SCHOOLYARD PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Connecting FMS with foundational soccer skills such as kicking, dribbling, and throw-ins, the Schoolyard program has an age-appropriate curriculum for 4–5-year-olds. Parent involvement is still encouraged at this age and lessens as the player gains confidence. 

 View https://ayso.org/schoolyard-jamboree/

What is AYSO Schoolyard Jamboree?

In Jamboree, each team is comprised of three players and each player has a parent (or other adult) with them on the field. The children learn soccer skills like kicking, dribbling, and throwing in the ball, but in a low-pressure setting. Jamboree is about exposing children to soccer as a game, without the pressure to win. 

How do parents participate?

Parents help take turns organizing the teams, setting up fields and supervising the program. While their children are playing, parent volunteers keep time, but interfere with play as little as possible. There are only a few reasons to stop play in Jamboree games. If a child is not playing well with others, or if play must pause for injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a flock of birds fly by, parents can quickly direct attention back to the game.

Is there competition in AYSO Schoolyard Jamboree?

In Jamboree, goals are not counted to determine who wins – every player is a winner. Young players need to get a feel for the ball and the field, so even though there are adults all around and many opportunities to offer instruction, the emphasis is on fun and play. It’s a different kind of game in 5U, but the children still wear jerseys or pinnies, cleats and shin guards. Best of all, they find out that soccer is something they can do!

Parents and New Players

Welcome to the Schoolyard program.  We hope this program will give you a positive experience in the great game of soccer.  

Objective

The objective of this program is to provide young players and their parents with a “pressure free” introduction to the beautiful game of soccer. At this age, players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and a minimal time commitment.

Schoolyard One with One format

Schoolyard One with One is the combination of two different formats, when put together, will provide the best possible introduction to soccer for our youngest players. One with One refers to the concept that each player will have a parent (or other adult) working with them on the field. A “Master Coach” will lead each session. The Master Coach will introduce a game/activity that will practice a certain skill or part of the game using explanation and demonstration. Each pair (player/parent) will then attempt the activity while the Master Coach circles provide specific help so that the activities are performed as intended.

SCHOOLYARD PROGRAM
Session Frequency: Once a week (Saturday Mornings) 

SCHOOLYARD PROGRAM SCHEDULE REMINDER
Session Time #1: Saturdays at 9am
Session Time #2: Saturdays at 10am

Location: British International School of Houston
Field Map & Information:

Schoolyard Coordinator
John Cao

Coaches: Our 8032 Coach Staff

First Session: Saturday, October 4th
Final Session: Saturday, November 15th

Session Schedule Info

Sessions will last 45 minutes including organizing time and breaks.

Session Times:  
Each session timeframe will have a maximum of 10 Schoolyard children per Coach.

All Sessions will occur on in 45 minute blocks. Session day and times to be posted soon. 

NOTE: Schoolyard only has ONE session per week. 

Session Breakdown

• 10 minutes – group warm-up and activities
• 2.5 minutes – water break
• 15 minutes – training activities and games
• 2.5 minutes – water break
• 15 minutes – 5 v 5 game (two halves of 7 minutes each with a 1 minute break)

• Size 3 Soccer Ball
• Shin Guards
• Water 
• Cleats (Optional but highly recommended)

We hope you have a safe and fun experience in the program and we look forward to seeing you out on the field.