Thursday, August 31, 2017

2017 Fall Schedule


All U9 Games this fall will run from 12:00 - 1:45.  All games are at the track field at Pine Banks park.


DateTimeFieldStreet SideParkinglot Side
Sunday 9/10/201712:00Field 1&2BarcelonaBayern Munich
Week 1Field 3&4ChelseaLiverpool
Field 5&6ArsenalReal Madrid
Sunday 9/17/201712:00Field 1&2Bayern MunichArsenal
Week 2Field 3&4ChelseaBarcelona
Field 5&6Real MadridLiverpool
Sunday 9/24/201712:00Field 1&2ArsenalChelsea
Week 3Field 3&4Real MadridBayern Munich
Field 5&6BarcelonaLiverpool
Sunday 10/1/201712:00Field 1&2Real MadridBarcelona
Week 4Field 3&4Bayern MunichChelsea
Field 5&6LiverpoolArsenal
Sunday 10/8/201712:00Field 1&2BarcelonaArsenal
Week 5Field 3&4ChelseaReal Madrid
Field 5&6LiverpoolBayern Munich
Sunday 10/15/201712:00Field 1&2ChelseaArsenal
Week 6Field 3&4Bayern MunichReal Madrid
Field 5&6LiverpoolBarcelona
Sunday 10/22/201712:00Field 1&2LiverpoolChelsea
Week 7Field 3&4Real MadridArsenal
Field 5&6Bayern MunichBarcelona
Sunday 10/29/201712:00Field 1&2ChelseaReal Madrid
Week 8Field 3&4BarcelonaArsenal
Field 5&6LiverpoolBayern Munich
Sunday 11/5/201712:00Field 1&2LiverpoolArsenal
Week 9Field 3&4Real MadridBarcelona
Field 5&6Bayern MunichChelsea





Welcome to 2017 Fall Soccer

Dear U9 Parents,

Welcome back to fall soccer.  I hope you all had an excellent summer break and that you're ready to resume with reality.

The fall season starts on September 10.  We will run for 9 weeks, with our last game being November 5.  We will play on Columbus day this year.

Teams are being setup and finalized now.   You should get an email welcoming your child to her or his new team by Tuesday, September 5.  If you don't get it by then, contact the league, as you may not be registered properly.

We still have spots available, but there will be a strict limit on the number of players accepted and remaining kids will be wait listed.  If you have not registered yet, you should do it asap.  If you know somebody who would like to play, please let them know that they need to register now.

You can register here:
http://www.maldenyouthsoccer.org/register.html


The Season

We will have an 9 game season this Fall and all U9 games will be on Sunday mornings from 12:00 to 1:45 each week.

Each session will start with a 40 minute skills/drills session and finish with 60 minute scrimmage/game, with a 5 minute break between practice and scrimmage.

The Blog

This Blog will be the primary source of information for schedules, cancellations, etc.

http://maldenu9soccer.blogspot.com/

Cancellations due to weather will be posted to the blog... please check it within an hour of the start time on game-day morning.  If you do not have access to the internet on Sunday mornings, please let me know.

What you need

  1. If you already have the correct uniform color, please use it.  If not, the league will supply a shirt, shorts and socks on the first day
  2. Appropriate shoes.  We'll play on real grass, cleats are recommended (but are not required)
  3. Shin pads are required.  Your child may be excluded from the game if this important piece of safety equipment is not used.
  4. Players must come to the session with their own size 4 ball with the players name on it
  5. Long pants and long sleeved shirts may be worn under the team uniform if desired
  6. Water - for frequent breaks
  7. A snack for between the practice and game may be desired
  8. Players must not wear any jewelry (earrings, watches, etc.) during the practice or game
  9. Parents must remain at the field with their children during the entire session 

Our Philosophy

At the U9 level we continue focusing on basic skills, and begin incorporating more of the basic rules into the experience.

Our primary focus remains providing a fun and healthy environment for the kids to discover their emerging soccer skills.  We do not focus on winning.  We don't keep official score, celebrate wins, or mourn losses.  We strive for every player to get equal playing time, and try to keep the number of players on the field small in order to maximize opportunities to play.  We reward skillful play, good attitudes and sportsmanship.

Adults, please try to keep this in mind.  If you see a player on a team opposing your child's team, and that player is exceptionally good...  please try to celebrate that skill as opposed to trying to suppress it.  All players develop at different rates, and at this age, some kids really stand out.  This is a good thing, try to not take offense by it.

