Grade 2 is separated by gender. At the Grade 2 age level, there is a continuation from grade 1, but the fundamental concepts of soccer are still taught. NYSA will look to invite neighboring towns to play in friendly mini-league games so that players can play against different towns in the area. The mini-league is subject to change, as neighboring towns scheduling differs with NYSA.

Some of the principles encouraged include:

• Work on basic technical training with ball skills
• Expand an understanding of passing the ball, and field positions (forward, defense)
• Introduction concepts of passing and moving after the pass
• Work on how to shoot the ball correctly using different parts of the foot.
• Substituting when the ball goes out of play.
• Expand practicing throw-ins
• Promote sportsmanship. This starts with parents and those watching.  Positive comments to all players on the team is essential.

Goalkeeping

The goalkeeper position is introduced at grade 2 level to prepare players for the transition from grade 2 to grade 3 travel soccer. Basic goalkeeper concepts and skills, along with the rules about goalkeepers will be coached at practices.

Rules

• Goalkeepers must wear a pinnie different color to their team and the opposing team shirt color.
• Goalkeepers can pick the ball up, but only inside the goalie box.
• Goalkeepers can come out of the goalie box, but they may not use their hands outside the box.
• Goalkeepers should not pick a ball up that was intentionally passed by a teammate(this should be a learning moment for the players)
• On goal kicks, the opposing team must move to halfway and the goalkeeper passes from the ground to a teammate.
• No punting. When the goalkeeper picks up the ball, the opposing team should retreat to halfway. The goalkeeper must throw the ball to a teammate or drop the ball on the floor and pass. Goalkeepers have 6 seconds to put the ball into play after picking up the ball.
• Goalkeeper should switch at half time – try to rotate all players in goal throughout the season

Games:

• 8 week season
• Sundays 12:30pm @ McAfee Ellsworth Park
• 5X5 format with goalkeepers
• Game Duration
  • If there is an even number of teams: 4 x 12 minute quarters with halftime
  • If there are 3 teams, a round robin format where each team plays each other in 2 x 12 minute quarter with halftime
• Teams will play against other NYSA teams throughout the season and depending on availability, will also play against neighboring towns either at home @ McAfee Ellsworth Park or at the neighboring town fields.
• Referees – NYSA uses youth ages 12-14 to referee all games; coaches are not allowed on the fields during the game.
• No game scores or team standings

Rosters:

• Players are randomly assigned to teams. Special requests for coaches, schools, or to accommodate other activity schedules will not be honored.  Attention is given to balance talent and gender as best as possible.
• Coaches are all volunteers – consider joining in the fun as a head or assistant coach. Chances are, we need you!!

Practices:

• 1 per week, approximately 60 mins.
• The coach chooses practice day and time. Individual team practices are at an assigned elementary school.
• NYSA strives to provide coaching clinics with professional outfits before seasons start to help coaches with practice planning.

Equipment:

• Game uniforms are purchased online via NYSA website(reversible jersey with white for home and black for away)
• Bring size 3 ball to every practice and game
• Shin guards MUST be worn (under socks) for all practices and games
• Bring water to every practice and game
• No jewelry of any kind (including newly pierced ear rings)

Please Remember…..

• No coaching from the sidelines. This only confuses the players.  Spend your energy encouraging all players on their efforts.
• Grade 2 referees are new and in the training process. Your patience and support is expected.

We are a volunteer organization and always looking for new parent volunteers coach our players.  Please consider helping as a head coach or assistant.