1st Grade

The first grade sessions will be lead by soccer professionals from Mass Premier Soccer (MPS). There will be three (3) sessions each Saturday. Each session lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Girls will be assigned to one of the three sessions and all of her games and practices will be held at that time.

1. Session Times:
    

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

2. Soccer Season for NGS Intramural Program:
    

September 9, 2006	Season Begins (Parent Meeting at 1st session)
November 11, 2006	Last Week of NGS Intramural Soccer
Note: No sessions are held on Memorial Day Weekend (Spring) or Columbus Day Weekend (Fall)

3. Program Description

1. 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**.

2. 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.

4. Key Reminders:

• For rainouts, check the website: http://www.newtongirlssoccer.org, or check the fields hotline (617-928-6061) after 8 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
• Sunblock is very important, especially during the Spring.
5. **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!
6. Teach Your Child to Play Soccer Program 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.

Click here for registration information for all age groups.