Fall & Spring Recreational Divisions

U5 / U6– The purpose of U5/U6 soccer (Micro-soccer) is to emphasize introduction to soccer. The children will be introduced to kicking, dribbling, and basic foot skills. Most importantly, they will learn to be part of a team. This is a fun and learning time for the children. These players will only need shin guards and soccer socks to play. The level of commitment by a coach is very limited (about an hour a week for 6 weeks). This level of soccer includes:

• Season length – approximately 6 weeks, starting in September for fall and April for spring.

• 8 to 9 players on a team and they play 3 or 4 to a side with a dual field playing format on a much small field.

• Practice/games will be held on Saturdays about ½ hour before their weekly game

• Four (4) equal eight (8) minute quarters, plus a short break between the quarters.

• No referees, no scoring, and no goalie is used. This is commonly referred to as "bunch ball" or "The Swarm"

• One of the highlights are the "Treats" at the end of the game

U8 – The U8 division starts to emphasis on skill development. Coaches can use lesson plans on this website to develop fun soccer training sessions. Generally a team will have about 2 training sessions and a game per week. The level of commitment is still rather low (about 3 hours per week for the 8 week season). Even, "I've never played soccer before" parents CAN coach at this level, esp. with help from our website! This level of soccer includes:

• Season length – approximately 7-8 weeks, starting in September for fall and April for spring.

• 8 to 9 players on a team that play 4 v 4

• Practices will be held once or twice per week at a location selected by the coach

• Games can be on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays or Saturdays. The games are Four (4) equal twelve (12) minute quarters, plus a two (2) minute break between quarters and a five (5) minute half time.

• No referees, no scoring, no goalie is used.

• No slide tackling will be permitted and the "Laws of the Game" are introduced

• "Treats" are still looked at as a good thing here!

U10 – The U10 division is for kids who want to continue to play the game at a higher level and coaching can continue to focus on the fundamentals of passing, receiving, dribbling, etc. The level of commitment and time requirements increases at this level but generally still run about 3 to 4 hours per week. Coaches at this level can still use this website for assistance. This soccer level includes:

• Season length – approximately 7 to 8 weeks, starting in September for fall and April for spring.

• Teams have about 10 – 11 players who play 6 v 6 with a goalkeeper.

• Practices can be held once to twice a week

• Games are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and are Two (2) equal halves of twenty-five (25) minutes, plus a five (5) minute break half time.

• Referees are usually introduced at this level, score is kept (if refs are available) and goalies are used.

• No slide tackling will be permitted and the "Laws of the Game" are more strictly adhered to with room for "on field teaching"

• At this level Challenge Soccer is offered for those interested

U12 – This is just a continuation of athletes who want to keep playing soccer. The coaching commitment continues to be about the same but 2 – 3 trainings per week and a game is normal. The games now consist of two (2) – 30 minutes halves and a halftime. Referees are used and traditional "Laws of the Game" apply.

• There is a challenge level for U12's as well and it is a true 'Try-out' process. Check the website under "Challenge" for information.

U14-U16/19 – These divisions can be separated into boy / girl teams or at the upper ages can be co-ed. The recreational teams really are out there for fun and exercise. This is not highly competitive but games are still supposed to be fun. The U14's play two 35 minute halves and U16/19's play two 40 minute halves. Referees and Assistant Referees are used on the full-size field and all Laws of the Game are enforced.

Soccer Rapid City Field Layout

Sioux Park #1 and #2 Noordermeer
Only Soccer Rapid City Scheduled events - NO PRACTICES

Omaha
Only Soccer Rapid City Scheduled events - NO PRACTICES

Campbell
Only Soccer Rapid City Scheduled events - NO PRACTICES

Polo
First come first Serve Practice for any Soccer Rapid City team Please make sure you only take the space you need and try to help other teams.

Fairmont
Can be used for Practices, if a Scheduled game shows up you MUST move

Minnesota
Western ½ Rushmore Soccer Club Scheduled Training Area - Scheduled times ONLY!! Eastern ½ Can be used for Practices, if a Scheduled game shows up you MUST move

Star of the West Complex "Upper and Lower"
Can be used for Practices, if a Scheduled game shows up you MUST move

Soccer Rapid City does not control any of the Rapid City area School locations. Please make sure you contact each school for their rules, locations, and times available to practice.