What is the difference between Intramurals and Travel? Intramurals is far more laxed than a travel setting. It is designed like any other club sport, where it's inter-league and allows us to build player confidence and teach them the skills of sportsmanship and soccer.
Spring Season: We do not require coaches to hold practices if their schedule does not allow. This is to allow parents and the team to prioritize spring sports. There is no field assignment, if you find grass you can practice.
Fall Season: For 7U, 1 practice a week should be held, for about 45 minutes. For 9U+, we encourage a minimum of 2 practices a week, at an hour each. There is no field assignment, if you find grass you can practice.
7U Intramurals:
Team Sizes: Ideally we aim to have no more than 8 players on a 7U Team. This is dependent on both player count and volunteers.
Gameday Practice: The first 30 minutes of "game time" is a practice with their team. This allows coaches to focus on quick and engaging drills that let the players engage with the ball. Drills like Red Light Green Light or Hungry Hungry Hippos are good, along with practicing dribbling around cones in a relay game fashion. The EPYSA Training Plan Page is also a great tool.
Gameplay: The last 30 minutes are spent in a "real game" against your opponent. This is a 3v3 or 4v4 Structure with no goalie. It's important to allow players to have the opportunity to score without the additional hurdle in order to help keep them engaged.
9U Intramurals:
Team Size: Ideally, we aim for no more than 12 players per team. This varies depending on player count and volunteers.
Practice: 2v1 or 2v2 small sided games will help player learn how to work with the ball at their feet and run up against an opponent. If you need specific drills, googling usually turns up some results. Sharks & Minnows is usually pretty engaging for the kids. Here is a link to a video for a couple drills. The EPYSA Training Plan Page is also a great tool.
Gameplay: 9U shifts the focus to a more structured style of play, with (2) 25-minute halves, with 1-2 refs. This will allow the players and coaches to learn basic game structure. Player count can range from 5v5-9v9, with a goalie, depending on team size.
It is acceptable to borrow/lend players between teams if one team needs additional players.
11U & Middle School Intramurals:
Gameplay: Team sizes are determined by participation numbers and game sizes are determined by team sizes. Games may 5v5, 9v9, or anything in between. This is an in-house program for the fall.The EPYSA Training Plan Page isa great tool to learn drills to incorporate into your practice.