Ela Soccer Club

The Little Kickers Program is for Pre-K (4 & 5 year olds). The player must be 4 years old by Sept 1^st.  The season consists of 1 hour per week (1/2 hour practice and 1/2 hour game) on either Thursday evening or Sunday afternoon.   

The following changes from normal soccer rules will be used:

• 20 minutes of drills/practice followed by a half hour of game.
• Play will be for 15 minutes clock time, and then a 5 minute half time, then play for another 15 minutes.
• We use a size 3 ball.
• No score will be kept and all children should play equal time.
• Only one coach on the field at a time and one may be behind the goalie.
• Start each half with a kick off from center line. Different teams kick off each half.
• After a goal, re-start with a kick off by the team that did not make the goal.
• If the ball goes over the sideline, allow a child to kick the ball in, as this keeps up the pace of the game and helps alleviate down time for the children.
• If the ball goes over either end line, coaches should roll the ball toward the middle of the field and play will continue.
• Coaches should not allow any of the following infractions or any behavior that may cause injury: pushing, kicking of another player, holding onto another jersey or catching the ball in the hands. Penalties will consist of the other team kicking the ball back into play. If a child consistently displays offensive and/or dangerous play, they will be removed from the game.
• The game ends with each team lining up at midfield and shaking hands to demonstrate good sportsmanship.

In addition – for K-Level only:

• The coach should rotate the goalie to encourage all the children to try this position.
• The goalie should wear a penny to demonstrate their position.
• The goalie will only be able to use his/her hands when inside the goalie box. If the goalie goes outside the goalie box, just remind him/her of the rules; but no penalty will be called for this. This is beginning goal keeping only.
• The goalie may either punt the ball or throw the ball after they field it. The opposing player must give the goalie minimum 3 yards clearance to release the ball.

Do not allow the children to hang on the goals!

Equipment (A team t-shirt will be provided):

• Shin guards must be worn at all times with socks covering the shin guards.
• Gym shoes or cleats
• No baseball hats, eyeglasses or barrettes/hair clips are allowed on the field.

Additional Information:

• Dress appropriately; we play in light rain and sometimes muddy conditions.
• Please contact the Ela hotline at (847) 726-6909 if there is questionable weather.
• The season consists of 8 games.

Questions or Comments:

Please contact the Ela office at (847) 726.6909 or email: jan.janus@elasoccer.com.