HASA
Under 9 and Above Program
The Hamburg Area Soccer association (HASA) offers a competitive soccer program for children and young adults ranging from eight to 19 years of age in a Fall program. This is not a co-ed program and the teams play within the Reading Berks Youth Soccer League, whereas games are played both at home and at other locations within and occasionally outside of Berks County. Traditionally in Fall, boy’s teams are available for under-9, u-10, u-11 and u-12 age groups, and girls have these age groups as well as advanced age groups up to U-19 years of age. Since the Hamburg Area School District Boys play in the Fall, these young adults generally do not play in HASA’ Fall program, and likewise for the older girls in Spring. HASA does offer a Spring program for Boys and Girls in the u-9 through u-12 age groups. Sufficiently advanced and mature players less than 8 years of age may play or be invited to play in the u-9 division but are always encouraged to play with children in the same grade as themselves.
Official registration is held in early Spring for the Fall program, however, parents may register their children in this program at any time through the end of the August. However, players signing up after the official sign up dates will be assigned to teams only if space is available. Uniforms are also ordered during official registration. Please see the registration section of this web site for further details on registration.
Under 9 and Under 10 teams play on downsized fields (i.e. 100’x200’) with 8 players on the field and team rosters are limited to 14 players, whereas the rest of the teams play with 11 players on full fields and rosters have up to 24 players. It is the policy of HASA that every player plays at least one half of every game. In some age groups there are more advanced divisions of play, and HASA may or may not choose to place teams in advanced divisions depending upon the technical and physical abilities of each respective team.
Practices start in late July, and more typically in early August for this group, whereby practice locations can be located on various fields throughout northern Berks County. Practices are generally held twice per week unless bad weather forces a cancellation. It is highly recommended that all players wear spikes and shin guards to each practice, and bring a beverage such as water or a sports drink. In addition, it is suggested that boys wear a protective athletic supporter. HASA provides each coach with balls (U9 –U12-#4 balls/U13 and above - #5 balls), and other practice equipment such as cones, scrimmage vests, and a basic medical kit.
Games are held during the day on Saturdays, or on Sunday afternoons whereas half the locations are played at home and half the games at played at other locations throughout the county. Each player is expected to wear their official uniform to each game and bring along their back up jersey to each game also. In addition, each player must wear their spikes, shin guards and may not wear any jewelry or watches. The player’s shin guards must be completely covered by the player’s socks. It is also an excellent idea for each player to have a sports bag or a pack to store their alternate game jersey, water bottle and any other special items the player needs. Keeping a sports bag helps a player stay organized and grooms them for higher level soccer play such as at the High School, as well as builds self esteem.
Game schedules are handed out by the coach prior to the season start and it is helpful if a parent volunteers to be a team administrative coordinator to help the coach with disseminating practice, game, and other team information. Games generally start the first weekend after Labor Day and go for eight to nine weeks, with no games on Columbus Day weekend. However, some teams do decide to enter special Columbus Day Soccer Tournaments. In addition, some teams may be invited to attend end of year soccer playoffs depending on their team record.
Finally, it is important for all parents and volunteers to understand that the Under 9 and above program is intended to teach children and young adults the basics skills and play needed to succeed in the game of soccer in a fun atmosphere. HASA does frequently provide training courses for coaches at various times during the year, and will also reimburse volunteers for HASA Board authorized and approved coaching courses. Therefore, if you desire to help but have little soccer knowledge HASA will work with you so that you will feel comfortable and have success in your efforts. So have fun with your kids and these young adults 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!