Here are some additional notes about the U9 format:
  1. For this outdoor session we will play 6v6 including a goalie.  We will use the bigger nets. Coaches may decide to change the structure as needed for a fun and fulfilling game depending on attendance.
  2. Coaches may decide to balance teams at game time if there is a need to equalize the number of players on each team.
  3. Substitutions should be made when play stops and should occur approximately every 5 - 10 minutes
  4. We will play with throw-ins, goalie kicks and corner kicks.
  5. The game will start with a kick-off at the center, as will the second half of the game
  6. After each goal, the team scored upon will start again by kicking-off at center.  A successful kick-off means that the ball needs to roll 1 revolution forward and be touched by another player
  7. Hand balls result in an INDIRECT kick to the opposing side
  8. No slide-tackling allowed, results in an INDIRECT kick to the opposing side
  9. No pushing with the arms or hands allowed, results in an INDIRECT kick to the opposing side
  10. No tripping from behind allowed, results in an INDIRECT kick to the opposing side
  11. No checking with hips allowed, results in an INDIRECT kick to opposing side
  12. No off-sides called
  13. The coaches may decide to break for half-time

Basic Rules for Parents

  1. Players must play within their designated age group.
  2. Players must play on the team they have been assigned to.  Requests for specific teams will be honored if availability permits.  Requests made close to the start of the season are often hard or impossible to accomodate for.
  3. At least one adult supervisor must stay during the entire session and is responsible for watching kids if they wander away from play
  4. Parent involvement is appreciated and encouraged when appropriate but please try not to interfere with the session
  5. Due to insurance rules players who are not registered with the league cannot play
  6. Players must not wear jewelry such as earrings, watches, necklaces, etc.  

Pine Banks Field

All games will be played at Pine Banks Field.  We will use the field inside the track with natural grass turf, at the corner of Main St. and Sylvan St.



Wednesday, May 31, 2017

2 weeks left in Spring Soccer - Lots of fun remaining

Hi All,

There are 2 Soccer Sundays left in the U9 season.  This week, June 4, and June 11.

We have some important announcements for you!

Annual Banquet is Monday, June 12

The annual U9 & U7 banquet will be Monday, June 12.  It will be at Anthony's in Malden at 105 Canal St 105 Canal St.  The doors will open at 5:30 and buffet dinner will be served at 6:00.

The cost of the banquet is...
  • U9 Players are free - But must be accompanied by a paid adult
  • U9 Coaches who are officially on the roster are free
  • Adults are $15 at the door (or $12 if purchased ahead of time)
  • Siblings are $12 at the door (or $10 if purchased ahead of time)
  • Children under 2 are free
Advanced discounted tickets will be available for purchase at this weekend's game

Players will receive custom-named trophies, and there will be a small award ceremony and some photo opportunities.

Considerations for next year

Spring is the end of our annual year.  We do not have a summer session.  The 2017 / 2018 year begins in the fall.  Fall is the season when players who reach the right age move up to the next division.

The move from U9 to U10 is an important consideration.  U10 is a travel league, where the teams play against other similar teams within Middlesex County.  Players are placed on teams according to their ability.  U10 games are mainly played on Saturdays, and there are normally 2 team practices during the week.

Children who are going into 4th grade must move to U10.  3rd graders may stay in U9 or move to U10 depending ability and desire for the added competition and playing time.  2nd graders may consider moving to U10, but there are limited spots available for 2nd graders.  This is typically something that stronger players choose.

You can register here (there is an early registration discount this year):  http://www.maldenyouthsoccer.org/register.html

U10 Placements

U10 Placements will be held on June 12 at 2:00-3:30, immediately following our final U9 soccer day.  at 3:30.  If you are playing in U10, or would like to receive an opinion about what to do, you should attend this placement day.  All eligible players who want to play U10 will be placed on a team.

Feedback

I would love to hear your feedback from this season.  How are we doing?  What can we do better.  Respond to any of my emails!

Doug Danoff
U9 Coordinator

Friday, May 12, 2017

Soccer cancelled this week... May 14

Due to the forecasted Nor'easter this weekend, we will cancel soccer early.

Happy Mother's Day!

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Sunday 4/30

Please remember to bring your filled-out cash calendars today, along with payment.  I will have a table to collect them.

The UpTeams are playing at Pine Banks, 10:30 today...  same as prior weeks.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Important dates for the Spring Season

We have some important announcements for the rest of the Spring Season.  Please mark your calendars.

Cash Calendars Due this Sunday (4/30)

The cash calendars your coaches passed out on the first day are due this Sunday.  This is an important fund raiser for our organization, and allows us to keep the registration costs down.  Each player is required to sell 3 tickets for $10 a piece.  Each ticket is entered to a raffle for every day in May.  Drawings begin on Monday.  Tickets are due on Sunday.  We will have a table setup on Sunday at Pine Banks.  Please bring your tickets and your payments!  If you do not have tickets, we will have some at the field.

