COACHING EDUCATION
PLAYER HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS
ALL ASPECTS OF RECREATIONAL SOCCER MARCH 2026 ISSUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
Letter from Serkan Örsan, VYSA’s new Executive Director
6
New Age Group Formation
7
Coaches Corner Article written by Gordon Miller, VYSA Technical Director
12
Upcoming Coaching Courses
13
USYS Key Preventative Health Measures
VYSA TOPSoccer & World
14 Down Syndrome Day
The Virginia Youth Soccer Association created this recreational newsletter, Foot Notes, to support and provide resources for recreational players, coaches, families, and member clubs throughout the year. Read all about available resources for coaches, information on player health and safety, member club highlights, printable activities for players and more!
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@vayouthsoccer
February 23, 2026
Dear VYSA Member Clubs and Associations, I’m excited to begin my role as Executive Director of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and to work alongside you to continue growing soccer across the Commonwealth. As we kick off the Spring season, my team and I are here to support you, your players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and administrators. Our goal is to be trusted partners, providing guidance, resources, and support to help you succeed. Developing the game at every level is my top priority. I look forward to collaborating with our member clubs and partners to expand opportunities, strengthen programs, and foster a positive, inclusive, and player-centered soccer environment statewide. This Spring, I will be visiting each of our regions and connecting directly with our member clubs and associations. I’ll share a regional visit calendar soon, as listening to your perspectives and understanding your needs will be essential to our work together. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, we’re building momentum, inspiring young athletes, advancing coaching and referee development, and laying a strong foundation for the future. Looking ahead to 2027, we’ll celebrate VYSA’s 50th Anniversary — our Golden Year! Together, .
we’ll honor our history and build an exciting, sustainable future for Virginia soccer Thank you for all you do for the game and for our players across Virginia. I look forward to working with you. Warm regards,
4805 LASSEN LANE, SUITE 200A, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408
KICKING OFF A NEW RECREATION SEASON SPRING 2026 RECREATION SEASON It is that time again in Virginia. Cleats have been pulled out and dusted off for yet another season playing the beautiful game. Volunteers have stepped up, game schedules are set, and parents are busy signing up for post-game snacks. The Recreational season is kicking off for most Virginia Youth Soccer Association member clubs! We can’t wait to follow along as players develop new skills, teammates turn into friends, and unforgettable memories are made—both on and off the field.
THANK YOU TO THE
91
RECREATIONAL
MEMBER CLUBS!
US YOUTH SOCCER, US CLUB SOCCER, AND AYSO RETURNING TO SEASONAL-YEAR AGE GROUP FORMATION IN 2026 LEARN MORE
Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31, starting with FALL 2026-27 season/registration year. This change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers.
ADVERTISE FOR FREE WITH EVERY ISSUE VYSA Recreational Member Clubs are encouraged to submit event and information notices to VYSA for FREE to be featured in each issue of Foot Notes. Contact Chloe@vysa.com to learn more!
COACHES CORNER Coaching article By: Gordon Miller, VYSA Technical Director
Recreational soccer is the foundational phase for players entering the game. The primary aim is to provide a low-pressure environment for participants to have fun, learn the fundamentals and develop life skills while fostering a lifelong love of the game. In order for these key aspects to flourish, organizational structure and guiding principles must be put in place and then adhered to if success is expected to happen.
Virgnia Youth Soccer Recreational Soccer 1.PURPOSE VYSA is committed to creating safe, fun, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate soccer environments for all children participating in grassroots soccer programs across the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia.
2.GUIDING PRINCIPALS Virginia Youth Soccer Association programs will be governed by the following principles. 2.1 Developmentally Appropriate Programming Programs must be structured according to the age and developmental stage of players, allowing time for: Skill acquisition Physical development Social interaction Multi-sport participation Healthy life balance. Children should participate in environments that encourage exploration and enjoyment of the sport. 2.2 Player Engagement and Ball Contact Young players develop best when they: Have frequent interactions with the ball Participate in small-sided games Experience decision-making situations Small-sided games increase touches, involvement, and learning opportunities.
