The Small-Sided program is designed to build on the game fundamentals learned in Micro. Harbor Soccer offers Small-Sided soccer for 6 to 11 year-old (U7-U12) boys and girls. The emphasis of the program is providing a fun, safe environment where players can maximize touches on the ball with equal playing time and opportunity for growth at all ages levels while building the love for the game.

Small-sided soccer is played on a smaller modified field, using a small size 3 or 4 soccer ball. Teams are formed by HSC according to the Rules of Competition from WYS and are coached by volunteer parents. This is the largest recreational group at HSC with over 800 players participating on 70+ teams!  Small-sided games are played in two leagues, depending on age. Players U7-U8 play in the Harbor Soccer Club Home League (HSCHL) and will hold all games on Gig Harbor area fields. Players U9-U12 play in the Pierce County Soccer Association (PCSA) Home League on Pierce County area fields, including Gig Harbor for all Home games.  Games are played on Saturdays, from September thru November. The Small-Sided program accommodates multiple levels of on field play.  Progressing into larger roster, ball and field sizes as they get older, small-sided teams play 4 v 4, 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 against other HSC and/or PCSA teams. 7 v 7 and above have goalkeepers.

All player registration is online. Registration opens April 1st and closes July 31st.  Registration fees include the players uniform kit and soccer ball. Early-bird registration fees apply April 1st to May 31st.  Teams will be formed no later than July 31st.  All teams will be looking for parent volunteer coaches.  Training sessions will be held 1-2x per week for 45-60 minutes starting late August and continuing for the remainder of the season; contingent on field availability and daylight hours.

If you have a player, coach, or team request, be sure to note it on the applicable field of your player's profile in Affinity/Sports Connect during registration. Although we cannot guarantee they can be met, we work diligently to honor them.  If you have a player, coach, or team request, be sure to note it on the applicable field of your player's profile in Affinity/Sports Connect during registration.  Please do not email special requests.  They need only to be listed on their profile, so they are visible during team assigning.  HSC cannot accommodate special requests for specific training days or locations. We appreciate your assistance!

More training in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, Friday Night Academy training sessions, are available for ALL Small-Sided players. Join us for 6 consecutive weekly sessions conducted by licensed Premier program coaches all included as a part of the Small-Sided program registration fee.

Player Age Groups are determined based on the calendar year in which the player was born, as opposed to the school year dates.  Click on the link below for the current Player Age Chart to determine the age group for your child.

View: Player Age Chart

View: Rules of Competition Chart

View: PCSA Home League Operating Procedures

Are you interested in coaching?  We need you!  Harbor is lucky to have decades of youth soccer experience to share with our recreational players and coaches.  Including curriculum and best practices from licensed professional coaches and players in our Premier program.  We understand just the thought of coaching little kids, especially our own, brings several questions to mind – we have answers!  Reach out to our Small-Sided Program Directors with your questions or for more information and the game plan on coaching in Harbor Rec.  We greatly appreciate our parent volunteers and work hard to support their coaching success with Harbor Soccer Club.