U3-U5 Parent & Player Program
The McLean U3-U5 Parent & Player Soccer Program is a recreational, development-oriented program for young soccer players to enjoy with their family. In each session, players and parents engage in fun soccer activities led by trained McLean Youth Soccer staff coaches. These activities take place in a circle formation.
During the program, each player will have fun while developing balance, coordination, and social skills. This is not a program where parents simply watch from the sidelines. Parents or guardians will actively participate in the sessions alongside their player. Parents form the boundary of a circle to help the young players play along during much of the sessions..
The activities are designed to teach players real soccer skills, allowing the children to learn through play. The staff coaches demonstrate the skills, and the players imitate them.
An adult must accompany each player throughout the program. There are six sessions per season which are held on Saturdays (subject to weather conditions). Each registered player will receive a t-shirt.
FAQS
What should the players and parents wear and bring?
- Dress appropriately for changing weather conditions.
- Bring plenty of water and a size three soccer ball with your child's name on it.
- We recommend the players wear cleats or turf shoes.
- Shin guards are recommended.
- Adults should come in comfortable footwear suitable for moving and dribbling a ball.
Will players be placed on a team or play in actual structured games?
- Each player will be playing in the same group each week and have the same staff coach leading the activities.
- There are no actual teams formed and no structured games will be played.
Can I leave my player at the session?
- One adult must participate with each child for the entirety of each session.
- If a parent needs ever to step away for a moment, they must have another adult assume responsibility for their player .
- Each parent’s full attention should be devoted to their player and the session.
Can parents bring their other children to the sessions?
- As long as parents can give their full attention to the player, other children may come and watch.
- Parents are going to be playing along, so babies in arms will present difficulties.
- If a player has an older sibling, they may be allowed to fill in for a parent during the session as long as the parent is present.
I have twins. May I participate with both of them?
- Yes, a parent can participate with both of their twins.
- It is generally better for all if there is one adult per child.
U6-U8 Academy Program
The McLean Youth Soccer U6, U7, and U8 program follows an "academy" format where teams are offered professional training and guidance is given to the volunteer coaches.
The U6, U7, and U8 Academy is an inclusive program that allows young soccer players of all levels to develop their skills and passion for participation in the sport. The program aims to prepare players for future travel or recreational programs while also providing guidance to volunteer coaches for later seasons.
The program benefits both coaches and players alike.
- U6-U7 teams have EIGHT practices and EIGHT games per season
U6 Format:
- Teams practice for 60 minutes once per week with their volunteer/parent coach.
- On Saturdays, all teams in the age group meet together where MYS staff coaches lead each team in a practice for the first 30 minutes.
- The final 30 minutes is a 4v4 game using the small-sided, continuous play model.
- Games are played against other MYS U6 Rec teams and coaches lead the continuous play module.
U7 Format:
- Teams practice for 60 minutes once per week.
- 50% of practices are led by MYS staff coaches, and the other 50% are led by volunteer coaches.
- Six teams at a time practice on one field for one hour, using session plans provided by the club.
- On Saturdays, two MYS teams play side-by-side 4v4 games using a continuous play model. These games are supervised by their volunteer/parent coaches.
U8 Format
- Teams practice for 60 minutes once per week.
- All practices are led by volunteer coaches, with MYS staff present to set up and guide them.
- Six teams at a time practice on one field for one hour, using session plans provided by the club.
- On Saturdays, two MYS teams play side-by-side 4v4 games using a continuous play model. Games are supervised by volunteer/parent coaches.
U9-U10 Program
The McLean Youth Soccer U9-U10 program offers a fun and friendly, team-oriented program focusing on age-appropriate skill development. MYS Professional Technical Staff visit games to offer enhanced coaching education and support for volunteer/parent coaches.
- U9-U10 teams have EIGHT practices and EIGHT games per season (subject to weather conditions).
U9-U10 Format:
- Teams practice for 60 minutes once per week with their volunteer/parent coach.
- On Saturdays, each team plays a 7v7 game against another MYS team in their age group.
U11-U19 SFL Program
MYS recreation players, ages U11 and older play on MYS teams that participate in the Suburban Friendship League (SFL), a Recreation League in Northern Virginia. No tryouts are required or permitted.
During the spring and fall seasons, the SFL provides scheduling services to between 450 and 500 teams representing almost 30 different clubs.
- To find out more about the SFL, visit the website HERE.
U11-U19 Format:
- Teams practice for 75 minutes once per week with their volunteer/parent coach.
- On Saturdays and/or Sundays (primarily Saturdays), each team plays one game against another team in the Northern Virginia area in their age group.