U9 FAQ'S

What format do the U9 teams play? At this age the teams play a mixture of 4v4, 6v6 and 8v8 games.

Why play a variety of formats with the teams? We play a mixture of 4v4, 6v6 and 8v8 as each format offers slightly different elements of the game. The 4v4 format allows for more touches on the ball and more individual development, whilst the 8v8 game provides more of the tactical concepts that players will be challenged with when the progress to the U10 level and beyond?

How far do the teams travel? We have reduced the amount of traveling teams at this age have to do and generally most of the games will be in the Sacramento area.

Why reduce the traveling? The reason we have reduced the traveling is that the main emphasis for players this age should be the quality of training the players are recieving and the amount of touches they are getting on the ball. Traveling all over the place to play in tournaments is not a major factor that is important for the development of players at this age.

How often do teams train? They will typically train 2 or 3 times per week for 90 minutes each time.

Where is training held? All training takes place at our Academy training facility at Treelake Village Park, Granite Bay - MAP.

Are players on the same team all season? Generally each team stays the same, however we do make some changes to teams throughout the season depending on how we feel each individual players is developing.

How long does the season go for? The season runs from April thru Novemeber, in the early part of the season teams will play mainly 4v4 games, they will then progress to 6v6 games and finish the season playing in the 8v8 Norcal League, agianst other U9 teams in the Sacramento area.

Do teams play games every weekend from April thru November? No, in the early part of the season and the summer time the teams will probably play a couple of playdates each month. The regular league season starts in September and runs through the end of Novemeber with games each weekend.

How long are the games? Games are typically two 20 minute halfs.

Where do the teams play their home games? All home games are played at Treelake Village Park, Granite Bay

How many teams are there at the U9 age group? We expect to have 3 teams playing in the U9 age group in 2008. The teams will train together as a group for the month of April and will then be assigned to a team at the end of April.