 | Mites Division |
WHYSA Mites Division for boys and girls, ages 8 & 9 (by December 31st). Players need to be born in 2015 or 2016.
If interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please contact: [email protected]
NOTE: THE MITES DIVISION IS A LEAGUE. GAMES ARE SCHEDULED BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND TEAMS REGISTERED. A GAME SCHEDULE WILL BE PUBLISHED WHEN REGISTRATION IS COMPLETE. GAMES WILL BE PLAYED ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
PHILOSOPHY & OVERVIEW
The Mites Division introduces team play and continues soccer technique and skill development to the youth of West Hartford. Although all matches are organically competitive and we recognized that the children as well as the parents would know which team won or lost the games, the Mites Division; however, is not meant to be a competitive league. Instead, the intent of the division to concentrate on having fun, technique and skill development, sportsmanship, on team play, beginning an understanding the concepts of the game of soccer and on positional play for the first time. The concepts that we introduce at practice as well as during the games are to reinforce these principles and guidelines.
Team:
Team size averages 12-14 players per team.
The Game:
Mites Division plays on a smaller soccer field. The games are played with teams of 7 vs. 7. Six field players and a goalie.
This optimizes the amount of ball 'touches' each player gets. It is designed to familiarize players with the game of soccer, and teambuilding. Each quarter is 15 minutes. And coaches should ensure players will get equal playing time.
All games will be played at Kennedy Park. The club has 5 fields that will be using the new 7v7 rule - use of the build out-line.
Time Commitment:
One practice per week for one hour.
One to two games per weekend. Most games are played Saturday. There may be 1 or 2 scheduled on Sunday in order to play an 8 game season.
The Season:
The soccer season is 6-8 weeks depending on the weather and holiday/school recess.
Fall: Practices usually begin during the last week of August and the season is over by the end of October or early Nov.
Spring: Practices usually begin beginning in April (after school vacation) and the season is over by the end of June.
Equipment Needed:
Size 4 soccer ball, shin guards, cleats, water bottle
Full uniforms are provided for games (jersey, shorts, and socks)
WHY SMALL-SIDED SOCCER?
A normal soccer match consists of 11v11. Anything smaller than this is considered small-sided soccer. WHYSA has adopted a small-sided soccer format for the developmental divisions of recreational soccer. A study of young (9 and under) players by Manchester United in the U.K. showed that during a similar-duration 8 v 8 game and a 4 v 4 or 3 v. 3 game, on average, the 4 v 4 or 3 v. 3 based games increased the number of passes by 135%, the number of scoring attempts by 260%, the number of 1 v 1 encounters by 225% and the number of dribbling skills (tricks) demonstrated by 280%. They concluded that the 4 v 4 or 3 v. 3 based games offered players a significantly higher number of touches (as defined by the number of passes, shots, goals, 1 v 1 encounters, and dribbling skills) than comparable 8 v 8 games. Furthermore, 4 v 4 or 3 v. 3 based games were better for developing more skillful young players. The United States Youth Soccer Association ("USYSA") also recommends small-sided soccer for children at these age groups.