Soccer is the most popular game in the world, for this there is no doubt.  It is also one of the top youth sports in our country with participation rates growing each year.  The Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club seeks to foster this love of the game for players of all ages, and to that end we develop programs to serve children of all ages and abilities.

We are excited to announce the Shadow Junior Program specifically designed for 9 year olds (U10s).  This program will be for the child seeking to expand their soccer experiences by receiving age-appropriate soccer training and playing experiences with others of similar abilities.  We are pleased to offer this 2010-2011 program, nearing the completion of an exciting inaugural 2009-10 season, for which 70 kids participated.  Our first year objective was to keep the group small while we investigated the successes and challenges of the program; and it has come through with great reviews!

We have made refinements to improve for the 2010-11 season and are now ready to promote this through the newly-formed Inland Empire Youth Soccer Association (IEYSA) for all those interested.  The Inland Empire Youth Soccer Association will offer two levels of U10 soccer: the traditional recreational league players and families are accustomed to and the U10 Shadow Junior Program:  

Option 1: Traditional Recreational Soccer through the Inland Empire Youth Soccer Association

(visit www.ieysa.com to register)
Season Duration: 8 weeks in the Fall and 6 weeks in the Spring
Number of Games: 6-8 per season
Cost: Inland Empire Youth Soccer Association fee of $95
Practice Location: varies, but near local schools
League travel: within the city; game times and locations vary throughout the season.
Coaching: volunteer, parent coaches

Option 2: Shadow Junior Program
Season Duration: 8 weeks in the Fall and 6 weeks in the Spring
Number of Games: 6-8 per season
Cost: $230 program fee; $95 Inland Empire Youth Soccer Association fee; $11 training gear fee.
Practice Location: one centralized location
League travel: the goal is to have one centralized location with game times the same each Saturday during the season.
Coaching:  Kevin Moon, Director of Coaching-Juniors, will oversee the curriculum and instruction of each of the practice sessions through the Fall and Spring.  The Junior Director will also oversee the game competition to ensure proper development philosophies are implemented.  Volunteer coaches will assist in running each of the sessions under Kevin's supervision.

Club Philosophy:
Our club strives to focus on what is developmentally and age appropriate for the player.  Our goal at the U10 age is to produce better soccer players so they can enjoy playing the game even more; winning is secondary at this age.  We want to build soccer players for life—fans of the game for life.  More importantly, we want to provide an opportunity to learn in a friendly, educated, and enjoyable environment.  We want kids to smile; we want kids to grow; we want kids to develop healthy habits; and we want them to have fun!

Players:
Players will be formed into groups of like ability, and as many groups as can be accommodated will be.
Groups will number 12-24 in size, with the goal of having 2-4 groups per gender.
Players born between August 1, 2000 and July 31, 2001 can take part in this program.
Will be provided practice opportunities under a guided and age and ability-appropriate setting.
Get to play in a new game format (explained below).
Become a part of a Club that has proven results in developing players and that has a philosophy of keeping the game fun for kids.