Recreational Soccer Program

(u4 to u10 players)

Below you will find information about playing in our Rec Program. Players are placed on Co-Ed s team in age brackets based on their birthyear in accordance with US Youth Soccer’s guidelines. Our Rec Program aims to provide kids with the opportunity to begin to learn fundamentals, practice and get excited about playing soccer.

U4 Level

The under 4-years (U4) program is a great start for the youth in our community. We aim to create the best environment leading to the enjoyment of soccer that will last through a lifetime! The goal of the U4 program is to make each session consistent for all players and provide a safe environment for practices. The U4 program also provides coaching education for those who volunteer to lead sessions and build confidence so you can continue coaching in other GSC programs.

No “match” or game play; however, the program will build toward a fun ‘scrimmage’ near the end of the season. There are no games at this level, only fun practices.

While we will identify coaches for this program, we strongly encourage parents/adult to stay with their child to model basic soccer movements as well as basic motor skills in a fun, imaginative manner. Repetition is key but fostering the parent/child relationship is vital for player progress.

Fall practices are scheduled to begin in late August, depending on Homecoming and Labor Day holidays. Spring practices are scheduled to begin late March or early April, depending on the Easter holiday, weather, and field conditions.

Other Information:

Location: U4 practices are held on field 2 or the ‘practice field’ at the Glenwood Soccer Complex. (See field page for map)

Equipment: Size 2 ball is used. Cleats are not required but encouraged. They help with traction especially as young players gain speed and agility; shin guards ARE required for safety. Jerseys are provided by the club and included in the registration fee.

Practices: one night per week at the soccer complex; minimum of six practices per season.

Coaches: volunteer coaches (no soccer experience required); all coaches must pass an Iowa Soccer background check and take the necessary safe sport and concussion training.

Game format: no games at this level, only fun practices

U5/6 Level

The Glenwood Soccer Club Recreational (Rec) Program provides a fun and safe experience for all participants. We aim to create the best environment leading to the enjoyment of soccer that will last through a lifetime!

At the U5/6 level, fun is the #1 focus. Other skills that will be introduced are dribbling, changing direction while running with the ball, kicking, and general movement and balance. The core values at this level are to nurture a positive environment where kids learn and want to continue playing the game of soccer.

GSC offers a full soccer season in both fall and spring, providing a fun and safe environment. The focus is participation, team building, sportsmanship, and fun while players learn the game of soccer in a minimally competitive environment.

Fall practices are scheduled to begin in late August with games starting in early September, depending on Homecoming and Labor Day holidays. Spring games and practices are scheduled to begin late March or early April, depending on the Easter holiday, weather, and field conditions.

Volunteer coaches will lead game play.

Other Information:

Location: U6 practices are held on the U6 fields at the Glenwood Soccer Complex.

Equipment: Size 3 ball is used. Cleats are not required but encouraged. They help with traction especially as young players gain speed and agility; shin guards ARE required for safety. Jerseys are provided by the club and included in the registration fee.

Practices: one night per week at the soccer complex; minimum of six practices per season lasting for approximately 45 minutes.

Coaches: volunteer coaches (no soccer experience required); all coaches must pass an Iowa Soccer background check and take the necessary safe sport and concussion training.

Team roster: 5-6 players depending on registration numbers

Game format: Games will be Saturday mornings at 10:30am at the Glenwood Soccer Complex at the U6 fields (behind the U10 and U8 fields next to the creek).

Game Rules

	U6
Ball Size	3
# Players on the Field	3 v 3
Goalie?	NO
Out of bounds	Kick in
Corner Kicks	Kick in from corner – Opponents are to remain at least 4 yards from the ball until it is in play
Goal Kicks	Ball is kicked from end line. Opponents are to remain at last 4 yards from the ball until it is in play
Offsides?	NO
Length of Game	8-minute quarters / 4 quarters in game 2-min break after quarter 1 & 3 5-minute half time
Playing Time	Each player should play a minimum of 50% of game

U7/8 Level

At the U7/8 level, fun is the #1 focus. We try to build on the foundational skills learned at earlier levels while also recognizing that for some players this will be their first interaction with the sport. The goal is to maximize individual ball touches in each session to build confidence with the ball and foster creative, technical growth on the ball. Other skills focused on include kicking with the correct part of the foot (inside of the foot or shooting with the laces), dribbling, changing directions, short passing, shooting, shielding, throw-ins, and introduce the concept of defense/offense (“up” and “back”).

