Information for New Soccer Parents of U4s, U5s, and U6s
Most Frequently Asked Questions
- What equipment is required to play soccer?
- U4s are required to wear shin guards and soccer socks for their own protection and the protection of other players. A blue uniform shirt is strongly recommended and can be purchased at Burke Sporting Goods. Black shorts can be used and tennis shoes. Soccer cleats are recommended but not required at this age group. They will require a #3 soccer ball and should bring water with them.
- U5s and U6s will require a BLUE and a RED uniform. Uniforms can be purchased at Burke Sporting Goods, located at 5765 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke, VA 22015(shopping center next to Kohl’s). You will need a BAC "kit" which consists of a blue and a red shirt and pair of blue and a pair of red soccer socks. You will also need shin guards, and a #3 soccer ball.
- U5s will wear soccer cleats or other appropriate athletic shoes.
- U6s are required to wear soccer cleats
- Uniforms ARE NOT required for practices. Teams wear the BLUE uniforms to HOME games, and RED uniform for AWAY games.
- Player Numbers and/or names on shirts are NOT required.
- Where do they play?
- U4s will meet for training sessions on Saturdays at the roof of Terra Centre Elementary School
- U5s will play at the South Run #8, field located next to the South Run Rec Center (off Reservation Road & Fairfax County Parkway Rt7100).
- U6s will play at Burke School (intersection of Lee Chapel & Burke Lake Road)
- When do they play?
- All games are on Saturdays.
- What are the games like? what is the game format?
- U4s train with a professional trainer each Saturday. They play 1v1 as part of this training.
- U5s play 2v2 with 4 simultaneous games running for two halves of 20 minutes each with a 5 minute halftime.
- U6s play 3v3 with 3-4 simultaneous games running for two halves of 20 minutes each with a 5 minute halftime.
- This format allows children to get as many touches as possible on the ball. It also allows for substitutes to come in and out liberally during the games
- Parents wishing to learn more about our Training Philosophy and approach to the U4 and U5 soccer program, please visit this page in our Coaches Corner Section of the web site, called "U4 & U5 Training Program".
- How about practices?
- U4s do not meet for practices
- U5 and U6 will practice once a week at the roof of Terra Centre Elementary School. Date and time for practice depends in the Coach’s schedule and availability
- Uniforms ARE NOT required to attend practices. We will wear the BLUE uniforms to HOME games, and RED uniform for AWAY games.
- Players may not be allowed to participate in soccer practice if he/she is not wearing appropriate protection gear (shin guards).
- When is the first game of the season?
- U4s first game of the season will be on April 5th
- U5s first game of the season will be on April 12th
- U6s first game of the season will be on April 5th
- Special Requests
- Special requests to play with a specific Coach or friends will be considered but not guaranteed. Special accommodations depend on team roster size, time of registration, returning players allocation, etc.
- Play ups and Play downs
- In general, at these early ages, players are permittted to play up one age group in order to play with the children that they will be going to school with. Playing downs may be considered in rare situations. These are considered on a one-by-one basis. Please submit a request for consideration to BurkeAthletic@aol.com
- Inclement Weather Procedures HOTLINE
- In case of bad weather, you must follow the following procedures:
- [Monday-Friday]: Call the Fairfax County Park Field Closures hotline 703-324-5264
- [Saturday-Sunday]: Call the BAC Field Closure Hotline: 703-440-8078
- For further information, please visit our Inclement Weather Procedure page on our web site, page can be found at: http://burkeathleticclub.org/home/179727.html
- Additional Parent information and Resources about Youth Soccer
- Please visit our Parent Resources Page on the web site to find extensive information about Youth Soccer, and tips for parents.
- Contacting the AGC
- For additional information, please contact the AGC as follows:
- U4s House Commissioner
- U5s Age Group Coordinator
- U6s Age Group Coordinator