2.3 Qualified Coaches Coaches have the greatest influence on the player experience. All grassroots coaches must meet minimum safety and education standards including: Background check SafeSport certification Concussion awareness training Age-appropriate U.S. Soccer coaching education The coach’s primary responsibility is to create a positive learning environment that supports player growth and enjoyment. 2.4 Fair Playing Time Children register to play soccer, not to sit on the bench. Clubs and teams should strive to ensure: Fair playing time Opportunities for players to try multiple positions Meaningful participation in matches Coaches should target a minimum of 50% playing time for each player whenever possible. 2024-CS-GrassrootsStandards-EN 2.5 Delayed Talent Identification Early talent identification is not a reliable predictor of long-term player success. Recreation soccer in Virginia should: Delay tryouts and selection processes Avoid early player tiering Allow flexible team formation Encourage broad participation This ensures that more players remain engaged and continue developing. 2.6 Development Over Results Match results should not be the primary focus of recreation soccer. Programs should emphasize: Learning Confidence Skill development Positive experiences Standings and results should be minimized or removed at younger age groups to protect the player experience.
3.REC PROGRAM STRUCTURE Rec soccer programs must follow developmentally appropriate structures for training and competition. 3.1 Seasonal Length Typical program blocks should range between: 6–10 weeks, depending on the age group (split season). Breaks between seasons should be provided to allow rest and participation in other activities. 3.2 Training-to-Match Ratio Player development occurs primarily in training sessions. Recommended ratios: Age Training : Match
4.AGE APPROPRIATE GAME FORMATS To maximize learning and engagement,
U6–U7
1:1 or 2:1
U8–U13
2:1 or 3:1
Training sessions should focus on: Technical skills Decision-making Small-sided games Game-related problem solving
match formats should follow
These recommendations align with evidence showing
developmentally appropriate
that players interact with the ball far more frequently
structures.
during training activities than in matches. Age Group
Format
Ball Size
U4–U6
Informal games
3
U6–U7
3v3
3
U8–U9
4v4 or 5v5
3 or 4
U10–U11
7v7
4
U12–U13
9v9
4 or 5
Smaller formats increase: Ball touches Player involvement Decision-making opportunities.
2024-CS-GrassrootsStandards-EN
5.MATCH DAY STANDARDS 5.1 Match Duration Maximum match duration guidelines:
7.Team Formation and Player Movement Rec programs should support flexible team structures.
Age
Match Duration
U6–U7
30 minutes
Open rosters allowing player movement
U8–U9
40 minutes
between teams
U10–U11
50 minutes
Balanced team formation
U12
70 minutes
No tryouts at early ages
U13
80 minutes
Tiering delayed until later stages of
Policies include:
development Players should not exceed recommended daily match limits to protect player safety and well-
This approach supports player development
being.
and reduces pressure on young athletes.
2024-CS-GrassrootsStandards-EN 5.2 Festival Format
8.SCORES AND STANDINGS To prioritize development:
For younger age groups, competition should
Scores and standings should not be
emphasize festival-style events rather than
recorded in the youngest age groups.
traditional league standings.
Tournament formats for younger players should avoid elimination games.
Festival formats:
Equal participation should be prioritized.
Provide multiple games at a single location
This shifts the focus from adult-driven
Focus on participation rather than rankings
competition to player experience.
Reduce travel demands Encourage community engagement.
6.TRAVEL GUIDELINES Rec soccer should prioritize local participation. Travel time should generally be limited to: 30 minutes or less each way for rec matches. Limiting travel ensures players spend more time playing soccer rather than traveling. 2024-CS-GrassrootsStandards-EN
9.PARENTS AND SPECTATOR EXPECTATIONS Parents and spectators play a critical role in the youth soccer environment. They should: Encourage effort and learning Respect referees and coaches Promote sportsmanship Support all players. Virginia Youth Soccer encourages a positive sideline culture that supports player development.
