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Programs > Development Program (U5-U12)

The Blackhawks U5-U12 Development Program offers an array of year-round soccer activities for boys and girls who want a soccer experience that is both challenging and fun. Activities include camps, skill building, practice, training, league play, festivals and tournaments.

Although the program has produced players who have competed at the highest levels of the sport, the program is designed to empower players at any level to play the game with confidence and creativity. All boys and girls are invited to join the Blackhawks development program regardless of skill level.

Key Features
  • Strong development philosophy designed to promote skill, fitness, respect and enjoyment of the game.
  • Trained and knowledgeable coaches who provide, experienced, respectful and positive instruction.
  • The opportunity to compete in the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association's traveling league.
  • A fun and supportive group of players who share a love for the game.
  • All programs are supervised by Coaching Direct Ted Kroeten, Assistant Coaching Direc
Program Levels

The program is organized into three levels according to age, making it easier to tailor soccer activities to the developmental needs and abilities of a given age group:

U5-U8 Little Hawks
U9-U10 Development
U11-U12 Development (Transitional)

Details of each level are given below.

U5-U8 Little Hawks

Key Features
  • Teaches fundamental soccer skills in a fun environment.
  • Fosters confidence, teamwork, creativity, enjoyment of the game.
  • Winning not stressed.
  • Activities are co-ed.
  • Professional coaches and parent volunteer coaches.
  • Choose whatever combination of activities you want.
U5-U8 Activities
Activity About
Skill Builders Teaches basic soccer skills in a fun and supportive environment. One 75-minute session per week in a gym space. November-March.
Futsal Small-sided game using a low-bounce ball on a basketball court with small goals. Develops foot skills. One 90-minute Saturday morning session from November through March.
Little Hawks League Players are assigned teams with two volunteer parent coaches. The first half of the session is spent learning technical skills. In the second half, the kids apply their new skills in 3v3 league games led by their coaches. Saturday mornings. May-June, tournament in July.
Little Hawks Camp Teaches children fundamental soccer skills in an enjoyable setting. Coaches provide fun, fast-paced soccer-related games, activities, play. June.

U9-U10 Development

Key Features
  • Focuses on skill, fitness, confidence, respect, teamwork.
  • MYSA 6v6 league games, festivals, tournaments.
  • Winning not stressed.
  • Gender-specific teams.
  • Teams balanced by skill.
  • Equal playing time at all positions.
  • Trained parent coaches guided by professional coaches.
U9-U10 Development Activities
Activity About
Fall League Participation in MYSA fall league. Six games on Saturday and/or Sunday. Traditionally begins first weekend in September after Labor Day weekend. Seasons ends with an MYSA-sponsored jamboree on a Saturday.
Skill Builders Teaches basic soccer skills in a fun and supportive environment. There also is a component involving speed and agility work. One 75-minute session per week in a gym space. This program has been attended by players of all skill levels, including many who play soccer in a recreational setting. November-March.
Futsal Small-sided game using a low-bounce ball on a basketball court with small goals. Develops foot skills and quick, sharp passing. One 90-minute Saturday morning session from November through March.
Summer League Participation in MYSA summer traveling league. Practice starts mid-April; games start early May; season ends mid-July. Approximately 12 games; 1 jamboree at season end. U10 may participate in tournaments.
Camps Blackhawks Camp--An all-around camp based on Blackhawk philosophy of "person-player-team." Focuses on enjoyment and establishing a love of the game. Appropriate for all levels from beginner to experienced. Current BHK player and non-BHK players equally welcome. Specialty Camps focusing on footskills/ball control, shooting/scoring, and goalkeeping. June-July.

U11-U12 Development (Transitional)

Key Features
  • Advanced footskills, fitness, creativity, teamwork.
  • MYSA 8v8 league games, tournaments.
  • Scores and standings kept.
  • Teams selected by ability.
  • Equal playing time, exposure to all positions.
  • Professional coaches and trained parent coaches.
U11 / U12 Differences
  • U12 assessments held in August to determine teams for following summer season.
  • U12 teams start practice two weeks earlier in April to prepare for State Cup in May.
  • U12 players allowed more focus on desired positions.
U11-U12 Development Activities
Activity About
Fall League Participation in MYSA fall league. Six games on Saturday and/or Sunday. Participation in one MYSA-sponsored jamboree on a Saturday. Traditionally begins first weekend in September after Labor Day weekend. Season ends with a state tournament for qualifying teams.
Skill Builders Teaches basic soccer skills in a fun and supportive environment. There also is a component involving speed and agility work. One 75-minute session per week in a gym space. This program has been attended by players of all skill levels, including many who play soccer in a recreational setting. November-March.
Futsal Small-sided game using a low-bounce ball on a basketball court with small goals. Develops foot skills and quick, sharp passing. One 90-minute Saturday morning session from November through March.
Summer League Participation in MYSA summer traveling league. Practice starts mid-April; games start early May; season ends mid-July. Approximately 12 games; 1 jamboree at season end. U10 may participate in tournaments.
Camps Blackhawks Camp--An all-around camp based on Blackhawk philosophy of "person-player-team." Focuses on enjoyment and establishing a love of the game. Appropriate for all levels from beginner to experienced. Current BHK player and non-BHK players equally welcome. Specialty Camps focusing on footskills/ball control, shooting/scoring, and goalkeeping. June-July.