Little Kickers Rules

Overview

Little Kickers is MTL’s introductory soccer program for ages 4-5, played at Stagg Field. Each session runs about an hour: roughly the first half is practice and the second half is a game, with a short break partway through the game. Nobody is timing this to the minute at this age. The focus is on having fun and getting comfortable with the ball.

Players

• 4 players per side — no goalie
• Shin guards are required — provided by the coach
• Cleats are recommended but not required
• To limit kids sitting out, coaches may agree to play with a 5th player each

Ball In and Out of Play

The Little Kickers format is simplified to keep the game moving:

• Kick-offs are used to start play
• No corner kicks, goal kicks, free kicks, or throw-ins
• If the ball goes out of bounds, restart with a kick-in or dribble-in

Note that the field bounds are really more like suggestions at this age - the kids will run right past them and it is OK to let them keep going a bit rather than disrupt play immediately.

Scoring

• After a goal, the opposing team restarts at midfield
• Opponents should be at least 10 feet away from the ball on restarts

Important Rules

• No goalies — players who stand in front of their own goal should be encouraged to move around the field
• No offside — but players who camp in front of the opposing goal should be gently encouraged to move
• No score is kept — the emphasis is on fun and learning

For Coaches

There are no teenage referees at Little Kickers — the two coaches run the session together:

• Coordinate the timing of each half with the other coach
• Don’t switch sides at the half — it causes confusion at this age
• No whistles — the fields sit close together and a whistle carries into the next game
• Practices beyond the built-in half hour are optional and arranged through the league — see the league guidelines in the Coach Guide

Coaches & Parents

Together, coaches and parents are expected to create and promote a fun and safe environment for the players. This is an introduction to the sport — keep it positive and encouraging.