Grassroots Soccer Program
Grassroots Soccer Program
Our Grassroots Soccer Program is the perfect introduction to the game for players of all ages and skill levels. Open to everyone, this program focuses on fun, fitness, and friendship while teaching the fundamentals of soccer in a supportive environment.
- Inclusive & Welcoming: No tryouts – every player gets the chance to play.
- Player Development: Learn basic skills, teamwork, and the love of the game.
- Community-Based: All games and practices are held locally with minimal travel.
- Volunteer Coaches: Guided by parents and community members with resources provided by the club.
- Affordable & Accessible: A low-cost program designed to keep soccer open to everyone.
The Grassroots program is all about creating a positive experience for every player, whether they’re touching the ball for the first time or just playing for fun. It’s also the starting point for those who may later choose to move into more competitive levels of soccer.
Age Group Specific Information
U8 Program
Items needed by each player
- Soccer Ball: Size 3
- Soccer Cleats: Cleats specifically designed for soccer; Baseball & Football cleats are not allowed.
- Shin guards: Every player MUST wear shin-guards fully covered by their socks.
- Water: Every player should bring water for hydration during practices and games.
Practice Schedule
- Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6:00–7:30 PM (only)
- Start Date: Practices begin in October
- Led By: Competitive Academy Director with support from U8 Team Facilitators
Practice Format (90 Minutes)
- 40-45 minutes – Instruction led by Academy Director
- 15-20 minutes – Individual Team Time
- 20-30 minutes – Mini Games to apply skills learned that night.
Team Formation
- Teams will be created using the Blind Draw system (per GYSA rules).
- Maximum of 8 players per team/facilitator.
League Format
- If registrations allow us to form 6 teams in a gender, all games will remain in-house (no travel).
- If registrations do not allow us to form a minimum of 6 teams, teams will participate in the GYSA U-8 Travel Program.
- Game Days: Saturdays, starting the first week of November through end of February.
U10 Program
Items needed by each player
- Soccer Ball: Size 4
- Soccer Cleats: Cleats specifically designed for soccer; Baseball & Football cleats are not allowed.
- Shin guards: Every player MUST wear shin-guards fully covered by their socks.
- Water: Every player should bring water for hydration during practices and games.
Teams & Rosters
- Typically, 3–4 teams for both boys and girls
- Maximum of 12 players per team (per GYSA Blind Draw rules)
League Format
- Season Games: Played on Saturdays, beginning the first week of November and continuing through the end of February
- Games are split Home and Away
- Away Games: Played at other clubs throughout Pinellas County
Practice Schedule
- Days/Times: Twice a week, 6:00–7:30 PM on Mondays & Wednesdays. Volunteer Coach could opt for a Tues-Thurs if the Volunteer requires it.
- Led By: U10 Team Facilitators/Coaches
- Start Date: Practices begin in October
Practice Format (90 Minutes)
- 60 minutes – Instruction
- 20-30 minutes – Mini Games/scrimmage to reinforce skills learned that night.
- U10 Program Game Day Information
Game Format
- Season Length: 11 regular-season games, played on Saturdays
- Game Play: 7v7 (includes goalkeeper)
- Match Duration: Two 25-minute halves
- Rules: Modified offsides at this level
- Referees will be used
- Ball Size: #4
GYSA Jamboree Event
- Follows the regular season
- 3 games total, played at other clubs in Pinellas County
- Typically, 2 games on Saturday and 1 game on Sunday
- Tournament Month: February
IMPORTANT DATES
- November 1st - First game date of season
- February 7th - Last game date of Regular Season
- February 21st and 22nd - GYSA Jamboree
- Spring soccer starts in March 2026.
U12 Program
Items needed by each player
- Soccer Ball: Size 4
- Soccer Cleats: Cleats specifically designed for soccer; Baseball & Football cleats are not allowed.
- Shin guards: Every player MUST wear shin-guards fully covered by their socks.
- Water: Every player should bring water for hydration during practices and games.
Teams & Rosters
- Typically, 3–4 teams for both boys and girls
- Maximum of 14 players per team (per GYSA Blind Draw rules)
League Format
- Season Games: Played on Saturdays, beginning the first week of November and continuing through the end of February
- Games are split Home and Away
- Away Games: Played at other clubs throughout Pinellas County
Practice Schedule
- Days/Times: Twice a week, 7:30–9:00 PM on Mondays & Wednesdays. Volunteer Coach could opt for a Tues-Thurs if the Volunteer requires it.
- If space allows, practice may run 6:00–7:30 PM
- Led By: U12 Team Facilitators/Coaches
- Start Date: Practices begin in October
Practice Format (90 Minutes)
- 60 minutes – Instruction
- 20-30 minutes – Mini Games/scrimmage to reinforce skills learned that night.
Game Format
- Season Length: 11 regular-season games, played on Saturdays
- Game Play: 9v9 (includes goalkeeper)
- Match Duration: Two 30-minute halves
- Rules: Regular offsides at this level
- Referees will be used
- Ball Size: #4
GYSA Tournament
- Follows the regular season
- 3 games total, played at other clubs in Pinellas County
- Typically, 2 games on Saturday and 1 game on Sunday
- Advancement to finals is determined by team results in 1st round of event
- Tournament Month: February
IMPORTANT DATES
- November 1st - First game date of season
- February 7th - Last game date of Regular Season
- February 21st and 22nd - GYSA Tournament 1st round
- February 28th–March 1st – GYSA Cup Finals (if qualified)
- Spring soccer starts in March 2026.
U14 Program
Items needed by each player
- Soccer Ball: Size 5
- Soccer Cleats: Cleats specifically designed for soccer; Baseball & Football cleats are not allowed.
- Shin guards: Every player MUST wear shin-guards fully covered by their socks.
- Water: Every player should bring water for hydration during practices and games.
Teams & Rosters
- Typically, 1–2 teams for both boys and girls
- Maximum of 18 players per team (per GYSA Blind Draw rules)
League Format
- Season Games: Played on Saturdays, beginning the first week of November and continuing through the end of February
- Games are split Home and Away
- Away Games: Played at other clubs throughout Pinellas County
Practice Schedule
- Days/Times: Twice a week, 7:30–9:00 PM on Mondays & Wednesdays. Volunteer Coach could opt for a Tues-Thurs if the Volunteer requires it.
- Led By: U14 Team Facilitators/Coaches
- Start Date: Practices begin in October
Practice Format (90 Minutes)
- 60 minutes – Instruction
- 20-30 minutes – Mini Games/scrimmage to reinforce skills learned that night.
Game Format
- Season Length: 11 regular-season games, played on Saturdays
- Game Play: 11v11 (includes goalkeeper)
- Match Duration: Two 35-minute halves(U14)
- Rules: Regular offsides at this level
- Referees will be used
- Ball Size: #5
GYSA Tournament
- Follows the regular season
- 3 games Round 1, played at other clubs in Pinellas County
- Typically, 2 games on Saturday and 1 game on Sunday
- Advancement to finals is determined by team results in 1st round of event
- Tournament Month: February
IMPORTANT DATES
- November 1st - First game date of season
- February 7th - Last game date of Regular Season
- February 14th and 15th - GYSA Tournament 1st round
- February 28th–March 1st – GYSA Cup Finals (if qualified)
- Spring soccer starts in March 2026.
U16 Program
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