EDP U6/U7

EDP SOCCER: AGE GROUPS U6 & U7

Our Early Development Program continues to foster love of the game while developing foundational skills for young players in a positive, engaging, and non-competitive atmosphere. At this level, our players work on building their individual skills by playing in a setting designed to maximize the number of times they touch the ball. That means more FUN!

EDP SOCCER: AGE GROUPS U6 & U7

We have adopted the small-sided game approach for this age group which is recommended by US Youth Soccer.

Small-sided games allow more opportunities to touch the ball and be involved in play.
There are no Goalkeepers at the EDP U6 level in order to encourage all players on the field to stay involved and promote goal-scoring, which helps build player confidence.
At this level, we continue to focus on individual skill development vs. wins and losses.
EDP provides our players with the skills and experience needed to progress into our more competitive leagues in future seasons.

Ages

EDP I U6: Birth Year 2018
EDP II U7: Birth Year 2017
To be clear, there will be no overlap between 2017 and 2018 birthdays on teams. Each birth year has its own division.
Please make sure to include any teammate and/or coach requests during registration, as well as a day that your child CANNOT practice!

EDP Ball: Size 3

Practices & Games

EDP teams have one practice per week for one hour.
The practice day and time will depend on coach and field availability.
If you have any practice day conflicts, please note those in the comment sections during the registration process.
Nothing is a guarantee, but we will try our best to work with the times you are available.
There is one game each weekend on Saturdays.
We schedule 8 games per season.
All practices and games are held at H.C. Nesbit Park behind Kensington Elementary School on Fields 4A, 4B, 5A, & 5B
Games are played 4v4 (no goalie) for U6 and 5V5 (with goalie) for U7 and consist of four 10 minute periods.
Games typically last 50 minutes.

Player Equipment

The cost of a team jersey is included in your registration fee.
Each child will also need to wear black shorts and black soccer socks. These are not included with the tuition.
Each child will also need shin guards and a size 3 soccer ball at each practice and game.
Cleats are not required but are highly recommended.

Fees

The fee for the Spring 2024 season is $195. This includes a team shirt.
The registration fee covers the cost of NCYSA Fees, insurance, equipment, field maintenance, utility costs, referee fees, end of season trophy and uniform shirt.
Players have the option of purchasing black shorts and socks on their own to complete the uniform.
Trophies are included in the registration fee at this level of play
There are no refunds after registration.

Coaches

Coaches at this level are volunteers.
They willingly give their time and energy to our young players.
In return for their efforts they receive our appreciation, memories made with their children and a group of smiling faces.
Please consider becoming a coach and indicate your interest during registration.
We offer a 50% POST Season Refund for completing a full season as the head coach.

Philosophy and Objectives

The Waxhaw approach to soccer education at this age focuses on developing a love of soccer and determining how engaging activities can help to build soccer skills and soccer decision making. At these ages, happiness is the most important achievement. However, Waxhaw fully intends to develop skill, balance and coordination, positive socialization, and early leadership skills. Additionally, we must, by the time a player graduates from our EDP, advise the player and his/her family on the right direction moving up within our club. Some players will be best placed in our recreational leagues while others may consider more advanced programs for 2021-2022 season, such as our U8 Academy Junior Academy or Academy program.

Soccer Education: 1 ball, 1 player
Technical activities are disguised as fun, imaginative, role-playing activities
Emphasis consists of dribbling-starting, stopping, changing directions, and varying speeds
Passing into a net, passing/striking the ball into open spaces and nets will be game-driven rather than line drills.
Games/activities will include problem-solving, teamwork, individual expression, and goal-setting.
EDP FOCUS: finding space, recycling (going backward to go forward), passing and receiving, continued ball mastery

If you have any questions regarding EDP, please email Don Reda at dreda@wxwathletics.org

volunteer Coaches

Coaches at this level are volunteers.
They willingly give their time and energy to our young players.
In return for their efforts they receive our appreciation, memories made with their children and a group of smiling faces.
Please consider becoming a coach and indicate your interest during registration.
EDP Head Coaches receive 100% off player cost. This will be handled at the end of the season, assuming the coach has completed their Risk Management Application and coached through to the end of the season.
All volunteer coaches must complete the WAA Coach & Volunteer Application to be considered for coaching.

If you have any questions, please contact wxwsoccerclub@wxwathletics.org

Register: WAA - Coach and Volunteer Application 2023/2024

Don Reda - Director of Coaching - Micro U4/U5 & EDP U6/U7

Don Reda is originally from Long Island, New York where, after a four-year soccer career at James Madison University, he coached boys' high school and club soccer for four years on Long Island.

In 1989, Don moved to Charlotte, and has since been part of the Charlotte soccer community for over twenty-five years. With three daughters growing up in soccer, Don moved to the girls' game and started coaching them at MARA. While at MARA, he was part of a group of coaches that brought Challenge and Classic Girls soccer to Charlotte. He continued by coaching at Charlotte Soccer Club for over ten years with Classic girls' teams ages 11 - 14. He then joined Charlotte Soccer Academy for a few years with U11 and U12 girl’s teams. Additionally, Don coached in the high school ranks in Charlotte as a Waddell assistant and a Providence High School JV coach for a season.

Essentially, Don's seen it all, working with the likes of notable Charlotte coaches like Sean Bubb (Florida Elite Soccer Academy), Tim Santoro (NC State Head Coach), John Cullen (UNC-Charlotte), and Adam Denton (Davidson).

Don has coached several Classic teams for Waxhaw at U11, U12, U13, and U14 age groups. He currently works in Waxhaw's youth development Micro and EDP.