About the Junior Development Program
The junior development program is for U6 & U7 age groups, or players born in 2016 and 2017. The junior program builds from the micro experience by reinforcing sound fundamental skills while introducing more advanced concepts and skills. The program continues to promote as much opportunity for as many individual "touches", or activity with the ball, as possible. The ultimate goal is to prepare the junior players to be ready to tryout in the spring season of U7, and join a club team (commonly referred to as travel soccer) the next seasonal year at the U8 age group.
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 and genders may be combined or depending on registration numbers
- All participants receive an HYSC game shirt and size 3 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 junior development program is for participants who are in the U6 & U7 age groups, making them age 6 or 7 and under at the end of the seasonal year for which they are registering. Age groups may be combined and co-ed or divisions may separated by gender and age depending on registration volume in each age group.
Determine a players current U-Age group by birth year >
Schedule
The junior 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
The registration fee for the junior development program is $100 and covers a uniform tee, an appropriate sized ball, and sling bag 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 instructions. Available programs will be displayed for each participant added to the account based on their birth year. Select the card for Junior 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 junior development program provides small-sided game formats with 4 players for each team without goalies aligned to the United States Youth Soccer recommendations for number of players and field size. Continuing to build on and promote the developmental themes of the micro program, the junior level introduces the concept of the ball being out-of-play and familiarizes participants with restarting play with throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks. The junior development program continues to maximize the opportunity of participants to touch the ball as much as possible and promotes players gaining comfort seeking to "win" the ball and express their growing skills and ability.
View the rules and guidelines for junior development program games >