Overview

Our eight and nine year old players are organized into teams of ten to twelve and are staffed by a parent volunteer head coach, and one or more assistant coaches. In this age group, the focus is building on knowledge of the basic rules of the game, modified by US Soccer Federation mandates so that players begin to learn how to effectively play the ball out of the back third of the field. Ball mastery continues with a greater emphasis on team play and individual decision making. Lots of touches on the ball always. These teams train one night a week for ninety minutes, with the parent volunteer coaches, supplemented and directed by a professional trainer from Challenger Sports. They play seven versus seven on age-appropriate small sided fields in accordance with US Soccer Federation mandates designed to increase ball handling by all players and fast decision making. Licensed referees paid by the league are used to officiate matches. Field dimensions are larger, full field markings are introduced, including build-out lines, and the goals are sized up to 6 1/2 x 18'. They play at the Caven Point Sports Complex on the soccer turf field on Saturday mornings and afternoons. A size four soccer ball is used. Players are provided a uniform and are insured by JCSA. Parents are expected to provide shin guards, soccer cleats and water for every session. We recommend that every player have their own ball, but coaches will provide them at training and matches.

Additional Information

JCSA has run an independent co-ed recreational soccer league since 1978. This league features boys and girls teams organized into divisions containing two year age groups. Juniors are for 8 and 9 year old players. Matches are run every weekend in the Fall and Spring, according to modified FIFA Laws of the Game and US Soccer Federation guidelines. Licensed referees conduct the matches and volunteer coaches and assistant coaches are assigned to each team. Our objective is to give our young players a realistic match experience that is fun, educational and healthy. The teams practice once per week, in the evening, at the Caven Point Sports Complex Soccer Turf field, located at 1 Chapel Avenue in Jersey City. This year, we are changing the practice format to utilize a professional trainer to run collective training sessions, academy style. This new format will ensure a standard level of training for all of our players, and provide increased technical and tactical capability to our volunteer coaches. Matches are held each weekend at several venues in Jersey City. Most of the divisions and matches are held at our home turf soccer field at Caven Point. Depending on the level of registration, Intermediate division matches are held at Gateway Field, and if needed we utilize Lincoln Park. Recreational soccer is a great environment for fun and learning basic soccer skills. Any players new to the sport that are considering joining a recreational team should be made aware of the following:

• Rec soccer is very affordable if you are interested in joining the sport and you play for nine months of the year.
• Playing time is guaranteed. Every player who registers will play regardless of ability.
• No tryouts are necessary to join a team. Players are drafted before the beginning of the season where we strive to achieve competitive balance among our teams.
• There is a minimum of one practice day and recurring weekly games, making it easier on the family schedule. Please be advised that if you register after the beginning of September, there may be a delay in getting your player's uniform. A uniform may have to be ordered separately and that can take up to three weeks. Your player can play in a colored "pinnie" until the uniform is received and given out to the player.