Micro Soccer

Creating Enthusiasm and Excitement for Your Soccer Program

by Ginny Bateman and Trish Maroo

"Micro Soccer is the best thing the park district soccer program has ever done!" This is only a sample of the enthusiasm and excitement that Micro Soccer can create for your soccer program. Whether it's the first season or the fifteenth, your soccer players and their parents will thank you.

When Micro Soccer was presented to the Oswegoland Park District staff by a local soccer supporter, we were interested but skeptical. People find change difficult, but it made so much sense that we decided to go with it. Though we had a few complaints initially, even the toughest critics were enthusiastic after the first game.

Micro Soccer is for six-, seven- and eight-year olds. Our program offers it for six- and seven-year-olds, with a modified version for eight-year-olds. There are three players from each team on the field. One player acts as goalie, a position that is rotated each time players are substituted.

Substitutions occur every three to four minutes. A new group of three players from each team comes on the field. For us the looseness of three or four minutes caused problems, so we now have Kindergarten teams substitute every three minutes and first grade teams every four minutes. Because there are only six players on the field, everyone plays. Even dandelion pickers are transformed into interested, fun-seeking children, eager to kick the ball.

Their basic skill levels develop when they are allowed to play. Since the players spend more time kicking and passing without worry of positions, lactic and rules, they learn the correct form of kicking. This leads to an increase in strength and accuracy. After they have mastered the individual skills, they begin work on team skills such as passing. As Bobby Howe, author of Coaching 6, 7, And 8 Year Olds: Incorporating Micro Soccer, says, "The game is the great teacher." The recommended field size is 20 x 30 feet. divided laterally with two lines, six yards from each end. The goalie is allowed to use his hands behind these "six-yard lines" which extend the entire length of the field. The goal consists of two five-foot flags, nine feet apart.

Basic soccer skills are developed through Micro Soccer aseach childisgiven the opportunity to play in three- or four- minute intervals.

Aside from initial resistance from parents, our other consideration was that we would need more coaches. With only three children on the field and a roster of approximately ten players, more volunteers were needed. Because of the simplicity of the game, it was easy to convince parents that even with little or no experience, they would do fine. Even though there are fewer rules, there are some that are important to communicate to the coaches and players. Since things don't always go as you might plan, an open and flexible attitude is always helpful on the part of the staff and volunteers.

As you become familiar with the game, you will be able to adapt the concepts to fit your program. We went with a 25-by-35-foot field, rather than the recommended 20 x 30 feet. As the seasons advance, we are developing a progression based on our enrollment, available volunteers, and how our players are improving. Second grade boys play 4 vs. 4. and our girls' program has its own progression.

You can't get the full effect of how the players enjoy Micro Soccer without watching a game. As you watch, you notice that all the players on the field are moving, the players on the sidelines are cheering their teammates, and the parents are encouraging both teams.

If you would like a packet of information, contact the Oswegoland Park District, 5 Ashlawn Avenue, Montgomery, IL 60538, (708) 896-2016.

About the Authors

Ginny Bateman is the Director of Leisure Services at the Oswegoland Park District. Trish Maroo is the Soccer Coordinator for the Oswegoland Park District and a senior at Aurora University, majoring in Therapeutic Recreation and Program Management.

Illinois Parks and Recreation

20

May/June 1993