The goal of the U8 Team Program is to provide a fun, enthusiastic, and positive learning experience through practice and competition for the player’s first year of select soccer.  Ages 6, 7, 8 year olds.

All players will learn the rules of the game and focus on improving individual technical skill of dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting in a team environment.  Individual and team skill development will be stressed before winning with an insight to long term development.  Players entering at the U8 level will participate in the game of soccer in a format that is both fun better suited to their development.  The small-sided games approach is the best way to introduce the game to U8 players.

Check out the Official Flyer here

We offer the U8 Team Program in the following locations in Bowie/Upper Marlboro and across the Bay Bridge in Centerville.  For more information please click the informational flyers in the sidebar.

• Increases number of touches on the ball.
• Requires players to both defend and attack.
• Improves player concentration because ball is close to them at all times.
• Improves fitness levels due to lively and dynamic tempo.
• Provides realistic challenges, limited number of players in restricted space creates game like conditions. 
• The game itself improves soccer techniques so players can improve and enjoy the game.
• Develops individual skill; increases frequency of 1v1 matchups.
• A high number of goals are scored which make it game fun for the players.
• Rules are simplified, emphasizes imaginative play, and promotes growth and aprreciation of the game of soccer.

1.  How many days do the U8 Team Program train and play?

The U8 team program is a more intensive program where players practice 2 times per week and play in a league on the weekends.  This is designed for all levels of players whether new to the game or players who have been playing soccer for 1-2 years and want to play more than just once per week.  Players from this program will tryout for the rising U9 travel team the following year. 

2.  Do players have to tryout to make the U8 Team Program?

No.  All players can participate in the U8 Team Program.  We create multiple teams in this age group so players can enjoy the game of soccer.

As a parent you need to ask yourself:  Does my child enjoy and want to play soccer more than 1 night a week?  Does my child want to play in competitve games on the weekend?  Is my child eager to learn and develop more skills?  If you answered yes, then the U8 team program is the correct choice for your child. 

An overview of the yearly calendar.

Fall - 3 month program (August through October)
Particpate in 2 practices per week, play in the Chesapeake 4v4 league on the weekend and the Freestate Fun-Day.

Winter - 2 month program (January and February)
Particpate in Freestate Winter Academy at the Skatezone 1 practice per week and in an Futsal or Indoor Soccer league.

Spring - 3 month program (Late March - Early June)
Particpate in 2 practices per week and play in the Chespeake 4v4 league on the weekend.

Summer - optional
Participate in the Freestate 4v4 Pick-Up Program

Spring 2012 U8 Program
Dates	March - June
Day	Wednesday & Friday for 8 weeks (24 practices)
Time	5:30-7:00pm
Location	Huston Field in Allen Pond Park (google map)
Coach	Peter Kaminskas - bio
Matches	4v4 40 min games (20 min halves) Saturday mornings 8 league matches Queen Anne School, Upper Marlboro
Fee	$195 per player
Online Registration	applicants must register online
Additional Information	contact Peter Kaminskas:  execdir@freestatesoccer.org

REGISTER ONLINE - CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Peter Kaminskas is the director of the U8 Team Program.  For more information or registration questions please contact:

phk@netscape.com 
410-739-4090