Program Overview
The 5th grade and 6th grade programs include boys’ and girls’ teams of 5th graders, 6th graders, and sometimes mixed 5th/6th graders. Teams of about 14-16 players are formed, with an assigned head coach and 1-2 assistants. The number of teams, size of teams, and variations to program are driven by the number of registered players and coach volunteers.
At this age level, all teams are in a travel program. HYSA participates in the BAYS league: http://www.bays.org/.
Each travel team has two one-hour practices during the week and a game on Saturday. The games are scheduled per BAYS recommendation and field availability. Typically the boys’ games are scheduled for Saturday afternoons and the girls’ games are in the morning.
The 5th grade and the 6th grade travel games have two 30 minute halves and a five-minute intermission. Teams play with a 9v9 format (8 field players plus a goalkeeper). A size 4 ball is used. Off-sides is first introduced at this level. There are unlimited substitutions, made during any goal kick and a team’s throw-ins. Travel referees officiate the games.
Players wear official Holliston travel uniforms and must wear shin-guards, soccer socks and cleats.
The program runs for 10 weeks in the fall and again in the spring.
HYSA also offers boys’ and girls’ select competitive 5th grade and 6th travel teams which play in the BAYS league. Interested players should read the following information prior to attending attend May travel tryouts: https://hollistonsoccer.org/parents/travel-team-tryouts/. Players who do not make the select travel teams will be assigned to the non-select travel teams.