Tennis shoes or soccer cleats are required at each practice and game.

Shinguards are required at each practice and game.  Shinguards must be covered by socks or long pants.

A ball is helpful, but not required. 
  U-5, U-6, and U-8 teams use a size 3 ball.
  U-10 and U-12 teams use a size 4 ball.
  U-14 and up use a size 5 ball.

Please send water with your child to each practice and game.

What's not allowed: 
  Jewelry of any kind, anywhere
  Hats/Visors (soft caps are allowed in cold weather)
  Sunglasses
  Casts
  Splints
  Any hard objects on clothes, ie. pants or shirts with exposed zippers or other metal.
  Jackets/Shirts with hoods  (refs may allow them in the younger divisions if they're securely worn on the player's head or tucked down under their jersey.)

We always offer separate girls and boys teams for our U10 divisions.  Our U-5, U-6, and U-8 teams have historically been co-ed due to the small size of our region, but, with the increased the number of players in our region, we were able to offer separate boys and girls teams in most age divisions the last couple of years.  However, for the fall 2008 season, our U6 and U8 teams are co-ed again, primarily due to the fact that most players were not registered by the June 30th deadline. 

New Lothrop offers U12 and U14 teams, though usually only in the spring.  We do offer a "Soccer for Teens" program in the fall for these players.  This co-ed group meets once a week for a 90 minute session consisting of skills/drills and a short-sided game.  Players must be registered for this pick-up league.  Registration is only $15 and will be deducted from any spring program fees. 

This year, there is an interest in a spring U16 team.  Please call Sharlene Timmons for more information (810) 638-5572.

Please pre-register at www.eayso.org or call Sharlene at (810) 638-5572 if you're interested.

Fewer players on the field means more opportunity to be in the action -- and to learn the game.   AYSO recommends that all children under the age of 12 play small-sided (less than 11 players per team) soccer.

Small-sided soccer is about what is best for young soccer players.

Remember, young soccer players need special consideration:

  * They are children playing a child’s game. 
  * They must be regarded as young children, not mini adults. 
  * They are self-oriented and relate naturally to one or two others, not to large groups. 
  * Fun and activity factors must be a central part of a child-centered program.

Educators agree early learning experiences are the most important and produce the most retention.  We want to make our kids' soccer experience a positive one so we also consider these factors: 

  * Most children cannot sustain prolonged activity. 
  * They function best in suitable starts and stops (rest periods). 
  * Concentration span is limited, so frequent changes of pace and activity are essential.

Children love to learn:

  * They learn a great deal more when the ratio of coach to player is reduced. 
  * With small numbers and the simple nature of the game, the best teacher is the game itself. 
  * With fewer players on the ?eld, each player gets more touches on the ball and has greater opportunity to change location in a fast-flowing, fluid game. 
  * Playing short-sided allows players to make simpler decisions and develop an earlier, better understanding of organization of play. 
  * Smaller ?elds mean more players are directly involved in play, creating increased levels of both concentration and interest. 
  * The reduced ?eld size encourages more shots on goal by all players, therefore more goals scored.

Residual benefits:

  * Parents are introduced to the game in smaller, more understandable doses. 
  * Small-sided soccer is a great place to train new referees.