By GAGE WILSON
With Spring around the corner Glasgow Parks and Rec. Department is gearing up for its Youth Soccer Program. Sign-up for the program began on Feb. 12th and will run through March 15th with a couple of changes for this years leagues.
The change to a smaller count of players on the field comes as a way to address concerns that some children were not getting a equitable experience within the program. The new setup follows a similar template used by the U.S. Soccer Association (USA) known as “small-sided standards” this standard is defined by the USA as “Youth games played with less than 11 players on each team. Playing with less players on the field means that players are constantly involved in play and provided with more opportunities for touches on the ball and overall player development. Not only are there fewer players, but small-sided games also use smaller fields, goals and balls, shorter game times and some different rules to optimize the game for younger players.”
The USA’s definition was mirrored by Eddie Furlong, Director of Parks and Rec. as well as Program Director David Curran. Furlong pointed out that with the new team structure children involved will have more opportunities to “touch the ball” and coaches will be able to better teach fundamentals to their teams allowing children just starting out more hands on experience.
Curran pointed out that elements of soccer in particular can be intimidating for first time players, but assured those that may be on the fence about the sport, “It’s no harder to pick up than any other sport is.”
The program will be offered to children ages 5 through 12 split into four different division with the youngest having around 8 children on a team to the oldest group having 13 to 14 players, according to Furlong.
For more information about the new standard or sign-ups families can call 270-651-3811 or visit the Parks and Rec. website here.
