U8 GIRLS & BOYS

Available U7-U8 Registration

U8 Player Pathway

"Foundation Stage"

Stage of Development

U8 players discover the joy of soccer while building confidence, developing fundamental skills, and forming a lifelong connection to the game.

Primary Focus

• Developing ball mastery and coordination
• Building confidence through play
• Encouraging creativity, curiosity, and enjoyment
• Learning the basics of teamwork and sportsmanship

What Success Looks Like

U8 players leave each season excited to come back, growing in confidence, developing a love of the game, and learning how to persevere, work together, and enjoy being part of a team.

Team Formation

Teams are balanced and community-based, with an emphasis on inclusion, friendships, and shared experiences. There is no formal tiering, allowing every player to develop in a positive and supportive environment.

Competition & Travel

U8 players participate in local, small-sided games designed to maximize touches on the ball, encourage decision-making, and build confidence. Standings and results are intentionally de-emphasized so players can focus on learning and enjoying the game.

Player Placement

Players are grouped primarily by age in a low-pressure environment that prioritizes engagement, participation, and skill development over evaluation or early selection.

Multi-Sport Participation

We encourage young players to explore a variety of sports and activities. Diverse experiences help build athleticism, confidence, and a lifelong enjoyment of being active.

Program

U8 Girls & Boys

Fall Academy

Running from late August through October, the BFC Fall Academy provides a development-focused environment for U7 & U8 Girls & Boys to build skills, confidence, and a love of the game. The program combines high-quality training with age-appropriate competition to support long-term player development.

Training sessions emphasize ball mastery, creativity, decision-making, and individual technical growth, while league matches provide opportunities for players to apply what they have learned in a game environment. Through meaningful competition and guided reflection, players develop not only as soccer players, but also as teammates and individuals.

Training

Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30PM @ UVM Centennial Field 

• August 26
• September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 
• October 7, 14

Alliance League Matches

• Sundays, starting September 6 @ Veterans Memorial Park in South Burlington or Airport Park in Colchester

U8 Program Cost: $175

• Includes: Fall Academy Jersey (this becomes the training top for the winter/spring season), Trainings, Alliance League

Program

U8 Winter/Spring

Team Program

The BFC Winter/Spring Team Programs for U7 & U8 Girls & Boys provide players with consistent training, meaningful competition, and a clear pathway for continued development throughout the year. The program is designed to help players build technical skills, improve game understanding, and develop the confidence and resilience needed to compete at their highest level.

Teams train regularly from January through June, combining structured player development with league play, tournaments, and other competitive opportunities appropriate to each age group and stage of development. Younger players focus on building strong technical foundations and a love of the game, while older players are challenged through increasingly competitive training and match environments.

During the winter months, teams train indoors to maintain continuity and maximize player development. As the weather improves in the spring, teams transition outdoors and continue preparing for league play, tournaments, and other competitive experiences. Team competition schedules are determined based on age group, player development needs, and team goals.

Whether a player is seeking a local developmental experience or a more competitive pathway, Burlington FC provides an environment where players can continue to grow, compete, and pursue their potential throughout the year.

Winter Training (January-March)

• 1 training a week @ Shelburne Field House

Spring Training (April-June)

• 1 training a week @ Calahan Park

Vermont Premier League Matches (May-June)

• Home matches @ Calahan Park
• Away matches @ Various Locations

U8 Program Cost: $550

• Includes: Trainings, Vermont Premier League

Additional Fees:

• Uniform Kit (Light Blue Jersey, Dark Blue Jersey, Dark Blue Shorts, 2 Socks and Training Top): $160 approx. New uniforms items will be made available for purchase at Soccer Post Burlington.)