TRAINING AND MITES DIVISION PHILOSOPHY

Training Division (U7) Philosophy

The Training Division emphasizes the development of basic soccer technique and skills
through age-appropriate and enjoyable games and short-sided scrimmages. The primary
objectives are to have fun, to learn basic technique and skills, to learn to enjoy soccer as a
team sport, and to encourage continued participation in soccer, as the child grows older.
Weekly practices usually include short-sided scrimmages, and games are played on
weekends in Fall and Spring. The Training Division is open to children ages 6 or 7 by
December 31st. Games will be played in a 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 or format to promote skill
development in a fun environment. While a “sweeper keeper” can be used, true
goalkeepers are discouraged because it creates a static playing environment.

Mites Division (U9) Philosophy

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.

The Mites play a Fall and Spring schedule, with games usually on Saturday or Sunday.
Children 8 or 9 year old by December 31st compete in both seasons. Games are 5 v. 5 or
6 v 6 with referees, but offsides is not called, and penalty kicks are not allowed.
Mites Division coaches generally structure weekly practices to accommodate for the
short attention span of the children. Five to six minute drills or scrimmages allow the 60-
90 minute practice sessions to move quickly. Having the children standing in lines
waiting to shoot or dribble through cones can be a formula for disaster for the average
eight year old. There is a responsibility on the part of the coaches to be sure that all
children are involved in the practice. Scrimmages are a good way to emphasize
teamwork, positional play, and for keeping the practice fun, after technique and skills are
introduced and practiced. On game days, it is important for the head coach to arrive early.
As children arrive, they should pass the ball back and forth and warm up until the entire
team arrives. The philosophy of the Mites is that every child must play two uninterrupted
quarters as opposed to subbing in an out during each of the quarters.

The object of the game is to have fun, and, if possible, display the skills that have been
worked on during the week. The parents on the sidelines, however, may bring a more
specific desire for victory to the game. It is the coach's responsibility to keep the parents
informed about the division's philosophies. The Mites Division emphasis is not on
winning or losing, but on the development of team play, good sportsmanship and the
introduction of the basic skills of soccer to the children.

Why small-sided soccer for the Training and Mites Divisions?

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.