Per the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives, 6, 7, and 8 year old players get the most out of the game when playing 4 v 4 soccer (four players on one team versus four players on the opposing team). 4 v 4 soccer introduces players to structured play on a field with age appropriate physical dimensions and does not feature goalkeepers or the offside rule.
Offered through the U.S. Soccer Digital Coaching Center, coaches taking the 4 v 4 Online Grassroots Course can expect to be provided with tools and strategies to create a fun environment for their players. Coaches will study how grassroots players learn and develop to their full potential through a player-centered coaching approach. Additionally, the course teaches coaches about the characteristics of 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old players and how to foster a supportive and safe playing environment. Coaches will also be exposed to U.S. Soccer’s Grassroots Coaching Philosophy, the Grassroots Roadmap, and the training session concept known as Play-Practice-Play.
The 4 v 4 Online course takes approximately two hours to complete from any computer connected to the internet; the course is taken at the coach’s own pace. Featuring frequent interaction with the course module, the 4 v 4 Online course requires coaches to answer practical questions, set-up a virtual training session and reflect on their learning throughout the course.
Aspiring coaches who want to continue the requirements needed before progressing to the U.S. Soccer D License Course can do so by signing up for any of the In-Person Grassroots courses, including the 4 v 4 In-Person course, through the Digital Coaching Center. Because all grassroots In-Person courses are organized and run by U.S. Soccer member organizations, coaches with specific questions about scheduling and pricing of 4 v 4 In-Person opportunities should contact their local member organization.
Currently, only the 4 v 4 course is available online. The 7 v 7, 9 v 9 and 11 v 11 Online courses are expected to be available soon. Following the launch of each of these learning opportunities, the course content will be translated so that future coaches have the option to select the language (English or Spanish) for their Grassroots course experience.
Please note: before registering for this course, coaches must complete the cost-free Introduction to Grassroots Coaching Module