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Intramural

INTRAMURAL (IN HOUSE) PROGRAMS

PROGRAM
Born on or after
Born on or before
Under 4 Future Stars Program
8/1/2007
7/31/2008
Under 5 Adjusted Micro Program
8/1/2006
7/31/2007
Under 6 Micro program
8/1/2005
7/31/2006
Under 7 Program
8/1/2004
7/31/2005
Under 8 Program
8/1/2003
7/31/2004
Under 9 Program
8/1/2002
7/31/2003
 
 
 

Under 4 Future Stars Program

This curriculum based program is run by professionals whose specialty is teaching a young child basic soccer skills through the use of fun games and drills while providing fitness and an interest in the sport.   The development of balance, motor skills, running control, as well as listening skills are by products of the soccer training sessions and prepare each player for the next progression in their soccer journey.  There are no coaches required, no uniforms, no teams, and no organized games for this age group. Each session is 30 minutes in length and will have a maximum of 12 registrants to each trainer.  We run gender specific and/or coed groupings depending on registration counts.  This is non-competitive and skills based.  Children will not compete against each other via organized games.  No balls are required.  They are provided each week for the child to use. We ask that you don’t bring a soccer ball since children don’t like to share their ball and many of the drills require ball sharing.

Adjusted Micro

 Adjusted Micro:

(Competition Level: Low)    (Recommended Ball Size: 3)
Through the use of progressive fun filled skill based practices, we strive to teach the basic techniques of the game. Dribbling, individual moves, and spatial awareness are taught in an environment that enables all players involved to have fun and begin to become proficient with the soccer ball. The program is broken up into 50 minute sessions consisting of 25 minutes of professional development by a leading soccer company and 25 minutes of an adjusted micro game format. This format is played on a 20X30 field with two corner flags which are protected on the bottom by plastic cones to define each goal. When the ball goes out of bounds, coaches standing on the field of play immediately put another ball in play. This enables the coach to involve all of the players on the field, even the shy players. Substitutions are made on the fly with no formal stoppages in the game. Teams of 12 are created and each week two squads of 6 each will break up to play 3v3 format against another teams split squad.

Micro Program

 Micro Program:

(Competition Level: Low)   (Recommended Ball Size: 3)
The objective with this program is to continue a child’s soccer education through repeated touches on the ball, in a small sided format. This format is played on a 20X30 field with two corner flags which are protected on the bottom by plastic cones to define each goal. A six yard box is added on each side of the grid to define the area that a “sweeper keeper” can use their hands and to give players a line to use for goal kicks when the ball passes over the end lines. The sweeper keeper is a player who is designated with a different color shirt or pinney as the goalkeeper for a period of time that should not exceed 10 minutes. The player is allowed to use their hands in the defensive six yard box but must also act as a field player and run with the ball anywhere on the field. Coaches are prohibited from having the sweeper keeper stand inside of the 6 yard box only to defend the goal. Games consist of two 20 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime. Referees are provided to officiate each game.

Elementary Program

 Elementary School Programs

These 3 programs are designed to provide each child with more quality touches on the ball while advancing the players knowledge of the laws of the game and respect for the game and officials. Soccer as a team concept is introduced and reinforced during practices and games. Spatial awareness and combination play become more advanced as they progress through the school program. Here are some specifics about each of the three elementary school age groups.  
 
 
Under 7 Program Under 8 Program Under 9 Program
Competition level low low low
Recommended Ball size 4 4 4
Format 4v4 6v6 7v7
Field size
Roster size 9 12 14
Off Sides no goal hanging yes

Developmental Program

 Developmental Program

(Competition Level: Low/Medium)

The objective of the developmental program is to prepare the serious soccer player for competitive soccer at the travel level. The program is run by Sachem and players are trained by Coastal Soccer Academy. The goal is to train players in advanced skills and provide additional weekly touches on the ball to supplement but not replace the intramurals program. Intramurals always take precedent over developmental. The program is open to currently registered under 7/8/9 boys and girls. The cost of the program is in addition to the Intramurals registration. Training occurs each Monday for all age
groups during the fall and spring seasons. Winter trainings may also be offered. The U8 and U9 age groups will play an additional game each Saturday through Suffolk Soccer interleague during the fall and spring. Games are not mandatory and the roster will rotate each week depending on registration numbers. This program requires a big commitment from the parents and players.
Competition Levels:
N/A: no competition
 
Low: Teams compete against each other. Coach’s involvement is instructional and motivational. Coach’s work together to
make sure all players are having fun and playing fair. Parent involvement is meant to encourage the players from
both sides. Playing time guarantee 50%.
 
