Age specific game info...please read

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Kickstart

AYSO Kickstart is a child-centered, entry-level program for players ages 3–6, focusing on fun, movement, and fundamental motor skills. It features a low-pressure, "sandlot-style" jamboree format with 2v2 or 3v3 small-sided games designed to foster a love of soccer without formal coaching.
Parent Participation: Parents are active participants on the field, helping to create a welcoming environment.
Format: One-day-a-week, 40 - 60 minute sessions featuring non-stop activity, including fundamental motor skills (jumping, skipping, balancing) and short, 2v2 or 3v3 "Big Matches".
Structure: No formal teams, no standings, no scores, and no pressure.
Philosophy: Aligned with AYSO’s Six Philosophies (Everyone Plays, Positive Coaching, etc.) and developed with U.S. Soccer research.

EPIC

AYSO EPIC (Everyone Plays In our Community) is a specialized soccer program designed for children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, offering a supportive environment for those who cannot participate in mainstream teams. It enables participants to learn soccer, build self-esteem, and enjoy the game using trained volunteer "buddies". The program aims for a holistic experience, ensuring players receive uniforms, join teams, and get cheered on by families.
Key Aspects of AYSO EPIC:Target Audience: Open to athletes of all ages (4–99) with disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and mobility impairments.
EPIC Buddies: Volunteers (often youth players) who assist participants on the field, fostering friendship and inclusion.
Core Philosophy: Adheres to AYSO principles—Everyone Plays, Open Registration, and Positive Coaching—with a focus on fun rather than competition.
Structure: Typically involves 10-week seasons, often on Saturdays, featuring practice and, when possible, modified, safe games.
Support: Through partners like Augusta Sportswear, the program provides specialized resources, including uniforms and grants

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6U

Use size 3 ball, 3 vs 3; No goal keeper (goal size 4x6)
No heading the ball, no slide tackling,
Saturday games – 4 quarters of about 5 minutes (10 minute maximum for halves; this can be flexible, but must be fair); halftime shall be 5 minutes.
must wear shin guards; coaches on field during play
throw‐in is replaced with the pass‐in. Opposing players must be at least two yards from the ball until it is kicked.
Emphasis placed on dribbling, scoring, and having fun!

8U

Use size 3 ball, 5 vs 5 (two forwards, two defense, one goalie).
No heading the ball, no slide tackling
Saturday games – 4 quarters of 10 minutes (20 minute halves); half time 5 minutes
Must wear shin guards;
Use throw‐ins to restart play when ball is kicked out over the sideline. Use goal kicks to restart play when ball is kicked out over the goal line (but not a goal) by the opposing team. Use corner kicks to restart play when ball is kicked out over the goal line (but not a goal) by the defending team.
Emphasis placed on passing, dribbling, scoring, maintaining positions, basic goal keeping, and having fun!

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10U
7v7, use size 4 ball, Goal Keeper, must wear shin guards,
No heading the ball, slide tackling discouraged,
Saturday games – Four 12.5 minute quarters with a 5 minute half-time OR two 25 minute halves; no quarter break with free substitutions (Substitutes need to report to mid-line and take a knee to be called in by the referee). Game format agree upon by referee and coaches prior to start of game.
No goalkeeper punts or drop kicks, no heading the ball (indirect kick for an intentional head ball)
10u has a buildout line (orange line across field) that on goal kicks and when keeper makes a save that the offensive team must move behind (you'll need to direct them to do it, but the keeper can put ball in play at any time; they do not have to wait for the offense to clear.)

12U
Same as 10u except
No breakout line
Punt kicks and goal kicks
30 minute halves
Free substitutions
9 v 9

14/15U
Same as 12u except
11 v 11
Heading allowed
Size 5 Ball
35 minute halves

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Some other basic rules that we adhere to
Coaches & Players set up on the opposite side of Parents and Fans
No coaches, parents, etc behind the goal
Respect for the game, the referee, and the players

Team members must wear shin guards that provide a reasonable degree of protection, and that are completely covered by their socks, to participate in any practice or match.
NO jewelry is permitted at any age level

All players shall play at least half of the game. Late arriving team members shall be substituted as follows: a. If the team member arrives during the first “quarter”, the team member must play a minimum of two of the remaining three “quarters”. b. If the team member arrives during the second or third “quarter”, the team member must play a minimum of one “quarter”.

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Greencastle Galaxy - AYSO Region 859 - Greencastle, PA

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