Goals and Felt Game Balls
MEMO: U5-U9 Goal Set-up and Felt Game Balls
Dear U5 - U9 Community and Zone Coaches,
Please note the following important procedures for all Under-5 to Under-9 game days:
Goal Set-Up & Take-Down
First Game of the Day: Coaches of the first scheduled game are responsible for setting up goals ; this includes those who are following a field format change (i.e.: U5-U7 games following U9 games which requires a change in set-up)
U5-U7 Coaches:
- Collect 4 flags and 4 bases from the nearest flag storage area.
- Set up goals along the boards parallel to the curtains, 10-12 feet apart.
- Ensure field curtains dividing the space into thirds are in place.
U9 Coaches:
- Collect 2 flags and 2 bases from the nearest storage area.
- Place one goal against the curtain splitting the field in half; the other goal is the hole in the wall.
Last Game of the Day: Coaches of the final game are responsible for taking down the goals and returning all equipment.
- Return all flags and felt game balls neatly to the equipment bin.
- Stack bases neatly on the floor.
Felt Game Balls
Please be advised that for all U5 to U9 games, the Home Team coach is responsible for ensuring a felt game ball is available on the field in the appropriate size (U5-U7’s use size 3 and U9’s use size 4) — either from the ball bin located near the flags and bases or from the previous game.
SYSI is pleased to introduce FELT GAME BALLS for all U5-U9 games this season. Rather than requiring community or zone associations to purchase individual balls, SYSI has invested in a shared supply at the facility. This approach helps reduce overall player fees while providing a consistent and safe game experience for all teams.
We ask coaches to please ensure:
- Felt balls do not get mixed with team equipment.
- Balls are left on the field for the next game or returned to the bin if it’s the last game of the day.
- Balls are treated with care and returned to the same bins where flags and bases are stored.
To avoid a time-consuming sign-out process, SYSI is entrusting coaches to manage and return the balls responsibly. The felt ball was chosen for its lighter, softer touch, which makes it safer and more appropriate for younger players than traditional low-bounce balls.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping provide a safe, fun, and player-focused environment.
Sincerely,
Saskatoon Youth Soccer Inc. (SYSI)