Medium: Teams compete against each other. Coach’s involvement is instructional and motivational. Coaches work to ensure
fair playing time while providing competitive environment on the field. Parent involvement should be limited to cheering players only. Playing time guarantee 40-50%
 
High: Teams compete against each other at a higher level. Coach’s involvement is to encourage players to put forth their
best effort while being competitive on the field. Parental involvement should be limited to encouragement from the sidelines for players. Playing time guarantee 30 – 40%.

Frequently asked Questions

 Frequently asked Questions:

1. When and where are practices?
Each team is advised to practice once each week. The duration of those practices depends on the age group involved but normally run 45-90 minutes. Practice schedules are up to the discretion of each
coach. Some practice during the week after school and some on Saturdays. Practices can be at any Sachem elementary or Middle school and on our fields. If you cannot make a practice, notify you coach in advance. Many coaches will preplan a session based on the full team attending.
2. When and where are games?
All intramural games are played at Waverly Avenue soccer fields. Your registration includes 9 games in the fall (1st Sunday after Labor Day until mid November) and spring (mid to late march until early June)
excluding holidays and severe weather. Make up weekends may not be feasible for missed weekends due to weather. Intramural/Interleague games are played on Sundays. Times vary each week.
3. What Equipment do I need?
Each soccer player is required to wear soccer shin guards and either sneakers or soccer cleats. No other sports cleats are permitted. The referee will prohibit you from participating in the game with any other
sport cleats. Soccer cleats are distinctive in that they have no toe cleat.
4. Do I need a Uniform?
All registrants except under 4 Future stars are required to purchase an Intramural or Interleague uniform. Intramural uniforms ($30.00) consist of a mesh reversible shirt, soccer shorts, and two pairs of soccer socks. Interleague uniforms ($35.00) include one yellow shirt, soccer shorts, and one pair of socks. The league will send an email when you can go to our distributor, Olympic Den in Ronkonkoma(471-3521) to purchase the uniform. When the weather gets cold, we will play. Children are permitted to play in sweatpants/leggings and a sweatshirt/Jacket. The sweatshirt/Jacket must be under their uniform and any hoods tucked into the back of the uniform. Hats and gloves are also permitted.
5. My child wants to play up with his classmates?
The league prohibits a child from playing outside of their age group. Age group cut-offs run from August to July. This leads to a child playing with some of their classmates and some a class under them.
The only exception to this if a situation where a child’s skill is so far advanced from their age group that playing up would benefit their soccer advancement. The registrar and Intramural trustee must be
notified by the coach and observation of the child must be done by both before any move is considered. No move will take place until after the season ends.
6. I want to stay with the same coach or players?
While you are free to ask, league policy is to not grant requests to play for specific coaches or play with specific kids. If a hardship exists, that must be explained in the comments section of the registration
process and the league will take that under advisement. But they are no guarantees it will be granted.

 7. What happens with bad weather?

Cancellations due to weather or field conditions will usually be made the morning of game day. Cancellations will be posted on our website and notifications will go out via email to all registrants. We will normally play through a light rain and cold temperatures.

8. How much should my child play?
Each player is guaranteed a minimum of 50% playing time for intramurals. It is up to each coach to monitor this. If you have an issue, contact the Intramural trustees listed on the website.
9. My child’s ears were just pierced?
NO JEWELRY. This is a requirement imposed on us by our insurance carrier and for the safety of your child and the other players. You must take any hard jewelry off, including earrings and hard hair clips. If your child just got their ears pierced and cannot take the earrings out, you will not be permitted to play. The referee will
prohibit you from entering the field. You may ask for a board member but our policy is not negotiable. It is no acceptable to cover up earrings with tape or band aids. This policy is for all practices and games.
10. How much does registration cost?
The current cost of the intramural program is $100 and covers the fall and spring seasons. You must register for both seasons. Interleague registration is $110.00 and includes both seasons. Included with your registration will be participation awards for the fall to be handed out on team/Individual picture night (usually the week after the last game in the fall) and handed to each participant by the coach on the last day of the spring season.
11. What is the difference between travel and Interleague?
The travel program is a highly competitive program which involves travel to neighboring clubs on Long Island to play competitive soccer games. Standings are kept. The cost of a travel team will consist of dues, trainer fees, tournament entry fees, etc. Interleague is for the less competitive soccer player who
wants to continue playing. Cost is considerably less and commitment is also less involved. This is a recreational league. No standings. Trophies will be awarded by Sachem.
12. What if I have a problem with my coach?
If you have a problem with a coach or another parent, don’t take matters into your hands. Go to our website and contact the appropriate Intramural trustee. If they cannot help they will find the right person to address the issue sufficiently.
13. This is my child’s first year and it looks nothing like soccer?
We have structured our age groups to play small sided games. This allows each child maximum touches on the ball. Children are learning the basics at this age and our professional trainers are excellent at teaching these skills. Pushing is a big problem at the younger age groups as kids learn the physical nature of the sport. This abates with time, be patient and don’t lose your cool if it happens.

