Under 8 Intramural Program
The Hamburg Area Soccer Association (HASA) offers a Fall intramural soccer program for children entering Kindergarten thru 2nd grade (home school children included), for children who will not turn eight years of age by August 1st of that year. Children who turn eight before the first of August and wish to play soccer should enroll in HASA’ Under Nine and above program. In addition, children who are not yet old enough to enter Kindergarten may also enroll with parental consent.
HASA’ official registration is held in early Spring, however, parents may register their children in this program at any time through the end of the season by filling out the appropriate registration form. This form may be printed out from our web site and the appropriate registration fee, in a check made out to HASA, must be mailed to our official mail box (HASA, Box 184, Hamburg, PA 19526). During the official registration dates, HASA’s uniform purveyor will also be on hand so that each child in this program can be fitted for their game shirt, which is included in the registration price. Should you miss the HASA’s official registration, it is your responsibility to download a uniform order form from our web site and either send or hand carry the completed form to HASA’s uniform purveyor, Sneaker villa (2647 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring, PA 19608, (610) 670-1447). The registration link on this web site has additional details on registration.
This intramural program is co-ed and children are divided into 3 divisions, based on age primarily, to introduce these youngsters to the game of soccer in a fun atmosphere. The three divisions are; the Kindergarten, U6 Division, First Grade, U7 Division, and Second Grade, U8 Division; however, this is a general breakdown of the three groups. Practices start in mid to late August and official games begin the first Sunday after Labor Day, and run until the last Sunday in October. All practices and games are currently played at the Hamburg Borough Park, whereas 1 to 2 practices are held during the week and all games are played on Sunday afternoon. Generally, the Kindergarten group only practices once per week whereas the upper two divisions practice twice per week. In addition, all games are played with floating rosters and scores are not kept.
The three divisions play among themselves and are usually divided up into teams of 4 to 6 players in the U6 and U7 divisions. Games consist of teams of 4 players per team with no goalies. Games will last for 20 minutes and the U6 and U7 division will usually play 3 games on a Sunday Afternoon. Teams will rotate from field to field from game to game. The U6 and U7 teams will practice and play on ¼ size fields.
The U8, second grade division will divide up into 6 to 8 players per team and play with 5 players and a goalie during their 20 minute games. U8 will play on ½ size fields and usually play 3 games on a Sunday Afternoon. Teams will also rotate fields between their games as well.
Parent(s) or an authorized guardian are encouraged to attend both practices and games, and they are also encouraged to volunteer for such activities as coaching, fundraising, or game management. The Under Eight program is an excellent time for parents and other interested volunteers to get involved in the game of soccer. HASA does frequently training courses for coaches at various times during the year, and will also reimburse volunteers for HASA Board authorized and approved coaching courses.
All players are required to wear the official uniform of their respective division for Sunday Games. Uniform consists of the team jersey, white shorts, plain white soccer socks that totally cover the players shin guards, shin guards and soccer cleats. There are a variety of shin guard packages on the market. If you can find a pair that has the ankle pads built into the shin guard, your child will have additional protection against injury. Groin protection is highly recommended for the boys. Practice apparel is up to the parent, although soccer cleats, shin guards are required and groin protection for the boys ise recommended. Also, please provide your child with a supply of water or drink of your choice. Soda is not recommended. All other equipment will be provided by the HASA. Size 3 soccer balls are supplied for practices and games, although, if the player wishes to bring their own soccer ball he or she may do so.
Finally, it is important for all parents and volunteers to understand that the Under Eight program is to give children an introduction to the most popular game in the world, soccer, in a fun atmosphere. As mentioned previously scores are not kept so that the joy of playing, and not winning and losing is emphasized. So have fun with your kids as well as all of the other children and parents participating, and enjoy some laid back fun in the sun yourself! Lets work together to make this program the most fun and productive it can be for our kids!