For Ages 4 to 12
The Y Youth Soccer program helps kids become not only better soccer players, but better people as well. It’s a progressive program, with multiple age-specific levels. Every child gets to play and the games are safe, exciting and fun. We encourage fair play, positive competition, teamwork, and family involvement.
Y Youth Sports focuses on character, sportsmanship, participation and fun! Basic skills are developed through games and activities. Children are encouraged to play at least one half of every game. Every game starts with a Youth Sports Pledge. All children are rewarded for season participation.
Season Information
Spring ’24 REGISTRATION DATES:
- Returning Discount Registration: October 26th – January 7th
- Open Registration: January 8th – February 26th
- Late Registration- February 27th – March 16th
Spring ‘24 SEASON DATES:
- Rosters and schedule available: March 9th
- Opening Day: March 23rd
- Practice Begins: March 24th
- First Game: April 6th
Practices & Games
- Ages 4-5: Practice takes place 20 minutes before game play.
- practice and games will always be on the same day.
- Ages 6+: Players will practice for 50 minutes each week.
- Games are played within a 50 minute time period.
- Teams are coached by volunteers – who must pass background check, complete child sexual abuse prevention training, and attend pre-season coaches training.
- Jerseys are distributed before the first game. Players are responsible for shorts or pants, necessary protective gear, and athletic shoes.
Health and Wellness
Our program provides a nurturing environment for children to explore new skills, foster teamwork, and build connections with positive role models, offering them a healthy and safe outlet for growth and development. In consideration of the safety of others, we kindly request that if you or anyone in your household is feeling unwell, please stay home during youth sports events.
How Teams are Created
- Coach Request: We start by reviewing coach requests, taking into account any specific coach preferences that participants may have.
- Friend Request: Next, we consider friend requests. If your child wants to be on the same team as a friend, we make every effort to accommodate this request.
- Age and Skill Level: To create balanced teams, we also factor in age and skill levels. We aim to distribute participants of varying ages and skill levels across teams, promoting fair competition and a supportive environment.
- Practice Day: Additionally, we consider practice days when assigning teams. Our goal is to ensure that teams can practice together conveniently.
By integrating these steps, we strive to create teams that not only honor preferences but also provide an inclusive and well-matched experience for each participant.
Coaches’ Corner: Info for Coaches
Volunteers are crucial to the success of our program. Thank you very much for volunteering your time and talent to serve as Y youth sports volunteer coach.
Resources:
- Soccer Practice Drills & Skills: 3-5 yr olds; 6-7 yr olds; 8-9 yr olds; 10-11 yr olds
- YMCA Youth Sports eLearning
- U.S Soccer Foundation Coach Mentor Training
- YMCA of the USA Coaching Youth Soccer
- Positive Coaching Alliance Development Zone Resource Center
- USA Soccer Coaching Resources
- US Soccer Learning Center Coaching License Pathway>
Visit our volunteer training page for details and requirements to become a coach for Greater Austin YMCA sports leagues.
Contact Us
For youth sports inquiries, reach out to Ricardo Torres or Alexis Williams at sports@austinymca.org.
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“Soccer is so popular, and some central Texas leagues can get very competitive. The pace of soccer league at the Y is gentler and focuses more on skills than on competition.”
– Melanie C.
