JUNIOR SHARKS
JUNIOR SHARKS birth years 2020 (U4) through 2016 (U8)
JUNIOR SHARKS runs Sunday, April 21 to Sunday, June 2, 2024.
Session runs for six weeks, and two rain dates are built in for Sundays June 9 and 16.
(Sessions for Junior Sharks are not held on Memorial Day Weekend.)
SPRING 2024 JUNIOR SHARKS
U8 (Birth year 2016)
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 8-9 a.m.
1x a week in-house league games Mondays 5 pm to 6 pm starting Monday, April 22.
U7 (Birth year 2017)
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 9:15-10:15 a.m.
U6 (Birth year 2018)
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 10:30-11:15 a.m.
U5 (Birth year 2019)
U4 (Birth year 2020)
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 11:30 to 12:15 p.m.
U4, U5 & U6 Fee: $90
U4 & U5 Sundays 11:30 to 12:15 p.m.
U6 Sundays 10:30-11:15 a.m.
U7 Fee: $90
Sundays 9:15-10:15 a.m
U8 Fee: $130
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 8-9 a.m.
1x a week in-house league games with referee, Mondays 5:00 to 6:00 p.m
What Do We Need To Know?
All Junior Sharks programming is held at Taugwonk Field, Stonington, by exit 91.
Junior Sharks shirts will be provided on the first day for those players that need a new one; Volunteer parents will hand out shirts on the first day.
Junior Sharks should wear shin guards, cleats and wear comfortable athletic clothing with layers appropriate for the weather and bring their own labeled water bottle. Cleats are recommended for all Junior Sharks, but if your child is just testing the waters for their first soccer experience, you are welcome to start them in sneakers.
There are some cleats available through SSC, email us if you would like to try on a pair before Junior Sharks begins.
Balls will be provided for use at training sessions, but if your Junior Shark would like a soccer ball for practicing at home, a size three ball is appropriate. Participants do not need to bring a ball to Junior Sharks.
Please note:
Cancellations due to weather will be announced by Stonington Soccer Club via email and, when possible, also posted to SSC Instagram and Facebook.
Heavy rain the day before could close our grass fields even on a sunny day, please be in the habit of checking email before coming!
Portable bathroom facilities are available at Taugwonk Field.
NO DOGS AT TAUGWONK FIELD
Please note, while we love your dogs and ours, no dogs are permitted at Taugwonk Field, even leashed and even in the parking lot. This is a policy of Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA), and our ability to insure our soccer club is related to strict adherence to this policy. There can be no exceptions to pet dogs at Taugwonk Field.
Thank you for leaving your pup at home.
We can't wait to see you on the field!
SSC Board of Directors
What will my Junior Shark be doing for soccer and physical development?
Take a look at the recommended guidelines from US Soccer.
U4, U5 & U6: Me & My Ball
Training sessions for this age group are 1x a week for 45 minutes, as recommended by US Soccer.
At the first stage in the Junior Sharks program, the focus is on the individual player to use his/her imagination to become creators and inventors.
Consequently, fun activities are the primary focus as we introduce the ABCs (Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed). No attention will be placed on tactics, team shape or positions at this age. Small-sided games will never exceed the 3v3 format. SSC wants all players to love the game, and we begin with the foundations of soccer skills in this creative, play-based format as appropriate for their young ages.
U7 & U8: Me & My Teammates (U7 & U8)
During this second stage in the Junior Sharks program, training sessions will add some complexity and introduce activities in pairs or small groups to promote communication, cooperation and teamwork. ABCs work will be similar to Stage I, but will include more advanced agility, eye-foot and eye-hand coordination activities.
Attention will be given to team principles of 4v4. The primary focus will be to teach the proper attacking and defending principles of play, both individually and with teammates.The attacking principles include penetration, width, support, off-the-ball movement and finishing. Defending principles include pressure, cover and team shape.