Who we are:
The Stonington Soccer Club is a private, non-profit, all-volunteer run soccer club for girls and boys. We belong to the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) which is affiliated with the United
States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). We play in the Southeast District of the CJSA. We are governed by all the rules and regulations of
both CJSA and USYSA. Club business is decided by an elected Board of Directors.
Who can play:
We offer both girls and boys teams in the u9, u10, u11, u12, u13, u14 and u15 age groups, as well as Tiny Sharks and Junior Sharks programming for girls and boys ages 18 months and up. Any youth from Stonington or surrounding communities who has the desire and commitment
to train and play soccer is eligible. Players from neighboring towns are eligible for Tiny Sharks and Junior Sharks; players from neighboring towns may eligible for Sharks teams pending available space.
Our mission:
To provide a safe, fun environment for fitness training, soccer training and development. Emphasis is on skill building, team work, fair play, sportsmanship, and developing an
overall understanding and passion for soccer. Part of the development process can lead to higher levels of competition such as district premier teams, and varsity high school play.
Our facility:
The Stonington Soccer Club field is located on Taugwonk Road in Stonington, at Exit 91 off Route 95, next to the commuter parking lot. Our present field is approx. 65 yards
wide x 110 yards long, serviced by an irrigation system. It is maintained by club members, primarily by our volunteer Field Coordinator who mows it weekly in season and manages all maintenance, lines and updates. We also have a 24 x 48 foot all-purpose
building, which serves as maintenance/storage garage, concession stand and meeting
hall.
Recognized age divisions:
The eligibility date for boys and girls team is based on their birth year. per CJSA regulations.
SSC U9-U15 Guidelines for Coaches and Parents:
Overview
The following guidelines are meant to clarify to coaches and to parents the Stonington Soccer Club's (SSC) policy regarding player development and winning. In short, SSC encourages
playing to develop which will lead to long-term success on the soccer field. SSC is committed to the proposition that winning (the outcome) is a byproduct of player development and learning (the
process). SSC believes that one of the most effective ways to get players excited about soccer is to show them that they are improving as individuals and as a team. When this happens, it builds
confidence, momentum, and optimism.
U9/U10
At U9/U10, the focus should be on having fun and player development. Moreover, the primary objective of game participation and training is to provide the players with equal learning
opportunities. Consequently, all U9 U10 players will receive equal playing time. Furthermore, player rotation from attack to defense will be encouraged to allow greater understanding of the
game.
U12
Similar to U10, the focus at U12 is on player development and a positive learning experience. At this age, greater consideration is given to player placement based on a number of factors including mental and physical preparedness and soccer skills.
Player rotation will be encouraged and equal playing time for league games will be the goal.
U12 players will also be encouraged to play different positions on the field. In addition, for league games, each player will play for an extended period of time,
with the goal of playing at least half of the game.
U14/U15
At the U14/U15 level, careful consideration needs to be placed on balancing between (1) developing individuals and a team and (2) finding ways to win, which at this age, becomes part
of the competitive process.
At U14/U15 levels, the coach will make a concerted effort to play players (rostered players and call ups) significant minutes while keeping the team
competitive.
Questions? Please contact our board at [email protected].