U8 - Player Development & Transition Overview

• Games move to 5v5 (four players plus a goalkeeper on each team)

• Two practices per week

• Teams are supported by parent volunteers (Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager)

• Hands-on support from PoCo FC Technical Staff

• Larger fields and larger nets

• Home and away games (New Westminster to Maple Ridge)

Every child is part of the PoCo FC Development Pathway.

At U8, the pathway separates players into two streams: Community and Development.

The Community stream prioritizes fun, connection and learning in a balanced team environment. Friend requests are honoured where space allows, with earlier registration increasing the likelihood. All players in the age group are welcome to register in Community.

The Development stream supports players who are identified by Technical Staff as being ready for additional challenge at this stage. Families will receive an invitation to register in Development.

Both streams:

• Follow the same club-designed session plans

• Receive support from PoCo FC Technical Staff

• Focus on building strong technical skills and confidence

• Emphasize teamwork, effort and positive behaviour

Placement is about supporting each child where they are right now. Players are observed by PoCo FC staff throughout the season. At the end of U8, players may remain in their current stream or move to a different stream based on their growth and readiness.

At this early age, abilities and maturity can change quickly, so continued observation helps us place children in environments where they feel both supported and appropriately challenged.

Wednesdays – Team Practice Night | 5:00–6:00pm

Wednesday is the main team training night for U8. This is the session where players work on key technical skills such as ball control, dribbling, 1v1 confidence and decision-making. Coaches are supported with session plans and Technical Staff are on the field to help ensure consistent learning across all teams and to support parent coaches.

If your family can only make one training night during the week, Wednesday is the ideal session to attend.

Fridays – Club Game Night | 5:00–6:00pm

Fridays are fun, energetic and designed to feel more like a game environment. Players take part in small-sided games such as 3v3 and 4v4, giving them another opportunity to apply what they are learning in an exciting club setting.

Families are welcome to attend both nights, but we understand that schedules can be busy. If one night per week is what works best for your child and family that is completely fine.

Attending both nights can provide children with:

• More touches on the ball

• More opportunities to build confidence

• A chance to reinforce skills before their weekend game

• Stronger friendships and team connection

Technical Staff are there to:

• Support and mentor volunteer coaches

• Demonstrate activities during sessions

• Ensure consistency in teaching

• Help create safe, inclusive, child-focused environments

Our U8 program is supported by Technical Staff who have completed Canada Soccer’s nationally recognized Children’s Licence, a specialized certification focused entirely on how young children learn, grow and experience sport.

This means your child is coached in ways that match their age and stage, helping them build confidence, develop strong technical skills and enjoy the game in a positive and welcoming environment.

PoCo FC is part of the North Fraser Youth Soccer Association (NFYSA). The NFYSA organizes league games on weekends. Other clubs within the NFYSA also separate teams into Community and Development streams and follow the same game rules.

• Boys games are on Saturdays

• Girls games are on Sundays

• Games may be scheduled anytime between 8:30am and 4:00pm

• Home games are played at Gates Park

• Away games vary in location, anywhere from New Westminster to Maple Ridge

At games, we always encourage respectful and positive sideline behaviour. At this age, children take their cues from the adults around them. It’s our responsibility to create a supportive sideline.

Our U8 program depends on parent involvement. Each team requires:

• A Head Coach

• An Assistant Coach

• A Team Manager

If you are feeling unsure, please know that you are not alone. Our Technical Staff will be right there with you on the field every Wednesday and Friday night to support you each step of the way. You do not need any previous soccer or coaching experience, just a willingness to learn and be part of a great experience for the kids. We provide:

• Structured weekly session plans

• On-field technical support

• Ongoing mentorship

• A supportive learning environment

Last year’s U8 families created an outstanding experience for the players and we are hopeful this year’s group will do the same. This program depends on parent volunteers and we truly cannot run it without you. The earlier you register as a Team Official, the sooner we can get your team set up and ready to go.

We are especially proud of the female representation within our coaching community.

Last season, our U8 girls teams were supported by an all-female head coaching staff. Representation matters. When girls see women in leadership roles:

• They feel a stronger sense of belonging

• They build confidence

• They see possibilities for themselves

• They are more likely to remain involved in sport

We actively encourage female team officials and will fully support anyone who steps forward. You do not need to feel “ready.” Growth happens together and we are here to guide and encourage you.

Wednesday and Friday training sessions along with games on the weekends are included in your registration fee. If your child would like an additional development opportunity, we offer an optional Monday night program for an additional fee.

This program:

• Focuses on technical skill development

• Provides extra ball repetition

• Offers additional opportunity to build confidence and skill

This complements team training and supports continued growth for players who are eager for more touches on the ball.

U8 is an important starting point in your child’s soccer journey at PoCo FC.

Our U8 program is part of the U8–U10 Mini’s Pathway. This phase focuses on building strong technical habits, game understanding, confidence and physical literacy in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Every player, in both Community and Development, is part of this pathway.

As players grow, they continue into our U11–U13 Youth Pathway. Opportunities may evolve over time as children develop. Development is not a straight line and readiness can change from season to season. Our commitment is to guide each child along their individual journey.

At U8, children are learning and growing every week. Coaches and Technical Staff observe players throughout the season during training sessions, game nights and league matches.

We do not make decisions based on one moment. Instead, we look at each child’s development over time, including:

• Comfort with the ball

• Willingness to try new skills

• Decision-making in games

• Effort and teamwork

• Listening and coachability

• Growing confidence

After a full season of observation, players may move streams, either direction.

Our goal is always to place players in environments where they are appropriately challenged while still feeling supported and successful.

If you have any questions about your child’s experience, development, or soccer journey, please feel free to connect directly with our U8 Technical Lead, Lorenzo Basso.

The best first step is usually to speak with Lorenzo in person at the field on Wednesday or Friday evenings as a face-to-face conversation is often the most helpful and allows for a quick, supportive discussion.

If you are not able to connect at the field, you are always welcome to email Lorenzo directly.

Lorenzo Basso

U8 Technical Lead

lorenzo.basso@pocosoccer.com