Recreational Soccer FAQs
-
When do schedules come out?
Approximately two weeks before the start of the season.
-
Where are the games/practices held?
Fairfax County issues permits to SYA to use facilities in the Centreville/Clifton area. Typically a team will practice at the same facility each week with varying locations for weekend games.
-
When do I get notified about my child’s coach/practices/games?
Notification of schedules/locations/times will be sent out 1-2 weeks prior to start of season (as determined by when we receive permits).
-
How will I be notified?
Mobile app, email, etc.
-
What scholarship/financial aid information is available?
SYA offers scholarships to all SYA participants of all recreational sports who qualify under the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services program. To learn more about SYA scholarships, click here.
-
When are practice times and how many days per week?
- Spring season: Practice times are 1-1.5 hours during the week between 5:00 pm–dark.
- Fall: Practice times are around 5 pm-dark
- U4-U7: Once per week on Saturdays only.
- U8 & up: Practices are up to 2x/week.
-
How are practice sites and times assigned and why can’t we request a specific site?
The coaches request the days of the week and times that work best with their schedules, the location they prefer and their closest elementary school. The Commissioner then takes this information and matches up the coaches’ request to the fields that are available. The oldest age groups are assigned practice times first, all the way down to the youngest age group. The coach can request specific sites; but depending on the season, soccer may or may not have those sites to choose from. Also, an older age group may already have taken that site.
-
Can my child play in an age group older than her own or in a grade other than her own?
Players are assigned to leagues based on their date of birth. U4-U10 age groups will play by birth year. The U11-U12 age groups will follow the “old” age group parameters of 8/1-7/31 (see age group chart for the specific age group’s parameters). The U14-U19 age groups play in the NCSL recreational league and also play by birth year. U11-U12 players whose birth date falls between August 1 and December 31 AND are in the next higher grade as the higher age group have the option to play up ONE age group. If a parent wants their child to play up with their grade, they will need to request that on their registration form under “special requests” and provide proof of grade level (e.g. report card). If the request is not on the registration form, the child will be initially placed with their default age group.
-
Can my child play in an age group younger than her own?
The only waivers that are given to play down are for children with physical or mental challenges. A written request should be submitted at the time of registration. When registering online, then the written request should include the Player ID number and can be sent via email to [email protected]. Requests will be given to the Soccer Commissioner for review. Players whose age group plays in the Suburban Friendship League are not eligible to play down an age group according to SFL rules.
-
Does my child need experience to play?
No experience is necessary in our recreational program.
-
Can I wear eyeglasses, a cast, or jewelry while playing and practicing soccer?
Glasses for corrective vision may be worn provided they are properly secured. Casts shall be allowed provided that these are wrapped in a plastic bubble protector or other similar type of covering that offers protection, and under the condition that the player shall not use the cast in any manner that would endanger the safety of the players on the field. The Referee permits medical bracelets or jewelry of a clearly religious nature provided they are not deemed dangerous or pose any danger to the players on the field. If approved, these items shall be taped down. Clear tape provides the most visibility for medical bracelets. All other jewelry is not allowed.
-
What happens if my child misses a practice or game?
While we encourage all players to participate in each practice and game, we realize that is not always possible. There are no consequences to the player if practices or games are missed. Please notify the coach beforehand if your child will be missing a practice or game.
-
Are the coaches professional coaches?
Our recreational coaches are usually parent volunteers. Each coach must complete a free coaches’ licensing program prior to coaching. This training provides them with the tools they need to develop and coach the players on the team.
-
Who referees the games?
Trained and certified referees referee all of our U9 and up age groups. Parent volunteers facilitate the games for the U6-U8 age groups.
-
Can I change teams if I am unable to get to my assigned practice?
If your child has a particularly busy schedule, it’s a good idea to consider coaching your child’s team to ensure the practice time meets your family’s needs. On the registration form, there is an area called “Schedule restrictions” where you can list any restrictions on your child’s schedule. The age group coordinators will do their best not to assign your child to a team that practices on a day you are not available. If you have a problem with your practice time, contact your age group coordinator to see if it is possible to move to a different team.
-
How are teams formed?
To the greatest extent possible, teams are formed geographically around the residence of volunteer coaches, taking into account players’ neighborhoods and school boundaries, but there should be no expectation that players will be with the same coach or team in consecutive seasons.
-
Why didn’t my child get the team I requested?
SYA will consider special requests, but cannot guarantee that they will be honored. Reasonable carpool requests will be taken into consideration, but requests to carpool with more than three players may not be able to be honored. SYA will attempt to honor requests to avoid a particular practice day.
