Engaging children in a safe, fun and rewarding environment

It is essential that young players are exposed to a high quality experience that is designed to meet their needs. This will be their first experience of playing soccer in an organized environment, which can be the deciding factor for whether they fall in love with sport or not. This initiation phase allows children to discover the game at their own speed and creates a positive experience with an emphasis on fun and enjoyment.  

What does the child need at this stage?

The key to providing a high quality experience is understanding the needs of 4-5 year old children. Through understanding the stage of development they are at, and how they see the world, we can create a positive coaching and playing environment. Remember, we are developing the person and not just the player. 

Cost: $300 includes t-shirt and socks and a refundable $60 volunteer fee, with coaching or 3 hours of service.

Location: A Castro Valley Unified School

Training/Game Frequency: 1 45-minute training on Tuesdays OR Thursday (4:00, 4:45, and 5:30) and 1game of 2 10-minute halves on Saturdays.

Coaching Support: Trainings are run by volunteer coaches with 24-7 professional coach on site. Games are run by volunteer coaches.

DISCOVERY Development Stage II: Playful Technical Training - Foundation Phase 1’

Playing Format: 4v4 including goalkeepers

Rules: US Soccer 5v5 Player Development Initiatives

Games: 2 x 10 minute halves

U5 Objective(s): ‘Movement Exploration & Ball Discovery’

• ‘Me and my movement skills’ - Players discover (explore/experiment) fundamental movement skills

• ‘Me and my ball’ - Players discover (explore/experiment) how to manipulate a ball with both hands and feet

• ‘Me and my friends’ - Players are introduced to parallel and associative play 

U6 Objective(s): ‘Dribbling & Shooting’

• ‘Me and my movement skills’ - Players develop fundamental movement skills

• ‘Me and my ball’ - Players develop eye-hand and eye-foot coordination

• ‘Me and my ball’ - Players are introduced to fundamental soccer skills with the ball

• ‘Me and my teammate' - Players are introduced to cooperative play without structured team play