What is Developmental Youth Soccer?

RSL DEVELOPMENTAL SOCCER

The RSL developmental soccer program has one goal—development. The emphasis is on teaching young coed players (5 thru 8 years of age) the fundamentals of ball control, passing, receiving, defense, teamwork and most importantly having fun playing the game. The bottom line is that we strive to provide an environment where the kids have an enjoyable experience.

This year give your child the gift of a better understanding of the game, stronger skills, better teamwork and with it a greater enjoyment and love of the game. Enroll them in RSL Developmental Soccer!

RSL is a volunteer run organization. Hillary High, Director of In House Programs, will be assisting with this year's Developmental program.

Registration for our Fall session is now open!  Log into your account o create a new account and register for the 2009 Fall Developmental Program. 

Practices begin on Tuesday, September 15th, from 6-7 for the U4-U6 players and on Thursday September 17th from 6-7 for the U7-U8 players.  The first game night is Friday, September 18th from 6-7 for both age groups.  Practices are run by our licensed and skilled staff.  Game night requires some help from parents.  If you are interested in coaching your child's team, please choose this option at registrtion or e mail admin@rslflorida.com to let her know. 

The cost of the program is $135 for the 9 week sessions.  If you are new to the program and need a unfirom, the cost of this is $40 and is not included in the registration fee.  If you need a uniform, please e mail admin@rslflorida.com with your child's name, age group they are playing in and size needed.  The uniform includes, socks, shorts and two shirts.  Your child will need to have cleats, shin guards and a ball for practice and game nights. 

The Fall session runs for 9 weeks and ends on November 13th.  The Winter sessin will begin the week of November 30th and the Spring session will begin the week of March 1st.   

 

Developmental Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will There Be Practice If It Rains?
Yes. Practices and games will be held in the rain as long as there is no lightning in the area of the RSL fields. Check the web for field status!

2. Will Medals Be Awarded?
Yes – on the last day of the sessions.

3 . Can My Child Play On The Same Team with A Friend?
The only requests honored are for siblings or coaches children. Our objective in developmental soccer is to provide the best soccer training for your children in an age appropriate fun atmosphere. In order to achieve this, players are grouped so that the teams are balanced as equally as possible. The focus of the games should not be “the score”; consequently, balanced groups provide an optimal learning situation for all players to hopefully foster a love of the game of soccer.

4. What Should My Child Bring To Practices And Games? · 
    -WATER!! It is very important to keep your child well hydrated prior to and during practices and games. 
    - All players must wear shin guards & soccer cleats to practice as well as games. 
    - Bring a soccer ball to practice (please label with player’s name). 
    - On game days, each player should bring both labeled RSL jerseys.

5. What Will The Game Format Be?
All teams will play 4v4.

6. Why Are The Practice Coaches Not Coaching On Game Days?
Soccer is a player’s game – meaning players have to understand the strategy, as there are no set plays. The heavy handed coaching of other sports should not be part of the game. The players need to play and the games are for fun. Game day coaching should be limited to substitutions, encouraging use of the skills learned and general strategy. Parents are needed to be game day coaches as many of our weekday trainers are paid professionals and are not always available or affordable for weekend games. If interested in being a game day coach please let us know ASAP. You will be asked to attend a single coaching class usually held the Sunday before the start of the program.

7. Why Are Referees Present At Developmental Games?
Developmental sessions are a good place to begin to display age appropriate soccer rules and guidelines to our young players. Referees will oversee parental involvement – i.e. parents should stay on the parents sideline and coaches on the coaching sideline. Parents should not coach the children from the parent’s sideline. Parents should never yell at the children – only positive encouragement for all players is acceptable. Absolutely no abuse of the referees will be tolerated!

 8. How can I help?
VOLUNTEER! We need your help as a game day coaches, painting the field, setting up and tearing down the field on game day, or manning the concession stand, just to name a few. Look for the sign up area on the registration page.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e mail admin@rslflorida.com