Our organization is made of strictly parent volunteers, this page is designed to engage with our community and spread the word about the game we love for the kids we love . On this site you will find information regarding Ridgefield Park Soccer Associationprogram, our philosophy, as well as tips and ideas for players, parents, and coaches. About Our Club's Recreational Programs:
Kiddie Kickers -
(Pre-K - 4 yr olds)
This is where we introduce 4 year old players to soccer. The main focus is to let them get a feel for the game by playing soccer oriented games and developing very basic soccer skills. The program meets once a week on Saturdays. Micros (Kindergarten - 5 yr olds)
Our 5 year olds spend a little more time developing their soccer skills (passing, receiving , shooting) and play soccer games on small fields with low numbers of players so all can get involved in the play. The micro program meets once a week on Saturdays. Future stars: (1st Grade - 6 yr olds):
Our 6 year olds are preparing for structured game situations through the introduction to the Rules of Competition. The players continue to develop and hone in on their ball control, skills, agility, and positioning on the field. This program focuses on teaching and growing the players as well as our coaches, which are all volunteers. This program meets once a week on Saturdays. Lower Division: 2nd & 3rd Grades - 7 & 8 yr olds)
Our 7-8 year olds have a short attention span. They have the ability to learn skills and start to play positionally but they must be given brief instructions and any drills must be uncomplicated, short, and not standing still. They do not react well to any negative comments. They also do not pace themselves and tend to go all out until they have no gas left in the tank. Keeping them hydrated is very important. In the lower division, the focus is on fun and learning rather than competition. It is important for the players that their parents get involved as coaches, assistants, or team managers that can make phone calls for the coach. This division has one practice per week and plays one game per week, usually on Saturdays. Middle Division: (4th & 5th Grades - 9 & 10 yr olds)
Our 9-10 year olds have an increased ability to follow direction and think on their own. In this division we introduce offsides and the players understand positional play and basic tactics. The players can handle more repetition to refine skills, but still must not stand around during drills. Players here can learn to effectively, head the ball, pass, shoot, and chip the ball off the ground. The players will start to look up and find teammates with passes. Positive reinforcement is critical in this developmental stage. In the middle division, we still play for FUN but we play a little more competitively than the lower division. The players start to understand their pace but still must be watched for proper hydration. This division has one practice per week and plays one game per week, usually on Saturdays.'
Upper Division: (6th through 8th Grades - 11 to 14 yr olds)
Our 6th to 8th graders have usually developed the basic skills and many start to take it to another level. We need to make sure to increase their touches in practice so trapping and ball control becomes second nature. The players really start to understand the game and start to get creative. They have an improved ability to see the field and find their teammates with passes. Upper Division players are more competitive but tend to be self critical and need not be told of mistakes they make, but rather told how to better approach the situation. Teams in this division practice once during the week and play one game a week, usually on Saturdays. Although the players are becoming more independent, it is still important to them for their parents to be involved as a coach, assistant, or team manager.
