Rec Season Info – Fall
U8 Program
- Practices begin during the third week of August.
- The fall season includes approximately 6–8 games.
- Additional details, including practice schedules and game schedules, will be provided by your coach.
U6 Program
- Practices also begin during the third week of August.
- The game format for U6 is determined each season based on the number of registered teams and feedback from the coaches.
- Depending on participation, teams may:
- Play each other team once during the season, or
- Participate in a mid-season and end-of-season mini tournament format.
*Schedules and additional information will be shared as they become available.
General Info
Shippensburg Soccer Club’s Recreational Program is divided into U6 and U8 divisions. The U6 division includes our youngest players, including U5 participants.
Equipment
All U6 and U8 players should bring the following to every practice and game:
- Size 3 soccer ball
- Shin guards (required)
- Water bottle
- Soccer cleats are optional but strongly recommended.
Teams
- Teams are coed and are formed by age and gender whenever possible to create balanced teams.
- Every player who registers by the registration deadline is guaranteed placement on a team.
- One of the best ways to support the program is by encouraging friends to register. More players allow us to create balanced teams and provide the best experience for everyone.
Program Format
Teams are intentionally kept small so every player receives plenty of touches on the ball, more playing time, and greater opportunities to develop their skills.
The Recreational Program is operated entirely by Shippensburg Soccer Club, with all practices and games held in Shippensburg.
U6
- Meets once each week for one hour.
- Each session includes skill development followed by a scrimmage with teammates.
U8
- Practices once each week for one hour.
- Plays one game each week against another U8 team.
Uniforms
Each player’s registration fee includes a team t-shirt/jersey to wear during games. The jersey is yours to keep at the end of the season.
Schedule
All U6 and U8 practices and games are held Monday through Friday evenings. There are no weekend activities.
Age Groups
Date of Birth
Fall/Spring - 26/27
August 1, 2018 – July 31, 2020
U8
August 1, 2020 – July 31, 2022
U6
August 1, 2022 – present
SSC does not accept players this young
Rules
U6 Rules
Game Format
- Games are 4 vs. 4 with no goalkeeper.
- Coaches serve as referees.
- Games consist of four 8-minute quarters with a short halftime.
- Plan to substitute players about halfway through each quarter.
- All players should receive equal playing time and have the opportunity to play a variety of positions.
Goal Area
- There are no goalkeepers in U6.
- Players may run through the goal arc but may not touch the ball while inside the arc or stand in the arc.
- If the ball is played inside the arc, restart play with a goal kick.
- This rule prevents players from acting as goalkeepers.
Kick-Offs
- The ball does not have to be kicked forward.
- The team taking the kick-off may pass the ball backward or sideways.
- The defending team must remain outside the center circle until the ball is in play.
- Kick-offs occur at the start of the game, after each goal, and to begin the second half.
Throw-Ins
- Use a standard throw-in with:
- Both feet on the ground.
- Both hands on the ball.
- The ball thrown from behind the head.
- Mistakes are expected. Use them as a teaching opportunity by explaining the proper technique and allowing the player to retake the throw whenever possible.
Corner Kicks
- Awarded when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
Goal Kicks
- Awarded when the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
- Goal kicks are taken from the goal arc.
- The opposing team should retreat to midfield to allow the team in possession to play the ball out.
Fouls & Free Kicks
Call fouls when they are intentional, unsafe, or persistent. Common fouls include:
- Tripping
- Pushing
- Striking
- Handling the ball (handball)
Play restarts with a direct free kick from the spot of the foul. A goal may be scored directly from the free kick.
Handball
A handball occurs when a player deliberately:
- Touches the ball with their hand or arm.
- Changes the ball’s direction using their hand or arm.
- Stops a scoring opportunity with their hand or arm.
The opposing team is awarded a direct free kick.
Free Kick Distance
All opposing players must stand at least 5 yards from the ball until it is kicked.
U8 Rules
-
Game Format
- Games are 7 vs. 7 (6 field players and 1 goalkeeper).
- Coaches serve as referees.
- Games consist of four 12-minute quarters.
- Substituting every 6 minutes generally works well, but coaches may adjust as needed.
- All players should receive equal playing time and play multiple positions throughout the season.
Kick-Offs
- The ball does not have to be kicked forward.
- The team taking the kick-off may pass backward or sideways.
- The defending team must remain outside the center circle until the ball is in play.
- Kick-offs occur at the start of the game, after each goal, and to begin the second half.
Throw-Ins
- Standard throw-ins are used:
- Both feet on the ground.
- Both hands on the ball.
- Ball thrown from behind the head.
- Allow players to correct improper throw-ins whenever possible. Focus on teaching rather than changing possession.
Corner Kicks
- Awarded when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
Scoring
- Players may score from anywhere on the field, including inside the goalkeeper’s box.
Goalkeepers
- Goalkeepers must wear:
- Goalie gloves
- A pinnie or jersey that clearly distinguishes them from field players
- Goalkeepers may not punt the ball.
- They may restart play by:
- Rolling the ball
- Throwing the ball
- Placing the ball on the ground and kicking it
Goal Kicks
- Awarded when the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line.
- Goal kicks may be taken from anywhere inside the goal box.
- It is recommended to take the kick from one of the corners of the goal box.
- The opposing team must retreat behind the build-out line until the ball is put into play.
Fouls & Free Kicks
Call fouls when they are intentional, unsafe, or persistent. Common fouls include:
- Tripping
- Pushing
- Striking
- Handling the ball (handball)
Play restarts with a direct free kick from the spot of the foul. A goal may be scored directly from the free kick.
Handball
A handball occurs when a player deliberately:
- Touches the ball with their hand or arm.
- Changes the ball’s direction using their hand or arm.
- Stops a scoring opportunity with their hand or arm.
The opposing team is awarded a direct free kick.
Free Kick Distance
All opposing players must stand at least 5 yards from the ball until it is kicked.
Field Location
Southampton Township Park
132 Airport Rd.
Shippensburg, PA 17257