Sponsored by
Fall 2026 Registration will open June 15.
Recreational Soccer
U5 - U8
The U5–U8 Recreational Soccer program gives players ages 4–7 the opportunity to learn the game in a fun, safe, and age-appropriate environment.
- ● Practices and games are held twice per week
- ● Games are played within the Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club intramural program
- ● Players practice and play at the location selected during registration (Sokol North or Bobby Miller)
- ● Jamboree and Awards Day are held at Sokol North for all teams
- ● Small-sided game formats are used to support player development
This program is coed and led by volunteer coaches. Teams and brackets are formed based on registration numbers, age, and gender. We make every effort to create balanced groups and keep schedules consistent within each age group. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Program Details
Program Structure
- ● Coed teams led by volunteer coaches
- ● Teams and brackets are formed based on registration numbers, age, and gender
- ● All teams follow a consistent weekly schedule within each age group
- ● Game formats and field sizes are age-appropriate and may vary by location
- ● Special requests cannot be guaranteed
Season Overview
- ● 2 activities per week (practice and/or game)
- ● Games are played in an intramural format within TUSC
- ● Most games are played on Thursdays, with a few Saturday morning games
- ● Season includes practices, games, and an end-of-season awards day
- ● Focus on fun, learning, and development
Schedule
● Activities are typically scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays
● Most games are played on Thursdays, with a few Saturday morning games
● Practice days, times, and locations are consistent for each team
Key Dates for the Fall 2026 season
- ● Registration Opens: June 15
- ● Early Registration Deadline ($15 off): June 25
- ● Registration Deadline: July 22
- ● Late Registration Period ($25 late fee applies): July 23 – July 29
- ● Season Begins: Thursday, August 20
- ● Season Ends: May 7
Game Format
- ● Small-sided games are used to support player development
- ● Formats are age-appropriate and may vary by age group, location, and season
- ● When possible, games are played in formats that maximize touches, involvement, and learning
Game Days
- ● Games are played within the TUSC intramural program
- ● Most games are scheduled on Thursdays
- ● A limited number of Saturday morning games are included during the season
- ● Jamboree and Awards Day are held at Sokol North for all teams
Fall 2026 Game Day Schedule
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Jamboree at Sokol North
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Thursday, October 29, 2026 - Costume Game Night 🎃
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026 - Awards Day at Sokol North 🏅
Notes
- ● Game days are subject to change
- ● Saturday games are played in the morning
- ● Our goal is to play 8 games each season. Additional dates are built into the schedule to account for weather cancellations. If fewer than 8 games are completed, we will schedule up to 2 make-up games.
- ● Missed practices are not rescheduled
Equipment
- ● Soccer Ball – Size 3 (U5–U8)
- ● Water bottle
- ● Comfortable clothes
- ● Shin guards
- ● Soccer socks
- ● Soccer Cleats
Parent Involvement
- ● Volunteer coaches are needed for all age groups
- ● Parents may be asked to assist coaches during practices and games
- ● Coaching support and guidance are provided
- (Don’t worry — it’s designed to be fun and easy!)
Parent Meetings (In-Person):
Parent meetings will be held prior to the start of the season at each location.
● Phelps Activity Center — Tuesday, August 4 at 6:00pm
● Bobby Miller Activity Center — Thursday, August 6 at 6:00pm
Coaches Meetings (Attendance Required):
Coaches are required to attend one of the following meetings:
- ● In-Person Meeting — Phelps Activity Center
- Saturday, August 8 at 9:00am (includes classroom orientation and on-field session)
- ● Virtual Meeting
- Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30pm
All meeting information will be sent to the email address listed in your PARA household account. Please make sure your contact information is up to date so you receive all communication.
INCLEMENT WEATHER PROTOCOL
In the event of inclement weather, we will notify you of field closures using the OneCall system and Facebook by 4:00pm on weekdays and 7:00am on weekends. We only announce when the fields are closed. OneCall is a computer-generated phone call. Please be sure to update your contact information with Tuscaloosa County PARA when you register in order to receive these alerts.
If fields are closed due to inclement weather, we will offer a maximum of two make-up days.
PROGRAM REGISTRATION
Registration for the season will open on June 15 for the Fall 2026 Season.
A valid birth certificate must be on file with PARA for a player to participate. You may register online if a birth certificate is already on file in your household account. Registration is also available in person at any PARA Activity Center during office hours.
Please make sure your contact information is up to date so you receive all communication throughout the season.
STAY CONNECTED
Stay up-to-date with Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club and PARA through social media.