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Under-6 Program
Game/practice schedule
Under-6's have a 90-minute time slot on the field on Saturday to be used like this: the first 30 minutes are used for warm-ups, instruction from the coach and drills. Then, after this 30-minutes prep, you start the game. Games are two 20-minute halves with 2 quarters per half with a brief half time for the switch. Under-6 teams do not usually do not have a scheduled weekday practice.
Click on your team name to find your game schedule here.
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Officiating the games
Coaches and/or team parents take turns officiating and directing play during the games. Coaches introduce themselves to each other and choose which half of the field to use for warm-ups (or the team that shows up first just starts practicing on one half). IMPORTANT: Coaches then arrange to start the game on time so that it will be finished on time, and the field will be cleared and ready for the next teams at their start time. Games are played width-wise on a field instead of length-wise, as the chalk markings will indicate. If a game starts late, it must still end on time so the following teams can start on time.
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Micro-soccer
Each Under-6 team divides in half, and two games are played simultaneously, usually 4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5. 6 vs 6 is too many players; in this case, rotate players in so that all get equal playing time. A parent can assist the coach in watching the clock and choosing players to rotate out. Players can be 'loaned' to the opposing team if necessary to even things up. After half time, the teams switch places and play against the other half of the opponent's team. Parents are encouraged to applaud good effort and micro-soccer play from both teams, support both teams and de-emphasize the importance of winning. The purpose of micro-soccer at this age is to guarantee the maximum number of touches on the ball per player, to teach passing and dribbling options, to teach combination play (1 vs 1, 2 vs 1, etc). Micro-soccer is also used as a practice method for older levels of play including college and professional, so it will provide a foundation they will benefit from long-term.
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Junior Academy
Players in the Under-6 age group are invited to join the weekday drop-in Junior Academy. You may come as a team or an individual or with a buddy from your team. It's optional - attend as your schedule allows. No extra charge. Open to players registered with ABSC only.
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Jerseys - Which side out?
As a rule of thumb, when two ABSC teams are playing each other, the home team, or the team listed first for that match, wears the blue side out, and the visitor, or the team listed second, wears the yellow side out. For example, Team 1 vs Team 2: Team 1 is the home team and wears the blue side out. This is a very loose rule for the Under-6's!
Team manager and assistant coach
Under-6 Coaches, please ask the team parents if one of them is willing to serve as team manager (a position that earns the ABSC parent the $100 volunteer deposit back). For more information on team manager duties, please see the Volunteer Job Descriptions page.
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Please also recruit an assistant coach. These are volunteers who let you know they have signed up with their club as assistant coach (and ask you if you want their services!). They may help by hauling equipment for you, or helping direct the kids through drills and warm-ups, or filling in for you on a weekend you cannot be there, or officiating one of the small-sided games, or other ways you might need their help to provide a positive and fun experience for the kids. This job earns them the $100 refund of volunteer deposit, but only if they specifically establish with you that they are there to perform this role and follow through.
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Fields
Please note that there are no bathrooms available at Fairmont field, and the bathrooms at Canyon Trails field will be opened before each game, but will lock if the door is allowed to shut.
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Volunteer refunds
ABSC coaches, at the end of the season, please request a refund of your $100 volunteer deposit by following the instructions on the Refunds page.
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Tip
If you are a new Under-6 coach, contact manager Steven Morrison for coaching guidance, and some of your opposing teams will have seasoned coaches who can guide you.
U6 game format
Begin First Half
Play 10 minutes
3-5 minutes rest
Play 10 minutes
(end of first half)
5-7 minutes rest (half time)
Begin Second Half
Play 10 minutes
3-5 minutes rest
Play 10 minutes
(game over)
Total game playing time: 40 minutes
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