2025 Summer Street League 2nd-8th Grades
About the Event
Imagine if every basketball court in America had goals, no adults coaching every move, and players just getting after it. Well it exists (at least in Medford NJ)! Freedom, experimenting, risk taking, failing and succeeding, and ultimately learning! Simply playing is a necessary part of development and keeping that love for the game burning hot! This is where the game lives and breathes.....The AKKA Street League! Awesome video showing the action! Article on league from a few summers back. Details: Boys and Girls 2nd-8th Grades (as of fall 2024) When: 4 Fridays running June 27, July 11, 18, 25 Time: 645-8pm In event of inclement weather we'll move indoors to akka soccer facility in Hainesport for 3v3 pickup games Where: Freedom Park Basketball Courts (86 Union St. Medford, NJ 08055) Cost: Cash in person $15 (book online then choose “Book and pay later”). Or book and pay $20 online. Format: 4v4 or 5v5 w/gks. Teams of 8 players maximum. We'll help individuals make teams. We send 3 teams to a court, 2 play, 1 rests, 2 matches per night 18-24min matches (length of match depends on # of players/teams on the evening) Rosters/Carding - NONE. This is a loose interpretation of a “league”. You can bring different players every week if you want. We're not worried about ringers being brought in to win matches. We'll have refs to help manage time and keep players safe - These are not USYS officials, these are older players or coaches that will call fouls and balls out of play. Their primary focus again is player safety and keep the games flowing. AKKA coaches will be on hand to help teams through the night with some tactics, technical advice, etc., BUT this is a Player and Game centered environment. Players are strongly encouraged to do their own subbing and coaching of themselves. Adult Coaches are NOT required BUT welcome as with the youngest players a little help subbing can be useful BUT we have to remember that kids are capable of managing these decisions especially if provided a little guidance and room to do so.
Special Instructions
This event takes place at the Freedom Park Basketball Courts (86 Union St. Medford, NJ 08055) Players must wear flats and shinguards $15 cash on night or $20 online ($10 for players who attend Street Clinic prior on same night) Coaches are optional The Purpose of the League - To provide players an alternative venue to experience the game as opposed to everything else pretty much out there. Each night is about the players and the game. As adults we try to minimize our presence in every way possible. Your Role as the Coach - To let the players take the game over. Let them make the subs with as little prompting as possible. Encourage them to be thoughtful and do not coach the player on the ball. Try to only offer guidance players off the ball or only during natural stoppages. Success will be found when the players realize they don't need us (the adults) to make soccer happen. Set Your Parent's Expectations - Remind them of who the night is about and that our “refs” are not official refs, they are simply a great group of soccer people that are their to keep the players safe by calling contact fouls, keep the games on schedule, and shout Ole` after a great play or goal. Here's the Rules; 5 aside including the gk. GK can use their hands inside the 3pt area. GK outlets all balls from their hands unless received as a back pass from teammates. No punts or goal kicks. GK cannot throw the ball in the air over mid court. The ball must touch their half of the court first or another player. 4 seconds counted by ref for all restarts. Possession will be given to the other team if they exceed 4 sec. Out of bounds over touch line is a “kick in”. No slide tackles. No contact/tackles from behind.