Skyline Soccer Association

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    Accepting Waitlist Registrations Only

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8U Recreational

Birth Year 2016


The Recreational program at Skyline is designed to continue the long tradition of Skyline’s fun, community atmosphere that has made this program “The Heart of Denver Youth Soccer Since 1965”.


This program teaches all players the basics of the game in youth soccer. For instance, players will learn skills and rules of soccer by maximizing play through practices and games. We inspire players through a fun and skill-based style of play. Our coaches challenge players to excel at the sport. Our goal is that every player will develop a solid foundation in order to thrive, be creative, and find success in whatever they aspire to do – both on and off the field!


All 8U teams are coached by volunteer parents and play in-house against other Skyline teams. At this age, teams typically practice 1 time a week at a convenient location near you chosen by the volunteer coach(s). Practice days and times vary from team to team based on the needs of each team. All players wear Skyline recreational uniforms on game days that can be ordered online.


Spring youth soccer season runs from March – May, and the fall youth soccer season runs from August – October. During summer and winter months, we offer youth soccer camps and clinics. More information can be found under the Camps and Tournaments tab.

Upcoming Important Dates

Date Event
October 6, 2023 Spring Registration Opens
February 9, 2024 Returning Player Deadline. Returning players that would like to be on their teams from Fall 2023 will need to register by this date.
Through 2/18/24 Waitlist Registrations
2/19/24 Final/Waitlist Registration Period *fee increase of $15
Week of 3/4/2024 Spring Practice Schedules Available in Playmetrics
End of Day 3/15/24 Spring Game Schedules Posted in Playmetrics
3/18/2024 Practices Begin
Game Dates: 4/6, 4/13, 4/20 - 4/21 (double header weekend), 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18
Registration is Closed

Spring Registration: $160

Once you have registered your player, Skyline staff will begin assigning players. Returning players registered prior to the returning player deadline will be placed back on their teams (from the previous season only) first.


For players new to Skyline or New to the age group (not on a team from the previous season) will be added to teams based on the registration criteria and on a first come first served basis. In the registration form, coach and friend requests can be made. In addition, you can also select practice region. Unfortunately, not all of these requests can be accommodated. For example, a specific team may already have their maximum number of players on the roster.


After taking coach and friend requests into consideration, your other practice details will be considered when assigning players to a team. While we cannot honor every request, we will do our absolute best to place your player in an appropriate environment.


Priority placement will be given to players registered prior to the deadline. After the returning player deadline, Skyline can no longer guarantee placement for new or returning players.


If Skyline is unable to place your player we will refund you your registration fees.

Skyline is an adidas club and requires adidas uniforms to be worn on game days. The cost of the new full kit is about $45-$50 (based on youth and adult sizes). For ordering and more information please visit our Uniforms page.


Although Skyline only requires certain items in your uniform kit, your player will need:



  • Shin guards: All players are required to wear shin guards during all training and matches. Shin guards are to be worn underneath soccer socks.
  • Cleats: All players are strongly encouraged to purchase cleats to wear in training and matches.
  • Soccer Ball: Skyline encourages all players to bring their soccer ball with them to all training sessions and matches. 8U players use a size (3) three soccer ball.
  • Water Bottle: All players should bring their own water to all training and matches.

The uniform must be purchased from Soccer.com. The other items can be bought online on Soccer.com or through your local sports retail store. Please see our Uniforms page fo more information. 

How do I know which program to register my player for? When deciding whether to register your play for the recreational program or the Academy program, please consider your player’s long-term interests. If you believe that your player is interested in playing with a higher level commitment under the direction of Skyline Staff during 5 training sessions in addition to the weekly team practice, then take a strong look at the Academy program. If your player is interested in the fun, social aspect of soccer, the recreational program is more likely the right program. Either way, players are able to change programs during their soccer career (although players are not allowed to change programs during the season).


The main difference between Recreational and Academy is that a Skyline coach works with the team on team concepts, team formation, team positioning, team building. To make the team the focal point and work as a team for game day preparations. There will still be technical development involved in every session but more working as a team to build players confidence.


When will I find out what team my child is on? In the fall season, this information will be emailed to your during the second week of August. In the spring season, you will be notified during the second week of March. You will be notified of your coach’s name and practice day, time, and location. Timing of the announcement is dependent on when a volunteer coach is confirmed.


When will practices begin? Skyline receives park permits from DPR each season. Practices will begin two weeks prior to the first game. Please check the ‘Important Dates’ tab for specific dates.


When will the game schedule be released? The 6U-8U games are played against other Skyline teams. Please check the ‘Important Dates’ tab for specific dates which will be updated each season.


Where are games played? 8U games will be played at Southmoor Park unless otherwise notified.


How many games will we have per season?  Each age group will have 8 games per season.


Can my child play up and age group? At Skyline, we do have a few players who ‘play up.’ but these players are the exception. All players who play up need approval from the Director of Coaching. When determining whether a player is ready to play up, the player must be ready soccer-wise, physically, and socially. We will not have players play up more than one age group.


How do we know if a game or practice has been rained out? Please check the Skyline Field Status on our homepage or call the weather line at 720.317.2882. During the week, the weather line is updated by 3:00p and by 7:30a on weekends.


What if my child does not get placed on a team? You will receive a full refund.

Which program is right for your player: 8U Recreational vs 8U Academy

8U Recreational 8U Academy
Birth Year 2016 2016
Program Goal Focus on fun and learning. Players new to soccer or wanting to play for fun with friends. Academy program has the benefits of recreational with the staff training to become more competitive.
Commitment One Season One Season
Team Formation Coach/Friend/School Requests Coach/Friend/School Requests
Team Size 8-10 Players 8-10 Players
Competition Level In-house League In-house League
Game Format 5v5 with goalkeepers 5v5 with goalkeepers
Coach Volunteer Parent Coach Volunteer Parent Coach and 5 In Season Team Based Sessions which involve coaches training, team tactics and game day management. Included with Registration - No Winter Included.
Practice Once Weekly Volunteer Parent Coach plus 5 In Season Team Based Sessions (Southmoor Park) which involve coaches training, team tactics and game day management included with Registration - No Winter Included.
Uniform Required - Cost of $55-$60 depending on youth or adult size. To be ordered through Soccer.com Required - Cost of $55-$60 depending on youth or adult size. To be ordered through Soccer.com
Game Location Southmoor Park Southmoor Park

Optional 8U SKILLS Training

8U SKILLS is a program designed for the 8U player who craves more training. Skyline Trainers deliver this series of advanced training sessions once a week, for four weeks throughout each fall/spring season.


SKILLS focuses on teaching players the essential topics for 8U players in conjunction with the Skyline Player Development Plan, our soccer development model. At SKILLS, players are grouped to enhance the learning process. Players may be moved between groups through the program to help find a place where a player will gain the most out of training. 8U players: 24 players max


*Cancellation Procedures: We will cancel a session if the fields are closed or the weather is unsafe. You are guaranteed 3 out of the 4 sessions. 


Spring Session
Dates: Mondays April 8, 15, 22, 29
Times: 8U: 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Location: Harvard Gulch North Park MU1 (football stadium)
Price: $125 per player
Register Now!
Fall Session
Dates: Mondays Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3
Times: 8U : 5:00PM - 6:00PM
8U : 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Location: Harvard Gulch North Park MU1 (football stadium)
Price: $125 per player
Registration is Closed

If you have questions or want to learn more about the recreational program, please contact Jack Neukirch at jack@skylinesoccer.org

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