JUNIOR SHARKS
JUNIOR SHARKS is for ages U4 through U8, and runs for six weeks in fall and six weeks in spring with two rain dates built in. Sessions are on Sunday mornings by age group.
To register for the next session, go to the registration button on the top right.
Classes are held at Taugwonk Field in Stonington.
U8 (Birth year 2017)
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 8-9 a.m.
1x a week in-house league games Mondays 4:45 pm to 5:45 pm
U7 (Birth year 2018)
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 9:15-10:15 a.m.
U6 (Birth year 2019)
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 10:30-11:15 a.m.
U5 (Birth year 2020)
U4 (Birth year (2021)
1x a week (technical training) Sundays 11:30 to 12:15 p.m. Field will be split by age group.
(Sessions for Junior Sharks are not held on Memorial Day Weekend in May or on Columbus/Indigenous People's Day Weekend in October)
Helpful Information
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 at [email protected] 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 or other interruptions to regularly planned sessions will be announced to your age group via the GAME CHANGER app. Please download the app and you will receive an invitation to a "team" once your registration is processed.
Heavy rain the day before could close our grass fields even on a sunny day, please be in the habit of checking your GameChanger notifications before coming!
Portable bathroom facilities are available at Taugwonk Field.
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 up to 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.