Youth Program Info

Program Rundown

Youth Rec Soccer runs two separate seasons from March - May (Spring) and from September - November (Fall). Age divisions are offered for children ages 3 - 16 (see DIVISIONS BY BIRTH YEAR). The mission of the program is to provide an opportunity to learn, practice and love the game of soccer - in a fun, caring environment.

Kingsport Rec provides volunteer coaches and licensed referees. Players meet twice a week - on Saturdays and on one weekday evening. During the first practice session, players are assessed. After assessments, teams are formed based on age, schools, skill level and player requests. The program makes every effort to form balanced teams - in terms of skills - to promote a fun, competitive game of soccer. Small-sided games are used to allow players to develop a feel for the game and to improve their skills in a competitive environment - as recommended by US Youth Soccer. Players are given an equal amount of playing time provided they attend practices. (see GAME FORMAT / RULES)

All practices / games are held at Eastman Park at Horse Creek. (see FIELD ASSIGNMENTS)

Players will need soccer cleats, shin guards with socks, athletic wear, a ball and a water bottle. Each player receives a team jersey by the first game day - and an award at the end of the season. (see UNIFORM / EQUIPMENT)

Registration fees range from $35 - $75 per player for one season. There is a $30 discount for each additional child in the same household, and children under four play for $35 per season.

Age Group / Division Coordinators

Should you have any questions regarding assessments, practice or games, please feel free to email your Age Group Coordinator.

U4 Coed - LeAnne Strickland

U5-6 Boys - (open position)

U5-6 Girls - Jason Clark

U7-8 Boys - (open position)

U7-8 Girls - Katie Huish

U9-10 Boys - Dave Schubert

U9-10 Girls - Angela Hudnall

U11-13 Coed - Mike Elam

U14+ Coed - Monica Daniels

Should you be interested in an Age Group Coordinator position, please contact the Director of Kingsport Rec Soccer.

Field Assignments

Field Assignments for Divisions

U4 Coed - Field D

Tuesdays

U5-6 Girls - Field D

Mondays / Saturdays

U5-6 Boys - Field D

Thursdays / Saturdays

U7-8 Girls - Field E

Mondays / Saturdays

U7-8 Boys - Field E

Thursdays / Saturdays

U9-10 - Girls - Field F

Mondays / Saturdays

U9-10 - Boys - Field F

Thursdays / Saturdays

U11-13 - Boys / Girls - Field F

Tuesdays / Saturdays

U14-17 - Boys / Girls - Field E

Tuesdays / Saturdays

After entering the complex,
Field D is the first field on the left;
Field E is the second field on the left; and
Field F is the third field on the left.

GAME FORMAT / RULES

Division / Age Group Formats

U5-6         4v4
U7-8         4v4
U9-10       7v7
U11-13     9v9
U14-17     9v9

* Adjustments may be made as necessary, according to the number of players in the division.

Rules for ALL Divisions / Age Groups

Absolutely no slide-tackling - players should stay on their feet!
- Treat as dangerous play
- Award indirect free kick for U9+
- Award direct free kick for U5-U8
Substitutions can be made by either team at any stoppage in play including free kicks
Teams should be on the same side of the field but maintain a clear space at midfield for substitutions

Rules for SPECIFIC Divisions / Age Groups

U5-6

Play four 8 minute quarters.
Teams alternate kickoffs each quarter
Teams swap ends at half-time
This age does use throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks
Retake bad throws
Do NOT use goalkeepers
Do NOT use offside rule
All free-kicks are DIRECT
Do NOT award penalty kicks

U7-8

Play three 15 minute quarters
Teams alternate kickoffs each quarters
Teams swap ends at half-time
This age does use throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks
Retake bad throws
Do NOT use goalkeepers
Do NOT use offside rule
All free-kicks are DIRECT
Do NOT award penalty kicks

U9-10

Play two 25 minute halves
Teams alternate kickoffs each half
Teams swap ends at half-time
This age does use throw-ins, corner kicks, and goal kicks
Limited retake of bad throws. (one or two per half)
Do NOT use offside rule
No Heading to align with concussion guidelines
No Punting to prevent heading and to align with US Soccer mandate on build out line
Utilize the build out line to encourage play out of the back

U11-13

Play two 30 minute halves (shorter if both teams agree or if start late)
Teams alternate kickoffs each half
Teams swap ends at half-time
Offside rule is used
- Call as well as you can without linesmen
- Club linesmen can be used to help ONLY with in/out of play

U14+

Play two 35 minute halves (shorter if both teams agree or if start late)
Teams alternate kickoffs each half
Teams swap ends at half-time
Offside rule is used

The above rules are established by Kingsport Rec Soccer - and may vary from other programs - to help foster a love for the game in a fun, caring environment.

Divisions by Birth Year

Fall 2019

U4 - 2016
U5 - 2015
U6 - 2014
U7 - 2013
U8 - 2012
U9 - 2011
U10 - 2010
U11 - 2009
U12 - 2008
U13 - 2007
U14 - 2006
U15 - 2005
U16 - 2004
U17 - 2003

UNIFORM / EQUIPMENT

Each player receives a team jersey for games.

Players are responsible for -

shin guards / socks - required for both practices / games
shoes - toe cleats / metal cleats are not allowed
athletic wear / shorts - dress according to weather
ball - Size 3 (U4-U8), Size 4 (U9-U13), Size 5 (U14+)
water bottle

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VOLUNTEERS

Parents / Guardians

Parents / guardians are encouraged to give at least one (1) hour - per season - to the program. The following service areas are available -

Coaches / Assistant Coaches
Linesmen
Field Managers (setup before practice / games, lining fields, etc)
Photographers / Videographers
Administrative Assistants (sorting jerseys, picture day, expos, etc)

High School Students

High School students may earn their community service / volunteer requirements with Kingsport Rec Soccer. Soccer experience helpful - but not required. Training and support provided by Kingsport Rec Soccer. Kingsport Rec offers flexible hours and time commitments in a fun, caring environment. Limited volunteer openings available for students. For more information, email the Director at [email protected]

WEATHER POLICY

Cancellations will be communicated on the website, Facebook and by text - if time permits.

If it appears the weather could affect a practice / game session, the following guidelines will be used to make decisions regarding cancellations -

If the forecasted wind chill temperature is less than 40 degrees, the session may be rescheduled or canceled.
If rain is expected, and the forecasted wind chill temperature is less than 45 degrees, the session may be rescheduled or canceled.
Drizzle or light rain will NOT automatically result in a session being rescheduled or canceled.

The above guidelines will help direct decisions regarding cancellations. Keep in mind, weather forecasts can be inaccurate or can change suddenly. Decisions will be made based on the best available information. Kingsport Rec Soccer uses the hourly forecast on the Weather Channel. All reasonable attempts will be made to hold sessions as scheduled. Players should always dress appropriately for the weather - in layers with gloves, hats, etc. as needed.

Team / Individual Pictures

Team / individual pictures will be scheduled on a Saturday each season. The date will be announced on the website and Facebook.

LOST AND FOUND

Please check at the Kingsport Rec Soccer Info Tent (pop-up tent) at Eastman Park regarding lost items. Items not claimed within 30 days will be donated to Goodwill.