Youth Development

Davidsonville Gators Soccer

Our Youth Development program provides a fun and comfortable environment for every child to learn to play soccer. This is an in-house program focusing on building tactical and technical skills, building athleticism, and making new friendships along the way. Gameplay consists of small-sided 4v4 games to ensure as many touches on the ball as possible. Coaches are guided by our professional coaching curriculum with a particular focus on player development.

Bitty Stoppers (U04)

Our Bitty Stoppers Program is designed to introduce boys and girls to the game of soccer in a co-ed environment while having FUN. The program will concentrate on building confidence and early athleticism while introducing socialization and team building. Parents and toddlers are invited to engage in activities that will promote balance, coordination, running, kicking, and changing direction - all of which are integral building blocks to playing soccer!

Roster size will reflect approximately 6-8 kids per team. Teams will play a 4v4 format with no goalkeeper, and all kids will receive equal playing time. Smaller field size with 5ft PUGG goals will be used in lieu of standard goals.There will be one practice (typically Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) and a game each week (Saturday) during the Fall season. During the Spring season we hold both practice and games on Friday nights. Game days typically pack out the park and everyone has a blast interacting with other members of the community!

Little Kickers (U05)

Our Little Kickers Program is designed to build players technical and athletic abilities in a co-ed environment while having FUN. The program will concentrate on building confidence and skill in foot-eye coordination, dribbling, scoring, and balance. Activities will promote enjoyment of the game and team work, helping to create players who are coachable and eager to learn.

Mini Strikers (U06)

Our Mini Strikers program offers the next level of athletic and skills development while promoting a love of the game. Technical instruction will focus on the fundamentals of dribbling, passing, and shooting as players begin to understand the concepts of playing together as a team.

Jr. Middies (U07)

Our Jr. Middies program builds upon player and skills development, and prepares players to take their game to the next level. Instruction will be focused on ball mastery, field and spatial awareness, as well as athleticism, ultimately increasing player confidence to handle the ball in all game-like situations.

During the Fall season, smaller field size with 5ft PUGG goals will be used for the last time! Roster size will reflect approximately 6-8 kids per team. Teams will play a 4v4 format with no goalkeeper, and all kids will receive equal playing time. There will be one practice (typically Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) and a game each week (Saturday) during the Fall season.

During the Spring season, our Jr. Middies will play the 7v7 format on a larger field in preparation for the Fall U08 season as they transition to our County and Travel programs. During the Spring season, roster size will be approximately 12-14 players per team, and all players will receive equal playing time.

Uniforms

All players will receive a team t-shirt to wear as their uniform for the season. The player will keep the t-shirt at the end of the season.

Equipment

Each player is required to wear shin guards for all practices and games. Players are highly encouraged, but not required, to wear cleats. If a player does not have cleats, they should wear tennis shoes.

Coaches

We are always looking for volunteers to coach at all ages of Youth Development soccer. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact us at youthdevelopment@daagators.org.

Special requests will be considered in line with keeping balanced teams up until late fee date. We are always looking for volunteers to coach and may offer a coaching clinic prior to each season if needed.