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Mini-soccer improves players’ skill level By Steven Lee Every ‘year a number of parents are surprised to discover that their new soccer player plays a variant of the “traditional” soccer game, called mini, or 7-a-side soccer. This year, U6 to U9 players, both boys’ and girls’ teams, will play mini in Georgetown. Mini-soccer is strong- ly endorsed by both the Canadian and Ontario Soccer Associations as the preferred version of soccer for younger players. Mini-soccer, is played on a smaller field, with smaller goals and ball, and a minimum of the more-complex rules. While there are usually 12 players on a team, only seven, (six players and a goal- tender)splay one at a time. The game is divided into four quarters, and players are rotated to ensure that everyone gets an equal oppor- tunity to play. The game is also reduced from the traditional 90 minutes. The basic principles behind mini- soccer are simple. The equipment, field, game length, etc. are adjusted to meet the needs of younger chil- dren. The reduced number of play- ers increases the opportunity for each child to “touch” the ball more frequently in the game - and ball- handling skills are improved in direct proportion to the opportuni- ties presented. Everyone gets a chance to get involved, no matter. what his or her ability. Some of the rules are adjusted for safety rea- sons. For example, each goalkeeper has a “safe” area, directly in front of the goal, within which opposing players are not permitted to shoot on goal. This reduces the possibili- ty of a melee in which a small goalie gets kicked or injured by point-blank shots, and thus discour- aged. Other rules, such as the off- side rule, are also eliminated, because of the difficulty of very small children understanding the implications, resulting in a large number of stoppage in play. Coaches are allowed on the field during play, where they can encourage players, keep them going in the right direction, and tie up the odd bootlace! Equipment needs for the younger player are quite simple, as the Club provides shirt, shorts, and socks. Inexpensive soccer boots are avail- able in local sports and department stores, although “turf shoes” and running shoes are quite adequate. Shin guards, also quite inexpen- sive, are very strongly recommend- ed. Parents may also want to con- sider providing an athletic support or pelvic protector - a “jock” or “jill”. Most kids also bring a water bottle to the game to wash down the traditional half-time orange slices (for some, the highlight of the game!). Registration fee for a GEORGETOWN BASEBALL ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION Tuesday, February16 6-9p.m. Alcott Arena "Open" Indoor Workouts begin next week, check your newsletter or phone 877-7954 "Rep" Tryouts begin after March Break mini player is $50. Games are played one night a week throughout the season (May - September). A typical game might have the team meeting at 6 p.m. for a 30 minute practice, followed by a game till about 7:15. Emphasis is placed on participation, building skills, and having a good time, not on “win- ning”, and thus-no team standings or individual statistics are kept. At the end of the season, the “final receive identical awards, together with team photos. Soccer is a terrific game for young children, providing excellent exercise, building stamina, and improving coordination. The games are fast-paced and usually enter- taining, leaving little time for bore- dom. Kids learn the importance of playing as a team, and valuing the contributions of everyone, and a sense of i - while Burlington Central was 3rd with 43 points. Competition was tough at the Halton Junior Wrestling Championship at Georgetown District High School Wednesday, but Georgetown captured 1st for the third year in a row with 92 points. Some 112 competitors.from 11 schools toughed it out on the mats. E.C.Drury finished 2nd with 80 points, Photo by Wendy Long. not everyone will score a goal, they will get a chance to “give the ball a boot” - a pretty satisfying feeling. Soccer is also, of course, excellent off-season training for hockey, as in addition to improving balance and other physical skills, the basic structure of the game - forwards, defenders; goalie, passing, shoot- ing, quick transition from defensive to offensive play, and blending individual skill and creativity with team-work - is very similar to that of hockey. (Two years of soccer game my own eight-year old daughter the confidence to try hockey this winter - which she loves!). Registration for all soccer for the upcoming season takes place at Alcott arena (upstairs) on Saturday, February 27th, 1 - 4 p.m. and Wednesday, March 10th, 6 - 9 p.m. Please bring a photocopy of your child’s birth certificate or other proof of age. And we always need coaches and managers!! Georgetown bow Monday Men’s League LJB Contractors 81 Countrywide Real Estate Tita Acid Rainbow 64 Custom Car Sound 57 Sam’s Service Centre 55 Los Amigos 51 Arnies 51 High Averages Bryan Creasey 225 Gord Lane 224 Brinley Hole 221 Paul Chaplin 218 Bruce Clarke 213 High Triples Bryan Creasey 803 (275) Tom Prouse 725 (303) Brinley Hole 711 (344) Gord Lane 699 (266) John Prouse 691 (251) Priced well below similar homes in the area at only $187,900. Come and compare. Directions: Mountainview Rd. S. to Sargent to Delrex — left to Garnet. 93-2-103 Georgetown location on 1/2 acre wooded lot, this spacious 2,400 sq. ft. bungalow with main floor family room, fireplace, and walkout to patio is now only $275,000. Quiet elegance prevails in this 2300 sq. ft. open concept home. Cathedral ceilings, skylights, greenhouse kit., indoor garden, gazebo, 2 1/2 car garage. Gloria Foreman". $369,900. 92-2-528 Gloria Foreman* Town & Country Specialist since 1970 LOCAL 877-5165 RES. 873-6131 ERIN 833-9714 TOR. 874-3040 * Sales Representative JOHNSON & ASSOCIATES LTD., REALTOR 247 Guelph St., Georgetown