Season
Teams are formed in July. Parents/Players should be hearing from coaches or can check the web site at that time. Practices are held 2 nights a week in August. Season starts in September. U8 Age Group does not practice during the week once the season/school starts.
Small-Sided Games
Horsham Soccer U8 plays small sided soccer 8 v 8 with a goalie. This allows each player to have much more playing time and to have much more of an opportunity to touch the ball, participate in the game, and have a lot more fun. 8 v 8 is closer to real soccer than the smaller sided games of 3v3 and 4v4 played at U6 and U7. This is similar to that proposed by Eastern Pa Youth Soccer (EPSYA) and US Youth Soccer (USYSA).Games are played on a smaller than regulation field using goals that are also smaller than regulation. Goalkeepers are introduced at this age and players begin to play poistions on the field.
U7 Game Rules
- U8 uses a Size 4 Ball
- Games are 20 minute halves
- All players must play at least half the game
- Do not keep score
- Play should be stopped for offenses such as hand balls or rough play. These are coaching moments - explain what the player did wrong and how to do it right. Other team gets possession of the ball.
- Out of bounds - throw-in (teach and encourage proper form)
- Over End Line - corner kick or goal kick
- Offsides is introduced
- Players should play in all positions through the season (rotating positions)
General Rules
- All Players are required to wear shin guards and soccer shoes
- Mouthguards are not required but are recommended for all players
- Cups are not required but are recommended for all boys
- Sports glasses are not required but are recommended for all players using eye glasses
- Players are not permitted to play if they are wearing casts or splints of any kind
- Heading is not to be taught, practiced,or encouraged at age groups U10 or below. Heading should only be taught at the older age groups by licensed coaches. This is an area where these is a lot of controversy so please be very careful
- No Jewelry or Earrings - even for newly pierced ears (this is a FIFA rule designed to prevent injuries)
- No Slide Tackling
- All Players must play a minimum of 1/2 of each game including parts of each half or quarter
- Teams and coaches are to line up and shake hands at mid-field following each game
- Parents/coaches - please provide a good example to the children by showing respect to the opposing team, the opposing coaches, and the referee.
In cases where teams are short on players/substitutes:
- Both teams should play with the number of players agreed upon by both coaches prior to the game. If one team has has only 7 players for an 8v8 game then the teams can play 7v7.
- One team can loan players to the other to make the teams more even
- Goal is to allow kids to play. Be creative.
In case of hot weather and/or when teams are short handed:
- Teams can play quarters instead of halves or take extra water breaks during the game to give players a rest and prevent dehydration. The players’ safety is priority number 1.
- Click Here for more info on how to prevent Heat Illness
Coaching Requirements
Coaching at the U8 level does not require experience but does require the ability to work well with children. We strongly encourage participation in EPYSA’s Youth Module coaching course for the U8 level prior to coaching a team. HSA usually offers the Youth Module Course in July prior to the start of practices to all interested coaches. The schedule for these courses is usually shown in the
Coaching Education page. Please contact the age group coordinator (above) if you are interested in being a coach.
U8 Skills Festival
Horsham Soccer usually holds a Skills Festival for the U8 Age Group. Additional details will be available near the begining of the season.
Select Team
Horsham Soccer participates in sending a select team of a players from this age group to a Select Intramuaral tournament in November.
