Introduction to "Jamboree"
The objective of the Jamboree program is to provide young players and their parents with a "pressure free" introduction to the beautiful and simple game of soccer. At this age, players should be exposed to soccer by playing simple, fun activities and games that require little to no practice, and a minimal time commitment.
The Jamboree program allows players to discover the game for themselves, while parents are given a soccer foundation on which to build and grow into future AYSO coaches, referees and administrators.
The AYSO Jamboree (4-year-olds) is not to be considered a coaching program. It is a program that is designated to be facilitated by a qualified AYSO Master Coach. The AYSO National Coaching Commission supports this program predicated on the basis that the guidelines provided within the Jamboree Master Coach Manual are followed and that all decisions regarding the program are made in the best interest of the players.
Jamboree Program Guidelines
A Master Coach runs each session. They will run a drill (usually disguised as a game) or activity that will practice certain skills or parts of the game. They will explain and demonstrate, and then the parent coach will work with the player(s) on that activity. The Master Coach will keep an eye on things and keep it moving in the right direction, including fun warm-ups, useful drills, waterbreaks, etc.
Scrimmages will be played with about 4 on a team, played with 3 vs 3. The scrimamge will be four 5-minute quarters. Teams will be jumbled each week by the Master Coach or division coordinator, as the focus is not on teammates, but on basic skills, fun, and just getting to play! A parent from each team each week will be used to help guide the kids, just to let them know when to start and stop. This is not coaching, but rather being a team leader.
The entire session, including warmups, drills, water breaks, and the game, will be about 75 minutes on Saturdays. There are no weekday practices.
What does it all mean?
It means a Master Coach will help the team leaders, who will work with the players and parents.
- For the player, they will have a parent or team leader helping them during the warm-ups and practice drills.
- For the parent, they will be involved and helping their child. They will get guidance, instruction, and demonstration from a team leader or master coach.
- For the team leader, they will get solid guidance from our Master Coach, and will help the Master Coach run drills. The team leaders for each team will also be the ones guiding the scrimmage/game at the end of each session.
Most of all, it means we're looking at a fun season for both the kids and the parents!
