How is FISHE Soccer Different?

Character and Coaching

We believe that even without a wealth of experience, a parent with good character and a commitment to coaching can successfully teach soccer to a young player. Therefore, we encourage parents to coach regardless of their past experience.

If you are unsure of your capabilities, consider coaching the U6 or U8 age groups. If you have some knowledge of the game, but don't know if you can coach, consider coaching the U10 or U12 teams. If you know the game pretty well and think you can coach, consider coaching the U15 or U19 teams.

We also believe that every child is created in God's image and possesses special unique gifts. Therefore, we give children equal chances to learn and equal time to play for almost all age groups. Additionally, we acknowledge excellence and encourage players to develop their strengths.

Time

We structure the club to minimize the time strain on families. For instance:

• All ages in your family will meet at one park.
• We meet just once a week.
• We hold one internal field day during the season. On field day all three teams will play against each other at one park.

Money

We strive to minimize the financial strain on our families. For instance:

• Volunteers fill all positions including coach and referee.
• We keep costs as minimal as possible.
• We don't have matching shorts and socks.
• We use Dad's old t-shirt as our alternate jersey (sometimes called the “pinnie”).

Team Size

We believe that small class sizes are wonderfully effective. So, we limit the number of players on a team. We play small-sided soccer; for example, U8 teams play 4-on-4.

Cooperative Soccer Instruction

Each family must provide at least one adult for a primary job each week of the season.

Eligibility

Each player must be a homeschooled student aged 4-18 by Sept 1 (for the Fall season) or April 1 (for the Spring season).

FISHE stands for Families In Support of Homeschool Education