Recreational Program
Our Recreation Program involves children ages four to nineteen with instructional lessons and practices once or twice a week. This is an encouraging family oriented experience with emphasis on fun and enjoyment. Legion FC’s Recreation Program is built around the concept of "Just for fun!". The league is a progressive program starting with the Under 5 (U5) and progressing up to our High School Development League. Practices will be at the Legion FC Perry location and games will be played at the Legion FC home location. We encourage attending your parent meeting(s) where questions can be answered. see the Parents Information webpage for more parent meeting information.
BReakdown
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The recreation program introduces both the players and families to soccer and attempts to achieve the following goals for each player
1. Self Confidence
- Demonstrate and reinforce individual abilities
- Encourage participation
- Demonstrate value as player and member of a team
2. Demonstrate the value of working as a team
- Earning the team’s trust and confidence
- Trusting individual and team member’s abilities
- Helping each other helps the team
3. Skills of Game
- Fundamentals: Passing, Dribbling, Shooting, Throw-ins
- Tactical application of fundamentals:
- Thinking: learn to watch games, know when to dribble, pass, or shoot
- Work together to maintain control of ball
4. Strategies:
- Playing positions
- Moving the ball up the field
- Situational Strategies: Know where to be and what to do during Kickoffs, corner kicks, penalty shots, etc.
U5/U6 (Co-Ed) – 4v4
Provide players the opportunity to touch the ball as much as possible. This is a fun atmosphere with the beginning of team dynamics. There is a 10-week curriculum that is not only enjoyable for the children but makes coaching easy even for the novice parent coach. There are also assignments for the parents to take home to continue development at home. Practices are held once a week for 45 minutes to an hour (coaches discretion based on player stamina). There will be 7-10 games played against other teams within Legion FC.
U7/U8 (Co-ed) - 5v5
Provide players the opportunity to touch the ball as much as possible. Players are introduced to field positions and the development of team play. Playing to win is introduced, however individual participation and team spirit is the goal. Practices are held once a week for a minimum of 1 hr. The coach and parents may wish to opt for a second practice as they see fit. There will be 7-10 games played against other teams within Legion FC
U10 Through U12
U10 - 7v7; U12 - 9v9
For those players that do not wish to advance to the Academy or Select Divisions, this is a more relaxed and fun atmosphere for youth players. Players are introduced to a higher level of competitiveness. Age-appropriate tactics and strategies are introduced. Individual participation and team spirit is stressed, working as a team to win the game is the goal. Practices are held twice a week for 90 minutes. There are 7-10 games scheduled each season.
U13 Through U19 - High School Development League (HSDL)
*NEW* - 7v7 Format
Legion FC's new High School Development League (HSDL) is a transformative program shifting from the traditional 11v11 recreational teams to a 7v7 format, leveraging a 9v9 field to enhance technical skills and tactical understanding. The HSDL will serve as a bridge between recreational play and high school competition, offering a focused curriculum that addresses the developmental needs of players aged U13-U18. For more information check out our HSDL page!
COACHING & MANAGING
Coaching and managing are provided by team parents willing to volunteer and invest their time in the area’s youth and are supported by the professional coaching staff of Legion FC. Our Volunteer Coaches are highly valued contributors to our Rec program as there would be no season without their support. Legion FC will provide our Volunteer Coaches with a 12-week practice curriculum that is easy to follow and manage throughout the season. Volunteer Coaches will receive the gear necessary to run practice sessions such as balls, pinnies, and cones along with a registration credit for the next season! If you are interested in joining our team of Recreation Coaches, please indicate such on the registration form or contact our Rec Director at claytonmartin@legionfutbolclub.com
FAQS
Practice Days – 1 to 2 days determined by the coach and parent availability. Practices will be held at our Perry location with numerous off-campus practice locations that are available.
Games – Games will take place on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays at Legion FC. Rescheduled games may take place on Weeknights or Sundays depending on field availability and weather. Each team will play 7-10 games depending on the number of teams and weather.
Uniforms – Uniforms are ordered through WeGotSoccer and it is important that they are ordered ASAP. You may choose any jersey number and will not require a new jersey for future seasons. Order uniforms: Here
Game Day – White jerseys are Home and Black jerseys are Away. Game balls are provided by the Home team. Only players and coaches are allowed on the sideline and parents will sit on the sideline opposite of the benches.
U5/U6 – No refs, coaches from both teams manage the games. There are no throw-ins, but kick-ins. No goal keepers, no heading the ball, no slide tackling, and no offsides. 4v4, size 3 ball, four (4) 10-minute quarters with 5-minute breaks.
U7/U8 – One ref, no slide tackling, no punting, no heading the ball, and no offsides. 5v5 (4 field players and 1 goal keeper). Size 3 ball, four (4) 10–12-minute quarters with 5-minute breaks.
U10 – One ref, no punting, no heading the ball, and offsides played behind the buildout line. 7v7 (6 field players and 1 goal keeper). Size 4 ball, (2) 25-minute halves with 5-minute halftime.
U12 – One ref or one center ref and two ARs depending on availability. Normal rules applied (headers, offsides called at the midline, punting). 9v9 (8 field players and 1 goal keeper). Size 4 ball, (2) 30-minute halves with a 5-minute halftime.
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