MAYSA Kindergarten Program: Parent Information
Welcome to the Madison
Area Youth Soccer Association's (MAYSA) Kindergarten Program! MAYSA started this
program in 1992 in an effort to give younger children a positive first
experience in soccer with kids their own age and ability.
The basic philosophy of this program is FUN and PARTICIPATION. This is especially important to MAYSA
with our youngest players. It is essential that the first experience a child has
with soccer is a good one because if it is not, it is unlikely that the child
will continue playing.
To facilitate an environment conducive to fun and learning, MAYSA utilizes
the small-sided approach at its younger age levels. This philosophy, which is
endorsed by the United States Youth Soccer Association, provides children with a
playing environment that emphasizes maximum touches on the ball as well as a
less confusing environment due to the reduced number of players that are on the
field at any one time.
Kindergarten teams play 3v3 with two fields going at
once. It sounds a bit confusing to have two games going on at once, but the
reality is that it de-emphasizes over-coaching and give's the game back to the
kids. You can help your coach out by volunteering to help him or her 'manage'
the players who are not in the game at any given time.
Please take a moment to read the additional information that is provided
below. If you have any questions, please ask your coach or contact MAYSA at
276-9030. Have a great season!
Here are a few tips that you can follow to do your part in making your child's
soccer experience a positive one:
- Bring your child to practice on time and stay at practice with them till they are finished. Kids love to show Mom and Dad how hard they can kick and how fast they can run.
- Coaches and Managers are volunteers!! They have been gracious enough to give up their Saturday mornings in order to provide a safe fun atmosphere in which your child can enjoy the game of soccer. Treat them with respect and appreciation, without their help your child would not be able to participate.
- ALWAYS be a good sport on the sidelines. Never ague with the referees calls or belittle a player on the field. Remember they are just 6 yrs old and deserve to be cheered for their accomplishments, great and small. Win, lose it doesn't matter, soccer is your child's playtime not performance time. We do not keep score or maintain standings in the Kindergarten League.
- Don't out coach the coach. Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the soup, the same holds true for soccer. There should only be one person giving directions to the players, otherwise they just get confused and frustrated. LET THEM PLAY!
- Practice with your child at home. Kick around the soccer ball in your own backyard, the kids will love it and you might even enjoy it a little too. Playing the game yourself will give you a greater appreciation for how challenging some of the skills are that your child is learning.