Goalie Wars / Goalkeeper Competition - 11/14/26
A high-scoring, fast-paced series of 1v1 mini-games! Goalkeepers face off across 7-minute matches to test their skills and connect with other keepers across the region.
📅 Event Details
- Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Rain or shine!)
- Cost: Free
- Games: Each keeper plays 4-5 games over the 2-hour window.
- Guardian Requirement: A parent or guardian must remain at the fields for the entire event.
👥 Teams & Divisions
This is an individual competition.
Each entry is a two-person team consisting of:
- The Youth Goalkeeper (competing on the field)
- The Keeper Helper (a parent, teammate, or sibling stationed behind the goal line to retrieve balls and place them near the goal posts)
| Division | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd-4th Grade | Boys & Girls* | ~6′ × 18′ Goal & Size 4 Balls |
| 5th-6th Grade | Boys & Girls* | 7′ × 21′ Goal & Size 4 Balls |
| 7th-8th Grade | Boys & Girls* | 7′ × 21′ or 8′ × 24′ Goal & Size 5 Balls |
⏱️ Match Format & Rules
| Category | Rule Details |
|---|---|
| Match Duration | 7 minutes total: Two 3-minute halves with a 1-minute switch at halftime (run on 10-minute block schedules). |
| Scoring | A goal is scored whenever the ball fully crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. |
| Shot Clock | You have 6 seconds to get the ball across the half line once you gain possession. |
| Distribution | Throws, stationary kicks, and rolling kicks only. No drop kicks, punts, or one-bounce drop kicks. |
| Handling Area | Handling is permitted anywhere within your own half of the field. |
| Field Boundaries | Keepers may not physically cross the midfield line. |
| Double Pickup | No double pickups allowed in a single possession (even if the ball strikes the opponent's frame and returns to you). |
| Restarts | When the ball crosses your end line, play restarts with the ball in your hands. |
| Infractions | Any rule violation awards a dropped ball to the opposing goalkeeper. |
🙋 Volunteers Needed: Field Coaches
We are seeking volunteers to help run each field smoothly!
- Eligibility: Any current volunteer referee or coach (youth or adult).
- Assignment: 2 hours stationed at a single field.
- Duties: Check in goalkeepers, organize matchups, tally goals, and enforce tournament rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pets/Dogs/Goats/Cats?
No pets near any of the fields. No pets within 100 feet of the game fields. Hundreds of people, loud horns, music-it only takes one dog bite to ruin a love for animals.
Outside Players?
Yes, but each family will need to sign a release for each player at the field.
