1st Grade

After a very successful introduction last year, Mass Premier Soccer (MPS) will coach the NGS first grade program again for Fall 2005.

There will be three (3) sessions each Saturday and we ask that all girls attend the session they have registered for.

Session Times:

8:30AM -	9:45AM	First Session
10:00AM -	11:15AM	Second Session
11:30AM -	12:45PM	Third Session

Soccer Season for NGS Intramural Program:

September 10, 2005	Season Begins (Parent Meeting at 1st session)
November 12, 2005	Last Week of NGS Intramural Soccer
Note: Games are played on Saturday October 8, 2005 (Columbus Day Weekend)

Newton Girls Soccer Grade 1 Program Fall 2005
(Sessions at 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30 – all 1hr. 15 min. ea.)

First Portion: 45 Minute Coaching Clinic

Run by Mass Premier Soccer Academy (MPS) Coaches
Weeks 1 – 4 dribbling
Weeks 5 – 7 Passing
Week 8 – Shooting (passing to a goal)
Week 9 – Fun races
Primary focus of each coaching session is FUN.
Secondary focus is EDUCATION – introduction to the basic technical requirements of soccer: dribbling and passing. High # of touches on the ball throughout.
Most important factor however is that the girls are SAFE**.

Second Portion: 30 Minute Scrimmage

Run by NGS Team Coaches – supervised by Mass Premier Soccer Academy Coaches.
3 v 3 format - ensures lots of touches on the ball for all players.
20 by 30 yard field marked clearly with cones (set up by the MPS Coaches).
Parents have key role – spread around field to help keep ball in play.
Rules:
- when ball goes out no throw-ins - ball can be passed or dribbled into play.
- no goalkeepers so no one uses their hands.
- all communication from coaches and parents to players must be encouraging and positive.
- no positions – i.e. no offense and defense.
- Substitute players must sit at side of field, not behind the goal – encourage them to watch and cheer their teammates.
- No team coaches on the field during play.

Key Reminders:

For rainouts, contact the fields hotline (617-928-6061) after 7 AM.
Please be prompt – late arrivals are hard on everyone, including the child
Shin guards – all girls MUST have shin guards – no shin guards = no play.
Snacks – Parent Coaches organize weekly post-game snacks (i.e. fruit)
Water bottles – each girl should bring a sports water bottle to practice

**NGS Safety Policy: No jewelry of any kind may be worn during play--no bracelets, necklaces, earrings or rings. Players may not wear beads, barrettes or other hard/sharp items. Newly pierced ears may not be taped. Players may not participate with casts or splints of any kind. Shin guards must be worn and be completely covered by socks at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS!

During the Spring of 2005, NGS initiated a new parent and coach education program, the "Teach Your Child to Play Soccer" program. This program is designed to benefit both the casually interested parent and the present or future parent-coach. The program is held over a five-week period during the first half of your daughter's Saturday morning practice session. While she is actively involved in learning new soccer skills, you will be able to learn, from a state-licensed instructor, how to teach young soccer players the basics of the game. Attend all of the sessions and you will acquire your G level coaching license, required to coach in the NGS 2nd grade program. More information will be available prior to the Spring season.