Cottage Grove United Soccer

Session Costs are $45 and include a CGU T-Shirt. 

Week 1 – Dribbling and taking on opponents.  1 v 1 tournament 

Week 2 – Passing and Moving

Week 3 – Individual Defending

Week 4 – Attacking in small groups.

Week 5 – Technical skills, with emphasis on first touch

Week 6 – Small sided futsal tournament 

4v4 versus 8v8

Passes: +135% or 585 more passes in 4v4 games

Shots Taken: +260% or 481 more shots in 4v4 games

Goals Scored: +500% or 301 more goals in 4v4 games

1v1’s: +225% or 525 more 1v1’s in 4v4 games

Tricks, Turns and Moves: +280% or 436 more tricks, turns, and moves

These data were collected in a 2002-2003 study conducted for Manchester United
Football Club by Dr. Rick Fernoglio, a lecturer in Exercise Science at Manchester
Metropolitan University. Fifteen (15) 4v4 and 8v8 games were videotaped and analyzed
for the study. This study was reported on page 6 of the March 2004 edition of Success
in Soccer magazine.

Cottage Grove United's Recreational/Pre-Academy Soccer Program exists to provide each player the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment, and skill learning - through equal participation, regardless of ability. Our Developmental Philosophy focuses on:

• Age-appropriate field sizes and instruction
• A fun-filled learning and playing environment
• Professional coaching education and support
• See the pages for the Spring and Summer Rec programs for more detail on these programs
• Financial assistance is available
• Checkout the FAQ's for the information packet for more detail on the Rec program

 Please feel free to contact the following people with questions regarding the following topics:

Erik Biscoe or Eric Nohner:  General Program information

Craig Mallace: Philosophy and training

Ira: Uniforms

Cottage Grove United Soccer Club offers a Rec Program based upon the guidelines of the US Youth Soccer (National Organization), which gives kids a great soccer experience through smaller fields, smaller teams and plenty of experience to handle the ball.

At the Pre-Academy level your child is able to enjoy the fun, excitement and excerise of outdoor soccer reguardless of his experience.

We, as well as many other youth players and families in Cottage Grove, are excited to announce the NEW Cottage Grove United Pre-Academy Soccer League was a success in 2010 for all local youth players ages 4-12 during the Spring and Summer seasons!

Players residing in and around the city of Cottage Grove will get the opportunity to participate in a program that focuses on fun and development. Director of Soccer and Player Development along with other club trainers will be providing support and training for coaches and players of all teams.

• Teams will play on appropriate field sizes as directed by United States Youth Soccer Guidelines
• Coaches will be provided with practice ideas and resources, as well as coaching clinics and on-going support from our Technical Coaching Staff.
• The Cottage Grove United Recreational Program will begin each season with a kick off festival for all players and families and commence with a 3 game jamboree.  

For more information, please email the Recreational Director, at RecSoccer@cottagegrovesoccer.org.

Why Small-Sided Games?

US Youth Soccer has thought long and hard about the answer to the question, "Why Small-Sided Games?"

What does "Small-Sided Games" mean? These are soccer games with fewer players competing on a smaller sized field. These are fun games that involve the players more because fewer players are sharing one ball.

All ages can play "Small Sided Games", but it has a definite developmental impact on our younger soccer players. US Youth Soccer recommendations for "number of players" at the various age groups are as follows:

U6 | 3 against 3 no goal keepers
U8 | 4 against 4 no goal keepers
U10 | 6 against 6 with goal keepers
U12 | 8 against 8 with goal keepers
U13+ | 11 against 11 with goal keepers

Here are some of the reasons why we believe, as soccer coaches, administrators and parents must guarantee that our young soccer players play small-sided games:

1. Because we want our young soccer players to touch the soccer ball more often and become more skillful with it! (Individual technical development)

2. Because we want our young soccer players to make more, less-complicated decisions during the game! (Tactical development)

3. Because we want our young soccer players to be more physically efficient in the field space they are playing in! (Reduced field size)

4. Because we want our young soccer players to have more individual teaching time with the coach! Less players on the field and less players on the team will guarantee this! (Need to feel worthy and need to feel important)

5. Because we want our young soccer players to have more, involved playing time in the game! (More opportunity to solve problems that only the game presents)

6. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunity to play on both sides of the ball! (More exposure to attacking and defending situations)

7. Because we want our young soccer players to have more opportunities to score goals! (Pure excitement)

These are the reasons why we adults must foster "Small-Sided Games" in our youth soccer programs. The "Small-Sided" environment is a developmentally appropriate environment for our young soccer players. It’s a FUN environment that focuses on the young soccer player.

It just makes sense doesn’t it?