Big Kickers is a recreational program with emphasis on development of individual skills, field position and the rules of the game. Separate divisions for boys and girls. Practices are held during the week and games are played on Saturdays. U7 games are two 20-minute halves held on reduced size fields with 4 players per team and no goalkeeper. U8 games are two 25-minute halves with 4 per team and no goalkeeper. Both U7 and U8 use a size 4 ball.

Basic skills and concepts learned during Big Kickers:

· Proper kicking technique

· Dribbling versus kicking

· Shooting (Far/Near Post)

· Passing vs. Kick-and-chase

· Getting open and marking a man

· Moving without the ball

· Start talking: I'm open!

· Win the ball

· How to pivot and turn

· First Defender: The player closest to ball must challenge or block

· Pass to space

Get to know rules about:

· Throw-ins: keep feet on ground and hands above head

· Corner kicks and goal kicks

· Fouls: cannot kick, trip, push or hold opponent

Hand-balls: no using shoulders to fingers on purpose