U6-U7 Player Development

Joy, Effort, and the First Steps of Development

What to Look for on Game Day

At ages 5-6, soccer is about fun, movement, and beginning to build comfort with the ball. Your child is just learning what it means to be part of a team, but the game will still look very individual at this stage, and that's okay. Some players may chase the ball endlessly, while others may be shy about joining in. All of these are normal parts of development.

The scoreboard doesn't matter at this age. What matters is whether your child is having fun, trying new things, and slowly building the skills that will serve them for years to come. Here's what to look for on game day to celebrate the right kind of progress.

1. Love for the Game

For U6-U7, the most important goal is that your child enjoys being at the field. If they are smiling, laughing, and excited to come back next week, the foundation is being built. Coaches will use phrases like “Have fun!” and “Keep playing!” because joy fuels learning at this age.
What to watch for: Smiles, excitement, and willingness to stay engaged during the game.
Why it matters: A positive emotional connection is the single biggest predictor of long-term participation and improvement.

What you can do:

• Cheer for effort, not just results, “I loved how hard you kept running!”.
• Let your child share their favorite part of the game afterward.
• Keep the car ride home light and positive, no game breakdowns.
  
  

2. Ball Familiarity and Play

Your child is learning how the ball feels and moves. This is the age of experimenting, dribbling in all directions, kicking hard just to see what happens, or stopping to turn the ball with different parts of the foot. Coaches may use commands like “Little touches!” or “Keep it close!” to start shaping this skill.
What to watch for: Repeated touches on the ball, experimenting with inside/outside of the foot, and comfort dribbling in any direction.
Why it matters: Early ball familiarity builds the foundation for balance, coordination, and confidence later.

What you can do:

• Encourage play with the ball at home in the yard or driveway.
• Let your child dribble around cones, toys, or even family members.
• Praise creativity, even if the move doesn't “work” in the game.
  
  

3. Effort and Energy

At this age, consistent effort matters far more than technique. You might see your player running in big circles or chasing the ball endlessly, that's part of building stamina and engagement. Coaches will often shout “Keep going!” or “Don't stop!” to encourage persistence.
What to watch for: Hustling after the ball, staying active during the game, rejoining play quickly after pauses.
Why it matters: Building a habbit of giving effort now lays the foundation for resilience, fitness, and persistence later in the sport.

What you can do:

• Clap and cheer every time your child runs hard, regardless of outcome.
• Celebrate “bounce back” moments when they rejoin the game after a stumble.
• Encourage them to stay active at home, running, skipping, and climbing all help.
  
  

4. Basic Awareness of Others

U6-U7 players are just starting to notice teammates and the concept of passing. Most will still focus on the ball and may forget about sharing, that's normal. Coaches will begin to introduce ideas with commands like “Look up!” or “Find a friend!” but these are seeds, not expectations.
What to watch for: Occasional passes, noticing open teammates, moving toward the play with others instead of standing still.
Why it matters: Early awareness of others begins to shift the game from individual play to the idea of teamwork.

What you can do:

• Play simple passing games at home, praising effort over accuracy.
• Watch soccer highlights together and point out when players pass.
• Avoid yelling “Pass!” during games — let them discover it naturally.
  
  

5. Listening and Trying

Your child's ability to hear a coach's instruction and give it a try is a developmental milestone. At this age, effortful listening is more important than perfect execution. Coaches will use short, simple cues like “Stop the ball!” or “Go forward!” that children can easily understand.
What to watch for: Responding to the coach's voice, trying new skills during the game, showing willingness to practice directions.
Why it matters: Learning to listen and try builds focus, discipline, and trust in the team environment.

What you can do:

• Praise your child when you see them respond to their coach.
• Reinforce the idea that coaches give game instructions, parents give support.
• Remind them that mistakes are proof they are learning.
  
  

With a U6-U7 player, your job as a parent is simple: help your child love the game, celebrate effort, and trust that learning is happening even when it doesn't look like “real soccer” yet. At Manasota Youth Soccer League, we believe in focusing on the journey, not the score, because the real victory is seeing your child grow, learn, and enjoy every moment of play.