Picture day Next Week (5/6)

Our Picture Day will be next Sunday (5/6).  Photos will be taken by https://www.glossyfinish.com/.  We will distribute order forms this Sunday.  You will need to fill these out and provide payment during the picture day photos.

Annual Banquet will be in Mid-June

We will be holding our annual banquet in Mid-June.  The date will be announced shortly.

MYSA Annual General Meeting (AGM) (5/18):

Malden Youth Soccer's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Thursday May 18 at 8:00 PM at 4 Laurel Street.  We will accept nominations and elect board members for the 2017-2018 year and make any policy or constitutional changes.  There will be several important positions to fill.  Please contact your coordinator if you are interested in helping.

Let us know how things are going

I hope you are having a good season.  I would love to hear how things are going.  Send me an email to share your thoughts.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Spring 2017 U9 Schedule

Below is the schedule for Spring U9 Soccer.

Please be aware:

All of the regular teams (Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid) always play from 12:00 to 1:30 at Pine Banks Park.

The 2 UpTeams (Benfica and Arsenal) may change location from week to week.  The exact times will be announced shortly.  Be sure to check the blog every week for time and location.  Most games will occur between at 10:30 and 12:00 and will either be played at Pine Banks Park or Amerage Field in Malden.

Schedule:

Since we lost a week due to weather, and will not play on Easter Sunday, we will play Memorial Day Weekend.


DateTimeFieldParkinglot SideStreet Side
Sunday 4/2/201710:30 (Early!!)Field 5&6Benfica (UP)Arsenal (UP)
Week 112:00 (Normal)Field 1&2BarcelonaBayern Munich
Field 3&4ChelseaLiverpool
Field 5&6Manchester UnitedReal Madrid
Sunday 4/9/201710:30 (Early!!)Field 5&6Arsenal (UP)Benfica (UP)
Week 212:00 (Normal)Field 1&2Bayern MunichManchester United
Field 3&4ChelseaBarcelona
Field 5&6Real MadridLiverpool
NO Soccer on Easter / Start of Spring Break
Sunday 4/23/201710:30 (Early!!)TBDBenfica (UP)Arsenal (UP)
Week 312:00 (Normal)Field 1&2Manchester UnitedChelsea
Spring Break EndsField 3&4Real MadridBayern Munich
Field 5&6BarcelonaLiverpool
Sunday 4/30/201710:30 (Early!!)TBDArsenal (UP)Benfica (UP)
Week 412:00 (Normal)Field 1&2Real MadridBarcelona
Field 3&4Bayern MunichChelsea
Field 5&6LiverpoolManchester United
Sunday 5/7/201710:30 (Early!!)TBDBenfica (UP)Arsenal (UP)
Week 512:00 (Normal)Field 1&2BarcelonaManchester United
Field 3&4ChelseaReal Madrid
Field 5&6LiverpoolBayern Munich
Sunday 5/14/201710:30 (Early!!)TBDArsenal (UP)Benfica (UP)
Week 612:00 (Normal)Field 1&2ChelseaManchester United
MOTHERS DAYField 3&4Bayern MunichReal Madrid
Field 5&6LiverpoolBarcelona
Sunday 5/21/201710:30 (Early!!)TBDBenfica (UP)Arsenal (UP)
Week 712:00 (Normal)Field 1&2LiverpoolChelsea
Field 3&4Real MadridManchester United
Field 5&6Bayern MunichBarcelona
Sunday 5/28/201710:30 (Early!!)Field 5&6Arsenal (UP)Benfica (UP)
Week 812:00 (Normal)Field 1&2ChelseaReal Madrid
Memorial DayField 3&4BarcelonaManchester United
Field 5&6LiverpoolBayern Munich
Sunday 6/4/201710:30 (Early!!)TBDBenfica (UP)Arsenal (UP)
Week 912:00 (Normal)Field 1&2LiverpoolManchester United
Field 3&4Real MadridBarcelona
Field 5&6Bayern MunichChelsea
Sunday 6/11/201710:30 (Early!!)TBDArsenal (UP)Benfica (UP)
Week 1012:00 (Normal)Field 1&2Bayern MunichManchester United
Last DayField 3&4ChelseaBarcelona
Field 5&6Real MadridLiverpool


Field Layout



Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Spring Soccer Is Here! NEW START 4/9


EDIT - Spring season start is postponed to April 9.

Spring soccer starts a bit early this year!  The first game is scheduled for this Sunday, April 9.  The season will run thru June 11.