 14. I want to coach but know nothing about soccer?

That’s perfectly fine. SYSL will do everything to insure that you are equipped to coach these little players, including professional coaches during game day, coaching clinics, and mentoring. All coaches
must wear ID tags identifying them as Sachem coaches for all practices and games. These badges let you know that a coach has been cleared to coach our children.
15. Why is my child playing for the opposing Sachem team?
Sometime’s another team may be limited in the amount of players that have for a game. In these cases, we ask coaches to share players. Our league is intramurals. Winning and losing are not important
aspects of SYSL. Development of the soccer player is paramount so if that means your child may play on the opposing team to get him more touches or help the other coaches out, it is a good thing. Coaches
are instructed to rotate that player so everyone gets a chance on the other team.
16. Why did my coach tell the team to stop scoring?
We try hard to teach these kids sportsmanship during competition. If the score is lopsided in favor of one team, the coaches and referees should follow the 5 goal rule, meaning no score differential should
exceed 5 goals. We ask coaches to add players until it is balanced or restrict their players in some form to make the game challenging and fair.
17. What should I do on the sidelines during games?
CHEER FOR ALL PLAYERS. Don’t ever yell at referees. These are children. Imagine some adult yelling at
your child while referring. Don’t instruct your child. Leave it up to each coach. To many voices serve to confuse the child, not help them. If you hear another parent taking about your child on the sidelines,
walk away and get a board member of the day. Coaches should be encouraging and limit instruction to
sidelines. Please see a copy of our SYSL Code of Conduct (provide link).
18. If I have an issue, who do I bring it to?
Each Sunday, there are many board members on the field and two specifically assigned for that weekend. Any issues should be taken to them. They are stationed by the trailers. Arguing with a parent
or coach in front of the children only serves to set a bad example.
19. When will I hear from my coach?
After registration ends, we hold a general meeting for all coaches in mid august. At that time, they are given rosters and are free to hold practices. If you don’t hear from them, you can log into your account
and see all their contact info. Call them and introduce yourself. Schedules are posted on our website and field maps are also available so you know where to report on game day.
20. Do boys and girls play on the same team?
Each division will have separate boys and girls divisions. We don’t offer co-ed teams.
21. Where do I register?
Registration is done online only @ www.sysl.org. Follow the registration link to sports signup and create an account for you and your child. Register and pay online with a credit card. No checks will be accepted. No in person registration is available.
 

 22. Are there programs offered in the winter and summer for my child?

Winter indoor games (in the Sachem Gyms) are available for an additional nominal registration fee during the winter for children registered to intramurals in the under 7 & 8 age groups only. You will
receive an email about this program after the fall season ends. Summer camps are run on our fields through Coastal Soccer Academy. Summer programs are advertised and posted prior to the end of the spring season. Registration is handled through Coastal Soccer’s website.
23. Should I register my child for Sachem’s Developmental program?
If you wish for your child to become more technically sound with their soccer skills, the program will benefit them. More touches means quicker improvement. The program costs $95.00 and you must be
a registered Sachem Youth Soccer player to participate. Trainings are each Monday from 4:30 pm to 7:00pm. Boys U7 & U8 and Girls U9 train from 4:30 to 5:45. Girls U7 & U8 and Boys U9 train from 5:45
to 7:00. Winter trainings are also available.
24. How are intramurals teams selected?
Teams are created by SYSL trustees randomly at the U5, U6, and U7 age groups. At U8 and U9, we ask our coaches to rate the players based on various criteria. Teams are created with players of equal
ratings to ensure fair and competitive games throughout the program.

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