A photo of a group of elementary-age Issaquah FC boys and their coach, raising their hands about to give a group high-five.

MOD SOCCER (U8-U12)

MOD soccer, or small-sided soccer, is the next step in player development after Micro. It is designed for players ages U8 through U12 - typically 2nd through 6th graders.

MOD soccer has no tryouts, runs through the Fall, and practices twice a week, with a game on the weekend.

Following best practices and US Youth Soccer recommendations, U8 to U12 players compete under modified rules and field sizes that vary by age. These rules gradually progress toward the standard rules used at the highest levels worldwide. MOD soccer features small rosters and small-sided games to maximize each player’s touches on the ball, helping improve skills and build confidence.

Refer to the school year Age Chart to find the appropriate age group.

For questions about the recreational program or registration, contact our Rec Registrar, Jenny at Jenny@Issaquahfc.org.

MODIFIED (MOD) PROGRAM DETAILS

SEASON AND TIME COMMITMENT

U8 through U12 teams typically practice twice a week, starting in August. Days and locations determined by coach request and field availability. For more information about practice: Practice FAQ

Games begin on the Saturday after Labor Day.

U8, U9, and U10 play a 9 week season (ending the first weekend of November), which may include a bye week.
U11 and U12 play a 10 week season (ending the second weekend of November), which may include a bye week.

TEAMS

Rosters are released to coaches in late July or early August. No roster changes will be made after release, except for adding late registrants if space allows.

Teams are re-formed at the U8 level (Micro soccer team rosters are not considered) based on neighborhood school boundaries whenever possible, and at this point the team can stay together through the Rec programs, if desired.

Playing format and team sizes:

U8: 4v4, 8 players per team
U9: 5v5, 9 players per team
U10: 7v7, 12 players per team
U11: 9v9, 14 players per team
U12: 9v9, 14 players per team

Refer to our Age Chart for age groups based on school year.

COST

Review the registration fee table for details.

As part of their registration, Mod players will receive an official Issaquah FC uniform kit including jersey, shorts and socks. Parents are responsible for the following additional equipment:

Soccer Ball: All players are responsible for purchasing their own ball.
- U8 = size #3
- U9-U12 = size #4
Shin guards: All players MUST have shin guards to play in any practices or games.
Shoes: Cleats are preferable because they grip the wet grass and are good for lateral movement.

FIELD LOCATIONS

Practices: Teams typically practice at Tibbets Valley Park, Challenger Elementary, the Beaver Lake Middle School baseball outfield, Inglewood Middle School, and Veteran’s Memorial Field—subject to field availability.
Games: Away games may be played in Mercer Island, Newport, Bellevue, and (for U11) Snoqualmie Valley. Home games take place on fields within the Issaquah boundaries:
- U8 and U9 Games: TBD
- U10 Games: TBD
- U11 Games: TBD
- U12 Games: TBD

For more information, visit the Field FAQ and Games FAQ pages.

COACHES

Every team will have volunteer coaches; primarily family members. No previous soccer experience is required - just enthusiasm and a commitment to attend every practice! We will provide training, resources, and equipment to support all coaches.