Teams are being setup and finalized now.   You should get an email welcoming your child to her or his new team by Sunday.  If you don't get it by then, contact the league, as you may not be registered properly.

We still have spots available, but there will be a strict limit on the number of players accepted and remaining kids will be wait listed.  If you have not registered yet, you should do it asap.  If you know somebody who would like to play, please let them know that they need to register now.

You can register here:
http://www.maldenyouthsoccer.org/register.html


If you are interested in coaching, please contact me.  I still need several!

The Season

We will have a 10 game season this Spring.  All U9 games will be on Sunday mornings.

Every team will have a fixed time slot.  Most teams will play from 12:00 thru 1:45.  "UpTeams" will play mostly from 10:30 thru 12:00.

The last game will be June 11, weather permitting.

The Blog

This Blog will be the primary source of information for schedules, cancellations, etc.  Feel free to use the comments to discuss the league and let us know what we can do to improve any aspect of U9 Soccer.

https://maldenu9soccer.blogspot.com

Cancellations due to weather will be posted to the blog... please check it within an hour of the start time on game-day morning.  If you do not have access to the internet on Sunday mornings, please let me know.

Parents will need to supply...

  1. If you already have the correct uniform color, please use it.  If not, the league will supply a shirt, shorts and socks on the first day
  2. Appropriate shoes.  We'll play on real grass, cleats are recommended (but are not required)
  3. Shin pads are required.  Your child may be excluded from the game if this important piece of safety equipment is not used.
  4. Players must come to the game with their own size 4 ball with the players name on it
  5. Long pants and long sleeved shirts may be worn under the team uniform if desired
  6. Water - for frequent breaks
  7. A snack for between the practice and game may be desired
  8. Players must not wear earrings during the practice or game
  9. Parents must remain at the field with their children during the entire session 

Our Philosophy

At the U9 level we continue focusing on basic skills, and begin incorporating more of the basic rules into the experience.

Our primary focus remains providing a fun and healthy environment for the kids to discover their emerging soccer skills.  We do not focus on winning.  We don't keep official score, celebrate wins, or mourn losses.  We strive for every player to get equal playing time, and try to keep the number of players on the field small in order to maximize opportunities to play.  We reward skillful play, good attitudes and sportsmanship.

Here are some additional notes about the U9 format:
  1. For this outdoor session we will play 5v5 plus a goalie.  We will use the bigger nets. Coaches may decide to change the structure as needed for a fun and fulfilling game depending on attendance.
  2. Coaches may decide to balance teams at game time if there is a need to equalize the number of players on each team.
  3. Substitutions should be made when play stops and should occur approximately every 5 - 10 minutes
  4. We will play with throw-ins, goalie kicks and corner kicks.
  5. The game will start with a kick-off at the center, as will the second half of the game
  6. After each goal, the team scored upon will start again by kicking-off at center.  A successful kick-off means that the ball needs to roll 1 revolution forward and be touched by another player
  7. Hand balls result in an INDIRECT kick to the opposing side
  8. No slide-tackling allowed, results in an INDIRECT kick to the opposing side
  9. No pushing with the arms or hands allowed, results in an INDIRECT kick to the opposing side
  10. No tripping from behind allowed, results in an INDIRECT kick to the opposing side
  11. No checking with hips allowed, results in an INDIRECT kick to opposing side
  12. No off-sides called
  13. The coaches may decide to break for half-time

UpTeams

We are trying out a new concept this season.  We are consolidating the most skilled players in the U9 league on to 2 teams, called "Up Teams".  We have a few objectives with this change.  Foremost is to improve the experience for all players in the age group.  We aim to avoid the blowout situations that can arise, and to avoid the poor experience of teams who are not balanced to compete.  Secondly, we want to provide the emerging players some space to discover their own capabilities.  Finally, we want to provide a competitive environment for the players who have already found a high level of sill and passion for soccer.

The Up Teams will not play against the regular teams.  Instead, they will play mainly against each other and possibly some visiting teams. 

Basic Rules for Parents

  1. Players must play within their designated age group.
  2. Players must play on the team they have been assigned to.  Requests for specific teams will be honored if availability permits.  Requests made close to the start of the season are often hard or impossible to accomodate for.
  3. At least one adult supervisor must stay during the entire session and is responsible for watching kids if they wander away from play
  4. Parent involvement is appreciated and encouraged when appropriate but please try not to interfere with the session
  5. Due to insurance rules players who are not registered with the league cannot play
  6. Players must not wear jewelry such as earrings, watches, necklaces, etc.  

Pine Banks Field

All games will be played at Pine Banks Field.  We will use the field inside the track with natural grass turf, at the corner of Main St. and Sylvan St.