5U Schoolyard is an AYSO soccer program designed for children 5 and under (for 3 and 4 year olds - all must be at least 3 years old as of the first session of the season, 8/24/19 for 2019). It is organized for groups of children rather than specific teams and consists of three primary components:

• “One with One” – involvement of one child with a minimum of one parent (one parent must be present the entire session)
• Professional Coaches – Activities are led and organized by Professional coaches from UK International with guidance from Region 4 Division Directors
• Activity Mix – skill development/activities with parents and small-sided games

Children are placed in groups for the season, rather than a “team” (no head coaches, no practices, no team banners, etc.). Groups are assigned a session time that rotates each week. Once the fields the groups break out with one of the professional or parent coaches and then are split into “teams” for the small-sided games.

Weekly emails: Families receive a weekly email detailing that week’s skills that will be introduced. This information will also be posted on this 5U Schoolyard page on www.aysoregion4.com

Questions? Email [email protected]

Why this program?

• Young Players need special consideration
• They are playing a child’s game
• Fun activities must be central to child-centered program
• Cannot sustain prolonged activity
• They must discover the game, not be taught the game by adults.

Why this design?

• Provides young players and their parents with a ‘pressure free’ introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer
• Players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice
• Allows players to discover the game for themselves, while parents are given a soccer foundation