Thank you for your participation with Saginaw Township Soccer. Since this may be your child’s first experience with soccer or any sort of team environment we thought we’d give you some basic info on the U7 program.

 

GAME SCHEDULES

• Games are scheduled on Mondays at 6pm and Saturdays starting at 9:30am. Teams will not have more than two games per week. Each game has two 20 minute halves with a 5 minute half time.
• Schedules will be available online as soon as a coach or parent helper has been assigned to each team. In addition, schedules are also posted on the bulletin board, located on the eastside of the main complex building.

THE U7 GAME

Children will play on fields 13A, 13B, 13C, 14A, 14B, and 14C. The goals will be lettered so you know which mini field you’re on. Field size is 30x50 with appropriate sized goals and penalty areas.

• Referees are not assigned to the Under 7 age group because the emphasis is on individual player development by maximizing the amount of touches each player gets on a ball. Recreational competition begins at the Under 9 age group.
• All players are required to have an STSA jersey, shin guards, and soccer socks. The jersey can be purchased at the STSA store.

STSA STORE

The store will be open prior to the start of the season. Store hours are Monday –Friday from 5-7pm. Cleats are not necessary but encouraged, however sneakers or a good athletic shoes may be worn.

 

SAFETY
Jewelry must be removed before any player is allowed to train or compete. There are no exceptions to this policy, as required by the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association.

 

PICTURES

Hicks Studio is our partner that provides individual & team soccer pictures for STSA. Dates and package info will be given to the coaches or team parent.

 

WEATHER

• Please check the STSA website for the weather policy. Even though no one likes to play in the rain, games still take place unless there is lightning.
• Make up games due to weather are not common, however, exceptions may be made if you contact your coordinator and both teams agree.
• Remember to dress your child for the weather. Since the complex is so wide open, it’s always a bit cooler here than at home. Hats and gloves are ok. Sweatshirts and long pants are good too!
• Please do not forget a water bottle.

NUTRITION

A proper eating program is just as important to an athlete’s success as is a training program. Athletes are like finely tuned cars that require high quality fuel to achieve optimal performance. Please consider the following year round nutritional principles to help your athlete:

Stay hydrated. Your body is more than 50% water and your muscles depend on water to function properly.

• Fuel up before training. Focus on eating lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables and whole grains to ensure that your body is prepared for training. Eat a meal 3 to 4 hours or a snack 1 to 2 hours before a game.
• Eat to recover. Choose carbohydrate rich foods with some protein within 30 to 60 minutes of finishing a training session or game to help your body recover faster. Whole grains including bread, pasta, rice and potatoes, fruits and low fat milk and yogurt are good choices after training sessions or games.
• For more sports nutritional information, please visit our friends at United States Youth Soccer Association. http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/assets/1/15/Athlete%20eating%20guidelines.pdf

BOARD MEMBERS ARE PRESENT

Whenever recreational games are held at the complex, there will be one or two Board Members here. Board members will be visible by wearing GREEN SHIRTS or JACKETS. Please seek us out if you have questions, concerns, or comments. We are here to help make the soccer experience fun and enjoyable for everyone. We hope this information proves helpful! Please feel free to contact us with questions.

Please contact your coordinator with questions. Their contact information can be found at www.saginawsoccer.org. www.stsa.club

 

COACH/ PARENT HELPERS

Interested in coaching? STSA is always looking for volunteers who are willing to coach or provide assistance to the coach. At this age level the concentration is on the individual player development and getting players comfortable with the ball.
 

If coaches are in need of ideas, we are happy to help you find activities specifically designed for your age group.
If interested in coaching, please contact our recreation director, Donny McCloskey, at donnymccloskey1@gmail.com