Referees are student referees (ages 12-14) and are taking part in the Iowa Soccer Referee mentor program. A mentor will be on site for every game to give guidance, but some errors are to be expected since these officials are still in training.

Other Information:

Location: U7/8 practices are held on fields 5, 6 & 7 at the Glenwood Soccer Complex.

Equipment: Size 3 ball is used. Cleats are not required but encouraged. They help with traction especially as young players gain speed and agility; shin guards ARE required for safety. Jerseys are provided by the club and included in the registration fee.

Practices: one night per week at the soccer complex; minimum of six practices per season lasting for approximately 1 hour.

Coaches: volunteer coaches (no soccer experience required); all coaches must pass an Iowa Soccer background check and take the necessary safe sport and concussion training.

Team roster: 6-7 players depending on registration numbers

Game format: Games will be Saturday mornings at 9am and10:30am at the Glenwood Soccer Complex on fields 5, 6 & 7.

Game Rules

	U7/8
Ball Size	3
# Players on the Field	4 v 4
Goalie?	NO
Out of bounds	Throw-in
Corner Kicks	Kick in from corner – Opponents are to remain at least 4 yards from the ball until it is in play
Goal Kicks	Ball is kicked from end line. Opponents are to remain at last 4 yards from the ball until it is in play
Offsides?	NO
Length of Game	12-minute quarters / 4 quarters in game 2-min break after quarter 1 & 3 5-minute half time
Playing Time	Each player should play a minimum of 50% of game

U9/10 Level

We try to build on the foundational skills learned at earlier levels while also recognizing that for some players this will be their first interaction with the sport. The goal is to maximize individual ball touches in each session to build confidence with the ball and foster creative, technical growth on the ball. Other skills focused on include kicking with the correct part of the foot (inside of the foot or shooting with the laces), dribbling with speed and accuracy, accurate passing and receiving the ball, shooting, attacking, goal kick, corner kick and throw-in strategy. We do all of this while concentrating on participation, team building, sportsmanship, and fun while players learn the game of soccer in a minimally competitive environment.

Referees are certified referees through the Iowa Soccer Association and United States Soccer Federation. While certified, these officials are learning, and the U9/10 games are usually their first official competition. If you have any questions about these officials, please contact the referee mentor on the GSC board.

Other Information:

Location: U9/10 practices are held at the Vine Street Fields (see address on Fields page).
Equipment: Size 4 ball is used. Cleats are not required but encouraged. They help with traction especially as young players gain speed and agility; shin guards ARE required for safety. Jerseys are provided by the club and included in the registration fee.
Coaches: volunteer coaches (no soccer experience required); all coaches must pass an Iowa Soccer background check and take the necessary safe sport and concussion training.
Team roster: 10-11 players depending on registration numbers
Game format: Games will be Saturday mornings at 9am and10:30am at the Glenwood Soccer Complex fields 3 and 4.

Game Rules

	U9/10
Ball Size	4
# Players on the Field	7 v 7
Goalie?	YES
Out of bounds	Throw-in
Corner Kicks	Kick in from corner – Opponents are to remain at least 10 yards from the ball until it is in play
Goal Kicks	Ball is kicked from end line. Opponents are to remain behind the build out line until the ball is in play
Offsides?	Yes – introduced with the build out line
Length of Game	2 equal halves of 25 minutes each with a 5-minute half time
Playing Time	Each player should play a minimum of 50% of game

Rec Soccer Program

Recreational Soccer Program

(u4 to u10 players)

U4 Level

U5/6 Level

U7/8 Level

U9/10 Level