We are currently working on spring/summer team formations and it is still possible that there may be openings in many age-groups.

If still interested to be placed on a team for spring/summer please reach out to us at info@epsoccerclub.com.

The Twin Cities Soccer League (TCSL) is now offering a new program, specifically for 8U teams rather than them playing up at 9U which has happened in previous years.

TCSL 8U team programing will now follow this format:

• 5 v 5 games (rather than 7v7 which is played at 9U) on smaller fields.
• 2-4 Match Days per season (varies Fall, Spring/Summer)
• On each match day teams will play 2 games within a 2-hour window
• Games are 2 x 20-minute halves

What will the Spring/summer season look like?

• The 8U Season will run from the beginning of May to the end of June.
• Teams will typically train once per week, sometimes twice.
  • Trainings will be every Tuesday.
  • There will be an occasional Thursday practice (on the weeks there is not a Jamboree). These days will be pool play sessions where the whole age group combines and they play small sided games.
• Players will be placed on a team (8-10 players) and a coach assigned to each team
• There will be 4 game days and teams will play 2 games on each game day. Teams should expect to play 2 matches within a 2 or 3 hour block on each of the below game days. Times will be generally in the 1-7PM range.
  • May 21st, location TBD
  • June 11th, location TBD
  • June 18th, location TBD
  • June 25th, Summer Festival in Cottage Grove, MN
• Players will wear EPSC competitive program uniforms
• Games will still be administered at a State Level (TCSL)

*All trainings times will be in the evening at Flying Cloud Soccer Fields.

*The weeks where there is no Jamboree, the teams will have 2 trainings (Tuesdays and Thursdays). If there is a Jamboree, there will only be 1 training that week (Tuesdays).

8U Club Development Team Cost for Spring/summer: $255, Uniform is extra

*Players who did not register through the tryout system, will be charged a $30 administration fee

What’s the main differences between 8U and 9U/10U?

Overall, the programs will be very similar with these 3 main differences related to the games:

• Number of players on the field for games – 5v5 (8U) compared to 7v7 (9U/10U)
• Game Schedule: 4 games played on 2 game days (8U) v 6 separate game days (9U/10U)
• Game length: 2 x 20-minute halves (8U) compared to 2 x 25-minute halves (9U/10U)

Why is EPSC participating in this new TCSL 8U division:

The main reason is the smaller number of players on the field for games (5v5 compared to 7v7). At these very youngest ages, it is typical to watch soccer games where all the players crowd and follow the ball in a group. This is very natural simply because all children want to have the ball. This can also result in players “stealing” the ball from their own team-mates creating situations where a 7v7 game is really 1v11 (minus the GK’s). By reducing the numbers on the field, the opportunity for players to have the ball increases.

Advantages: 

• More Touches – Fewer players on the field means each player will receive more touches of the ball so they have more opportunity to make decisions and work on their skills in a competitive situation.
• Simpler Decisions – Players will make better decisions when there are fewer players on the pitch as there are less options to consider. With younger players we want to start off with less options and then build up from there
• Score More Goals – All players at every age love to score goals. SSG’s create more goal scoring opportunities and are higher scoring games thus creating more fun and enjoyment for the players
• More Involvement – Young players can “hide” in larger sided games but it’s not so easy for them to “hide” in a game of 5v5. In small-sided games all players must contribute to the play.