The Little Hatter Program is for players from 4 to 9 years old. To receive an application, email us at [email protected], and we will forward you an application form. Your application will be added to our pool of available players, and you will be notified if we have space for your daughter. Please note that we do not select players first come first serve, and we do not encourage multiple letters of recommendation.
Once you have submitted your application, you do not need to reapply to be considered in the future, however, please understand that acceptance is not first come first serve. |
Our goal in the Little Hatter Program is to give each player the opportunity to develop a solid foundation of soccer skills. Small teams and small sided games are designed to ensure that every player participates fully in the game, touches the ball frequently and learns basic skills in the process. The teams are organized by the Tophat Placement Committee at the beginning of each season. At this level, no team standings are kept and keeping score in the games is discouraged.
Ages
Little Hatters teams are available for Under 5, Under 6, Under 7, Under 8, and Under 9. Players can begin at age 4, during pre-kindergarten.
• Under 5 & 6 have 8 players per team and play 4v4.
• Under 7 & 8 have 8 players per team and play 4v4.
• Under 9 has 14 players per team and play 7v7.
Annual Schedule
Little Hatters play Fall and Spring soccer. Teams are assigned each season from returning players and new players from the wait list. The Little Hatter registration fees are due prior to each season, and includes the cost of a uniform, GSSA fee, trophies, concession privileges and picture package.
Little Hatters play during September, October, and early November. After a winter break, play resumes during March, April, and May.
During the spring or early summer, Tophat also sponsors soccer camps, clinics, and other training. Some of these training activities are appropriate for Little Hatter players.
Training During the Season
U5 through U9 teams practice once a week, at 4:00 PM for one hour. U-5 on Monday, U-6 on Tuesday, U-7 on Wednesday, U-8 on Thursday and U-9 on Friday.
Game Day
Little Hatters play small-sided matches at Tophat Field on Saturdays with special rules. Occasional make-up games are played on weekday nights.
Parent Support
Tophat Soccer Club depends on Little Hatters to provide a fun playing experience for players and families, and to teach soccer to young players who will become the core of Tophatter teams that go on to compete with the very best teams in the United States. Good learning and fun depend on game days being pleasant, positive, and spirited but not intimidating, negative, or confrontational. Tophat needs supportive parents who encourage all the players and praise good efforts and new learning.
Supportive parents will recognize that fun, participation, and learning are the priorities, and that winning matches is not a primary goal. To make matches fair and interesting for all players, Tophat field managers will from time to time move players from one team to another during Little Hatters Saturday games. Parents will also notice field managers and Tophat staff coaches circulating during Little Hatter matches in order to ensure that the goals of the program are being supported by all.
How to Join
Email us at [email protected] and application materials will be sent to you.
If you are selected for the Little Hatter program, registration information will be sent to you. You will be notified when it is time to pick up a uniform and to start practices and games.
Costs
Registration fees cover the cost of maintaining the fields, the instructional program, uniforms, pictures, awards and payments to youth players who serve as referees during the matches.
| Age | Fall
Registration
(includes uniform) | Spring
Registration
(includes uniform) | Practice
Day |
| U5 | $285 | $285 | Monday 4:00 to 5:00 |
| U6 | $285 | $285 | Tuesday 4:00 to 5:00 |
| U7 | $335 | $335 | Wednesday 4:00 to 5:00 |
| U8 | $335 | $335 | Thursday 4:00 to 5:00 |
| U9 | $335 | $335 | Friday 4:00 to 5:30 |
Volunteers
Parents are strongly encouraged to participate coaches and team moms, and will be contacted when teams are formed.
Graduating to Tophatters
All players graduate to the Tophatter level at U-10. Those players that have not been selected for the Academy program, will move into our Club program. These teams will be divided based on observation by members of the Tophat coaching staff.