When determining the age group for a season, the year the season ends should be used for determining the birth year. Also note that the format "U followed by age" really means that age and younger. For example, U8 should be read as 8 and younger. View U.S. Soccer's Birth Year and Season Matrix here.
U6
The 6 and Under (U6) division introduces children to the game of soccer through age appropriate games and activities. The players are introduced to the ideas of dribbling and game play. The sessions will be run by QuickSkills team members. The QuickSkills organization provides age appropriate training in a fun atmosphere. Players will need a size 3 ball, soccer shoes, shin guards and should bring water to each session. Jerseys will be provided before the start of the season.
Goals of the U6 Division
- Teach fair play and sportsmanship
- Teach field boundaries and general rules
- Teach individual skills related to dribbling and shooting the ball
Practices and Games
- Wednesday night practice
- Saturday morning practice/game sessions
U8
The 8 and Under (U8) Division continues to introduce and reinforce the basics of the game. It provides a fundamental understanding of the rules and creates a team environment that fosters player development and fun. Boys and girls have separate teams and do not play against each other at this level. Players will have two (2) practice per week. One session will focus on skills development and run by QuickSkills coaches. The second session will be a team practice run by volunteer parent coaches. Each coach is required to attend grassroots and club level training sessions. Locations and times of practices vary depending on field availability. Players will also have 1 game per week. The location and times vary depending on field availability. Players will need a size 3 ball, soccer shoes, shin guards and should bring water to each session. Jerseys and socks will be provided before the start of the season.
Goals of the U8 Division
- Teach fair play and sportsmanship
- Teach field boundaries and general rules
- Teach skills related to proper kicking techniques
- Teach individual skills related to dribbling and shooting the ball
Practices and Games
- 2 practices per week; one with team coaches and one with QuickSkills coaches
- 1 game Saturday mornings
U9/10
The U9/10 Division begins to introduce the concepts of strategy, additional skills and team work. This age group also introduces two competitive levels. The community programs has less competitive environment where players can continue to hone and improve skills. Games will be within a 30 minute radius of the North Hills. Games will take place on Saturdays. The travel program provides a competitive level of play for players. Games travels will be within a 1 hour radius of the North Hills. Games will be on Sunday afternoons. Players will need a size 4 ball, soccer shoes, shin guards and should bring water to each session. Jerseys and socks will be provided before the start of the season.
Goals of the U9/U10 Division
- Teach fair play and sportsmanship
- Teach field boundaries and general rules
- Teach skills related to proper kicking techniques
- Teach individual skills related to dribbling and shooting the ball
- Teach ball trapping skills from passes to bouncing balls
- Teach ball distribution from short to long passes
- Teach anticipation in players to be productive on offense and defense
- Teach offensive and defensive positioning and tactics
Practices and Games
- 2 practices per week
- 1 game Saturday or Sunday
TRAVEL
Travel is competitive soccer played against teams from other communities. Travel requires a higher level of commitment in time, effort, training and competition.The North Hills Soccer Club's Travel Division's goal is to develop all of the players on a team while competing at a high level.