One of SRA’s most popular programs is getting a revamp this year under the guidance of Coach Silvina Ocampo to ensure that our community’s young players are getting age-appropriate skill introduction and development while maintaining the laid-back fun neighborhood vibe that players and parents love.
This program will be held 1 hour each Saturday this fall over the course of 7 weeks. Coach Silvina’s philosophy is ensuring that each player has fun while getting hundreds of touches on the ball. Players will be encourage to try new skills each week and, hopefully, leave each session more confident on the soccer field. She will be assisted by other coaches BUT we welcome parent volunteers who want to play with their child and friends. Coach Silvina will help all volunteers with coach education resources before each session and answer any questions you may have. Soccer experience is NOT required, just the desire to be a part of your child’s fun.
Each week’s session will begin with free dribbling and warm up before proceeding to that week’s technical skill activity and its progression. The sessions will end with small-sided games.
Players will receive a reversible colored pinnie to wear each week to allow for competition and game play.
CURRICULUM
| Week | Main Theme | Ages 5–6 | Ages 7–8 |
| 1 | Ball Mastery I | Basic touches and dribbling | Both feet and changes of direction |
| 2 | Ball Mastery II | Simple turns and 1v1 games | Moves to beat a defender |
| 3 | Passing and Receiving I | Inside-foot passing | First touch and support |
| 4 | Passing and Receiving II | Pass and move | Give-and-go combinations |
| 5 | Shooting and Finishing | Basic shooting technique | Shooting after dribbling or receiving |
| 6 | Shooting and Finishing | Shooting after dribbling or receiving | Finishing under pressure and combination play |
| 7 | Mini World Cup | Fun festival games | Round-robin tournament |
WHO: Beginning and intermediate players, ages 5 – 8 (as of August 1, 2026)
WHEN: Saturdays, September 12, 19, 26, October 10, 17, 24 and 31 (with a makeup date on November 7.) NO SOCCER ON OCTOBER 3. Parents may choose the session that works best for their child as long as they stay within the age group parameters listed below.
- 9:00 a.m. for ages 5/6
- 10:00 a.m. for ages 6/7
- 11:00 a.m. for ages 7/8
WHERE: Henderson Field, Swarthmore
EQUIPMENT: Players must wear shin guards and should bring water bottles. Cleats are encouraged but not required. Players are encouraged to wear athletic clothes.
PROGRAM DIRECTORS: Silvina Ocampo/Delaney George
REGISTRATION: Registration will open on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 9:00a.m.
REGISTRATION FEE: $140
Fees have increased for 2026-27 due to the increased rental costs SRA pays for use of local facilities (fields, gyms, and classrooms).
updated 2026.08.14