More than 23 North Central Massachusetts communities join together as members of an umbrella league called Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League (NVYSL)
The biggest difference between the Nashoba United K-2nd grade programs is that Nashoba United Grades 3 and up play home-and-away games against teams from other NVYSL-member cities and towns. Players are placed on Nashoba Units NVYSL teams based on their skill levels, and then Nashoba United's teams are placed in NVYSL divisions based on the skill-level of the team overall.
Nashoba United 3rd to 8th Grade Program Specifics:
Who is eligible: Players who reside in Lancaster and Stow or attend Lancaster/Stow Public Schools
Groupings: Separate sessions for boys and girls. Grade Level 3/4 teams are still made up of only players from their respective towns.
Fall 2022 Schedule:
Schedule: Two practices per week and 8 games played on Saturdays
Timing: Practices run for 1 hour on assigned weekdays
Duration: Fall program runs from September to November and spring program runs from April to June
Specifics: Players use a size 4 soccer balls (3rd to 6th grade) and size 5 soccer balls (7th and 8th grade), and regulation fields for their specific age group
Practices: Weekly practices are run by the coaches focus on skills improvement and understanding of key concepts of soccer.
Season Goals:
- To help each player reach their full potential in the sport of soccer
- To develop players that are comfortable with the ball at their feet
- To improve each player’s knowledge and understanding of the game
- To create a positive and fun atmosphere where players can learn and develop at their own pace
- To gain strategic understanding of strategies to win and excel.
- To learn how to win and lose graciously and the fill meaning of fair play
Required Equipment:
- Each player must purchase the Nashoba United Soccer Uniform from Soccer Stuff in Acton.
- Players must wear their uniform for each game
- Players must wear cleats or sneakers. Soccer cleats are not required, but are recommended
- Shin guards are required and soccer socks must be worn over shin guards so they are not exposed
- Each player should bring a water bottle
- Players are not allowed to wear jewelry, earrings, hats or anything metal in their hair for safety reasons
Parent Coach Volunteers:
- Parent volunteer coaches are essential to successfully run this program
- Parents can sign up to volunteer on their child's AdminSports registration account
- Nashoba United will provide all necessary equipment required to conduct weekly practices and games.
- Each team must have two coaches for the program to work effectively
- No previous coaching experience is required.
- Coaches will be provided with a weekly session plan developed by the Nashoba United Director of Player Development
- A criminal background check (CORI) will be conducted on all youth coaches per state law