8U Division Information

Practice Plans

Your Division Director and Coach Coordinator can provide you with as many detailed practice plans as you want. You don't have to adhere to them, but please use them as a guideline. You can find your Division Director contact here.

Also, we have plenty of drills and practice samples here - Check them out!

Keep practices as fun and game-like as possible, while still teaching. You have very limited time during the season. Focus on the fundamentals and make sure they understand the basics. They won't get everything - that's okay. In addition to basic technique and positions/responsibilities, make sure they know how to take goal kicks and throw-ins. Games are often dictated by those two situations.
Need more resources or some drill videos? You can find them on the Coaches page.

Team Roster Distribution

Team Welcome Email

Once you receive your Team Roster, have your Team Manager send out a Welcome Email to introduce yourselves, set expectations, inform team of Practice Schedule, etc.
Template / Sample available here
Set Parent meeting to obtain volunteers (usually before or after first practice)

Rosters are Not Final, there may be adjustments throughout the season

Practices

Submit Practice Requests to Practice Scheduler.
Games are played at Russel Ranch so it’s recommended to practice there as well. See this page for a map.
Be aware about Daylight – by mid October 6pm practices will be moved for safety.
At least one certified volunteer, same sex as players, must be present at all practices.
Have all the Medical Release Forms printed and available - always with you!
Practice Equipment (link)
Required equipment on every practice: water bottle, shin guards (under socks), soccer ball (size 4) Optional: soccer cleats, sunscreen. NO JEWELRY.

Uniform Distribution

In order to receive your uniforms, you must hand the Sponsor check to the Division Director.

Game Day Reminders

NO jewelry
No pets
Trash bags - remind the Snack volunteer
Halftime snack (grapes or cuties) is a good idea too
Water breaks - players stay on the field, parents bring water
Coaches and Parents need to stay near centerline
Focus on helping with positioning during a game.
No action verbs (pass, dribble, shoot)
Parents cannot 'coach' only cheer
The kids get confused enough with what's going on. Having a parent direct them only makes it worse
Let's all HAVE FUN

National Partners