About the Youth Development Program
The youth development program is for the U8 age groups, or players born in 2016. The youth development program provides an extended opportunity to develop the foundational skills of our young players in order to prepare them to join a club soccer team participating in competitively appropriate league formats. In the spring of their U7 age group players first become eligible to try out for and join a club team for the U8 seasonal year. Many players attend tryouts and join a club team, and other players may be newer to the game or may not be quite ready. The youth development program aims to prepare players to transition to club soccer teams by providing continued opportunities to develop sound fundamental skills and larger game concepts. The ultimate goal is to prepare the youth development players to be ready to tryout for a club team in the spring.
At a glance
- 8-week season beginning Sunday, September 11
- 1 training session per week (1 hour) & 1 Coach-lead practice (days and times TBD)
- Sunday afternoon small-sided games (Times between 12:00PM – 3:30PM)
- Age groups/genders may be combined or separate depending on registration volume
- All participants receive an HYSC game shirt and size 4 soccer ball
- All participants need shin guards and shoes appropriate for soccer
How to register
Age Groups
Our programs are aligned with United States Youth Soccer age groupings and international standards. The youth development program is for participants who are in the U8 age group, making them age 8 and under at the end of the seasonal year for which they are registering. Ideally divisions will be separated by age and gender, but may be combined and co-ed depending on registration volume in each age group.
Determine a players current U-Age group by birth year >
Schedule
The youth development program is offered twice during a seasonal year. The Fall program begins in September, and the Spring program begins in March of the following calendar year. Each program season is 8 weeks and combines weekend games and weeknight training sessions. 8 in-house games are played on Sundays ranging in start times from 12:00 - 3:30PM. Training sessions are held once a week (Typically Mondays at 7:00PM, but days/times are subject to change) and are conducted by our training partners who are vetted and approved youth trainers. Training schedules by age group are communicated prior to the season start date. Coaches will also have reserved field space to conduct 1 coach lead practice each week. Times may vary depending on coach availability. All games and practices will be held at Gloucester Township Community Park on Hickstown Rd.
View the In-house program schedules >
Cost
For age groups from U8 our in-house program fee is $120 and covers a uniform tee and an appropriate sized ball as well as individual participation gift trophy. Training curriculum and sessions led by youth trainers is also covered in the registration cost.
Registration
Registration typically begins in July (for the Fall season) and January (for the Spring Season). To enroll for the intramural program you must register using our online registration system. New users should follow the online registration insturctions. Available programs will be displayed for each participant added to the account based on their birth year. Select the card for Youth Development Program and complete the registration process online. Once completed an email will be sent to the registered email address confirming the registration. Repeat the process for all participants.
View our registration instructions for in-house programs >
Game Rules
The youth development program provides small-sided game formats with 7 players for each team with goalies aligned to the United States Youth Soccer recommendations for number of players and field size. The youth development program is more closely aligned to the FIFA rules of play and laws of the game and modifications appropriate to the age groups, but the focus remains on teaching, growth, and opportunity to play.
View the rules and guidelines for youth development program games >