U5 – U8 Players
Skill Development + Game Play
ERIE FC begins with the Gunners program designed for players U5, U6, U7, U8. The Gunners program is designed to provide soccer training in an environment that combines skill development and game play. This is achieved through age-appropriate practices and games.
The U6, U7, and U8 age groups will feature 1 or 2 weekday practices, plus a separate weekend game. The U5 will feature a combination of skill development and game play into each weekday practice (no weekend game).
The program has open enrollment. Players are allowed to join or cancel at any time throughout the season. It is open to all players regardless of current skill level or previous playing experience.
Soccer training (or practice) will mainly focus on the technical aspects of the game in order to appropriately develop individual player skills. Soccer games (including game play during practice) will allow players to apply the skills learned into a game situation. Introduction of the basic tactical components of soccer will also be coached.
The program follows the school year calendar, with a new season beginning at the end of August.
We also offer a Gunners Summer Program that runs June – August.
Program Overview – 2025/2026 Season
aGE gROUPS
U5 = 2021 birth year
U6 = 2020 birth year
U7 = 2019 birth year
U8 = 2018 birth year
Based on the recommendation of the coaching staff, players may play in an older or younger age group if it’s a better fit for the development of the player.
Practice options for each age group / birth year are listed below.
Season
Start: August 25, 2025
End: May 23, 2026
ERIE FC Gunners has open enrollment. Players can join or cancel at any time throughout the season.
Practice Options
All players will choose one practice option within their age group.
Players that register for 2 practices per week, will simply choose an additional option.
During step 2 of the registration process, you will select your practice option(s).
Groups or practices may be combined based on registration numbers.
Games
The U6, U7, U8 groups will play games on Saturdays, typically between 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
2025/2026 GAME SCHEDULEThe U5 group will not play separate weekend games. Game play will be included in their weekly practice session.
Facilities
Erie Premier Sports West (EPS West): main game and practice facility
EPS West
4504 W Ridge Rd
Erie, PA 16506
Erie Premier Sports Pennbriar (EPS Pennbriar): secondary practice facility, and occasional games
EPS Pennbriar
100 Pennbriar Dr
Erie, PA 16509
Both indoor facilities have field turf. Sneakers, indoor soccer shoes, or plastic molded outdoor soccer shoes may be worn. No metal cleats.
Player registration & Uniforms
Player Dues & Registration
Player dues are listed below within each age group program.
You may choose to pay in monthly installments or pay in full for the season.
A 5% discount is applied if paid in full at the beginning of the year.
Open Enrollment: Players may join or cancel at any time throughout the season. Dues will be adjusted accordingly.
REGISTER A PLAYERAge Group Details
Please review the details of pricing, format, and practice options for each age group / birth year.
U5 (2021)
Format
1 or 2 practice per week (60-min length)
The U5 age group will feature a combination of practice and game play into each weekday practice (no weekend game).
Game format: 3 v 3 (2 + goalkeeper, or 3 w/o goalkeeper)
Player Dues
1 practice per week = $50.00 per month
2 practices per week = $80.00 per month
One month typically consists of 4 (or 8) practices, but can vary during holiday breaks.
U6 (2020)
Format
1 or 2 practice per week (60-min length)
1 game per week (Saturdays)
Game format: 4 v 4 (3 + goalkeeper)
Player Dues
1 practice per week = $80.00 per month
2 practices per week = $100.00 per month
One month typically consists of 4 (or 8) practices, but can vary during holiday breaks.
Practice Options
| Option 1 | Monday | 5:30 PM | EPS Pennbriar |
| Option 2 | Tuesday | 4:45 PM | EPS West |
| Option 3 | Wednesday | 5:50 PM | EPS West |
| Option 4 | Thursday | 5:50 PM | EPS West |
U7 (2019)
Format
1 or 2 practice per week (60-min length)
1 game per week (Saturdays)
Game format: 4 v 4 (3 + goalkeeper)
Player Dues
1 practice per week = $80.00 per month
2 practices per week = $100.00 per month
One month typically consists of 4 (or 8) practices, but can vary during holiday breaks.
Practice Options
| Option 1 | Monday | 5:30 PM | EPS Pennbriar |
| Option 2 | Tuesday | 5:50 PM | EPS West |
| Option 3 | Wednesday | 5:50 PM | EPS West |
| Option 4 | Thursday | 4:45 PM | EPS West |
U8 (2018)
Format
1 or 2 practice per week (60-min length)
1 game per week (Saturdays)
Game format: 5 v 5 (4 + goalkeeper)
Player Dues
1 practice per week = $80.00 per month
2 practices per week = $100.00 per month
One month typically consists of 4 (or 8) practices, but can vary during holiday breaks.
Practice Options
| Option 1 | Monday | 5:30 PM | EPS Pennbriar |
| Option 2 | Tuesday | 6:55 PM | EPS West |
| Option 3 | Wednesday | 4:45 PM | EPS West |
| Option 4 | Thursday | 6:55 PM | EPS West |