10.IMPLEMENTING RESPONSIBILTIES Virginia Youth Soccer Association Establish statewide standards Support coach education Provide development resources Monitor program alignment. Member Clubs Implement rec program standards Ensure coach qualifications Promote player-centered environments Communicate philosophy to parents. Coaches Deliver developmentally appropriate training Support fair playing time Promote enjoyment and learning.
OUTCOMES By adopting these standards, Virginia Youth Soccer ensures that grassroots soccer programs across the state: Provide safe and inclusive environments Prioritize player development and enjoyment Support long-term participation in soccer Develop players who love the game.
RECENT COACHING COURSES
UPCOMING COACHING COURSES Feb 9 - May 23
C License Course LEARN MORE PUTTING THE PLAYER AT THE CENTER OF EDUCATION VYSA X US CLUB SOCCER
Mar 9 - May 4
D License Course hosted by Fury FC LEARN MORE
Apr 27 - Jun 29
D License Course hosted by Arlington Soccer Association LEARN MORE D LICENSE COACHING COURSE
Jun 23 - Aug 18
D License Course hosted by BRYC LEARN MORE
Aug 18
C4C hosted by Clinch River Soccer Association LEARN MORE B LICENSE COACHING COURSE
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COACHING COURSES ON THE BOOKS
Key Preventative Health Measures PROVIDED BY
These three resources provide a comprehensive overview of preventative health measures for soccer players, focusing on nutrition, hydration, recovery, and protective equipment. The resources are designed to support coaches, players, families and club administrators looking to promote safe and healthy soccer environments. RESOURCES INCLUDED IN THIS PACK:
NUTRITION & HYDRATION
THE THREE R’S OF RECOVERY
Guidelines for fueling athletes before, during, and after activity.
Practical guidance for recovery post-activity, emphasizing Refuel, Rebuild, and Rehydrate.
HOW AND WHEN IT CAN HELP As a reference for players and families new to soccer who need clear guidance on safe participation. To guide coaches in reinforcing nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies. For administrators building injury prevention protocols and equipment standards. To educate players on the importance of rest and preparation in performance and safety.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Checklist of required and recommended gear, with details on warm-ups, strengthening, and injury prevention strategies.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE Clubs should embed these resources into preseason education and parent/player handbooks. Emphasizing recovery and rest is as important as training load management. Protective equipment and warm-up routines must be regularly monitored and updated.
READ MORE
d down ld l r r o o w syndrome w
ay y da d
TOPSoccer is extremely proud to celebrate our amazing athletes with disAbilities on World Down Syndrome Day -- March 21. The Virginia Youth Soccer Association strongly believes that all children, regardless of skill level and ability, should be able to play and enjoy the “beautiful game” of soccer. People with Down syndrome are unique because they have three copies of chromosome 21 (3/21), but what isn’t unique is their desire to be included in meaningful experiences, a yearning for positive social interaction, and the opportunity to just be a kid having fun! In communities across Virginia, TOPSoccer is the secret sauce that helps make this happen!
For more information about US Youth Soccer’s program for athletes with disAbilities, volunteer opportunities, and to find a list of the Virginia’s TOPSoccer programs, please visit www.VYSA.com or contact VYSA TOPSoccer Chair (John Schlenker) at piedmontTOPSoccer@gmail.com
COACH FOR COMMUNITY COACHING COURSE FOR THE RECREATIONAL COACH The Coach For Community (C4C) is a FREE two-hour course that is designed to help prepare entry level coaches with practical and theoretical knowledge. This course is conducted by a qualified US Soccer/VYSA Coach Educator and can be requested by VYSA member clubs at the U6, U8, U10 and/or U12 levels. The First hour is classroom presentations: Player Characteristics Age-Appropriate Games Running a Practice Role of the Coach Tips to Survive The second hour is field/gym demonstration: Age specific players will participate in an organized practice session. Contact Jessica at jessica@vysa.com today! HOST A COURSE
Go out and support the Washington Spirit for a thrilling NWSL match at Audi Field! Bring your teammates, friends, and family for an exciting day of soccer and community. Let’s Get Audi Rowdy and cheer the Spirit to victory! Questions? Contact Mitchell Marcus at mmarcus@washspirit.com or (571)-404-0556.
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