking and defensive situations, and for a lower player to coach ratio. The smaller field size brings the game down to the children’s level of physical ability and allows for players to be in a goal scoring position more often. Small-sided games compel each player to become involved in the game, thus everyone gets a chance to kick, dribble, shoot, and score.
It is said that the game itself is soccer's greatest teacher. Micro Soccer simplifies the rules so that the game is easy to learn, age-appropriate, and FUN. This provides an environment where the players can develop their soccer skills and will learn over time where to position themselves on the field. By letting the kids learn at their own pace, without the pressure to perform, they will become life-long lovers of the game.
Seasons
Micro Soccer is offered three times a year - fall, spring, and summer seasons.
Age Groups
Players are divided into teams according to their age.
Team Composition
Each team has a roster of 6-8 players. Teams are co-ed (i.e. both boys and girls on the same team). Teams are coached by a parent coach.
Coaches
All Micro Soccer teams are coached by parents or other volunteers. Please consider becoming the coach for your child’s team this season. Previous experience as a coach or player is not necessary and the Micro Soccer program provides training resources for you. We hold a 1-hour Micro Soccer Coaches’ Clinic before every season. All coaches (and assistant coaches) must complete a free background check from Arizona Youth Soccer Association prior to Opening Day.
Practices
Practices will begin the week after Opening Day for all players. Practices are held one evening each week (Tuesday or Wednesday) from 5:15-6:15 pm on the Thorpe Multipurpose Field located at 1000 N. Thorpe Road. Two teams are assigned to each field. Generally, the two teams engage in fun activities that teach soccer skills separately on each half of the field for the first 30 minutes of practice. Then the two teams scrimmage each other for the last 30 minutes of practice.
Games
All games will be held on Sundays at the Thorpe Multipurpose Field located at 1000 N. Thorpe Road. Teams play a 4v4 game without a goalkeeper for 20 minutes (two 10-minute halves). Teams play two games per Sunday except for Opening Day and Picture Day when they will play just one game.
Responsibilities
We want every season to be enjoyable for both your child and you. Before the season begins, make sure you read "Parent & Player Reponsibilities". It sets forth expectations that you and your child should strive for to make this the best Micro Soccer season yet!
Micro Soccer is part of Flagstaff Soccer Club - the premier soccer development and experience in Flagstaff. If you want to explore more information about Micro Soccer: Click here to read details about this season's program, choose another topic from the "MICRO SOCCER" main menu at the top of the page, or feel free to e-mail the Micro Soccer Director with any questions that you may have.