Ashford Dunwoody YMCA Youth Soccer New Parent Orientation Fall 2015 Welcome & Please Enjoy the Show!

Staff Introductions Jaime Magana Youth Sports Director

Program Introduction Youth Soccer at the Ashford Dunwoody YMCA is a recreational program based on skill development and equal play for all age groups. Practice for ages U5 – U14 begins the week of August 31 st Practice for Kiddie Kickers begins the week September 7 th Everyone should hear from their coach by Sunday, August 30 th by either phone call or . If you do not hear from your coach, don’t worry, we will have someone in place by the first day of practice. We guarantee a minimum of 7 games for U5 – U14 and 8 practice sessions for Kiddie Kickers. Practice for all ages groups will be held at the YMCA soccer complex. Games for U5, U6 and U8, U10 will be at the YMCA soccer complex. Some games may take place at the Buckhead Fields (Windsor Parkway) Games for U12 and U14 will vary in location and time.

YMCA Soccer Complex

Program Information For participants ages U5 – U14, every team will have one weeknight practice and one weekend game (may vary with older age groups). The practice night and time will remain constant for the duration of the season. For Kiddie Kickers (Age 3), each team will practice once a week. They will learn introductory soccer skills suck as; dribbling, passing, shooting and being part of a team. We will mix soccer drills with fun games to help build coordination and confidence on the soccer field. The practice day and time will remain constant throughout the entire season. In case of rain, we will add additional weeks on to the end of the season.

Game Days Games will be held on Saturday mornings for ages U5, U6 and U8, U10 Games for U12 and U14 will vary in time and location. Some teams may have an occasional Sunday afternoon game. Game Weekends run from September 12 th to October 31 st Make-Up weekends will be 11/7 & 11/14 if needed. Please be sure to check your schedule for exact date, time, game location and jersey color (U8 – U14). Home Will always wear White Away will always wear Blue

Coaching Information All our coaches are coaching on a volunteer basis. They are your first line of communication for basic questions about the season. If you have a more severe question/concern don’t hesitate to contact a Youth Sports Staff member. If you are interested in coaching, even just assisting, please see us after the meeting.

Equipment Needs You will need: Cleats (recommended but not required) Shinguards Water Bottle Age appropriate soccer ball U5 & U6 – size 3 U8, U10 & U12 – size 4 U14 – size 5

Parent Involvement Parents/Guardians must be present at all practices and games. If you carpool with another player, that parent is responsible for all children he/she brought. What can you do to help? Team Parent (organize snack list, end of season party planning, help with communication) Assistant Coach

Reminders/Suggestions for a Successful Season Please be sure to have your child pick up all his/her trash before leaving the field. If there are any injuries, please find a member of the Youth Sports Staff immediately. Lost and Found is located in the Administrative Office area. If you ask the front desk, they can point you in the right direction. Please remember we are a recreational program with emphasis on skill development, fair play and especially, fun for all participants.

Weather Update Information We have several methods for alerting our participants in case of a weather related cancellation: Weather Hotline: ext. 4 YMCA Main Line: Instant updates to either or phone (via text). TEXT “ymcarainout” to 84483

Questions? If you have any questions you would like answered individually, please stay after the conclusion of the meeting and we will be happy to answer them. Any other questions can be directed to Bobby at:

Silverbacks Clinic The Atlanta Silverbacks host a clinic at our Y fields on Saturday Aug 29 th from 10am-Noon for ages You can register online at using the ID CODE: The Cost of the Clinic is $15 per child. This is a GREAT chance for the kids to get ready for Fall Soccer!

THANKS FOR COMING! We hope you have a great season!! Enjoy your evening!