U6 Program

GHSC’s U6 program is for players who are age 4 and 5 by August 1 of the current year. If your child turns 4 after August 1 of the current year, they will be placed into the Tots Program. If a Tots aged player is advanced enough for U6 play (must be determined by the GHSC U6 Program Director), then that player will be eligible to move to the U6 Program.

The U6 Program is often a child’s first encounter with soccer and/or a team sport. As such, our program is designed to emphasize playfulness, creativity and energy; helping the kids build a strong foundation of soccer skills while they laugh, move and grow together. Coaches will use fun games, simple drills and positive encouragement to teach essential techniques like dribbling, passing, and ball control — all while keeping the focus on teamwork, joy and building a lifelong love of soccer.

Coaches are provided with training and support from Jake Neuner (our GHSC U6 Program Director) to help develop a fun, active and age appropriate team environment. Jake will act as a mentor to coaches, providing fun practice activities that build skill and foster enjoyment of the game, with the goal of establishing a positive atmosphere and teaching kids how to be a good teammate. Jake will also oversee one all-program training night a week for each team, to give real-time support and encouragement to coaches and players. GHSC wants all players and coaches to be excited about going to practices and games.

Teams will be formed by early July, and parents will receive an email with team placement as well as coach contact information. Practices may begin on August 4th. U6 teams typically practice twice a week for 30-45 minutes. Games begin August 23rd, there is a break for Labor Day Weekend (August 30th). Games resume on September 6th and the last games are on November 1st. Games are ONLY on Saturday mornings or afternoons.

GHSC has adopted the Small-Sided Games Format. The Small-Sided format is designed to increase the number of touches each player has with the ball, while promoting an active, engaged, fun soccer experience. Small-Sided games keep players involved by limiting the number of players on the field (GHSC utilizing the 3v3 format), and playing on a much smaller field, with limited play stoppages. The format is designed to teach the basics of soccer in a non-competitive environment. U6 is a cooperative program, GHSC expects ALL coaches to do their best to ensure that all players, not just those on their team, have a positive experience.

Game Format

Teams play two concurrent 3v3 games on two small fields, playing three players at a time on each field.  Each game is divided into 4 quarters, 8-minutes each quarter, with a 3-minute break in between each quarter. There are no goalies in U6 play, and score is not kept.

GHSC provides a U6 Program shirt for all players. Please do not purchase a full uniform kit for your U6 player. We are looking forward to seeing your U6 player on the field!

Our Mission:

• Foster a love for soccer through playful, engaging activities
• Develop essential skills like dribbling, passing, and ball control
• Create a positive, encouraging environment for all players
• Introduce the game through fun games and simple drills
• Build teamwork and sportsmanship
• Inspire fun and enjoyment to encourage a lifelong connection to the sport
• Empower coaches to be enthusiastic mentors who make soccer accessible and exciting

ALL games are played at:

Portuguese Park located at 7350 Durfee Way, Sacramento CA 95831

2025 U6 Game Schedule: Coming Soon

U6 Playing Rules: CLICK HERE

Portuguese Park Field Layout: CLICK HERE