Q: What is Recreational League Soccer?
A: Recreational League Soccer is the Enfield Soccer Club's town league. Teams play all of their games in town against teams in the same age/gender groups. Most age groups consist of 4-8 teams, and the divisions follow a round robin format.
Q: What are the age requirements?
A: The club runs on a birth year calendar starting January 1st to December 31st of the same year. Each year consist of two seasons, first fall and then spring. The player must be 4 years old and no older than 18 before January 1st to be eligible to play in that fall season. Players that turn 4 after January 1st must wait until the following fall season. They will not be eligible to play in the spring even if they are 4 years old.
Q: How are players assigned to teams?
A: The club organizes the divisions based on age only. We currently have the following divisions, but are not limited to them. Under 4 Lil-Kix, U6, U8, U10, U13, and U17. All divisions are co-ed. Players are placed into these divisions based on their age. If they turn 6 before January 1st then they move up to U8 that fall season. If they turn 8 before January 1st then they move up to our U10 division and so on. Players stay in the same division for the fall and spring.
Q: What does my registration fee include?
A: For the registration fee the player receives a uniform that includes a shirt, shorts, and matching socks. The registration also includes excess insurance coverage, referee fees, and equipment (i.e. balls, nets, corner flags, etc.). Players play 10 games per season. The club periodically supplies training for both coaches and players.
Q: What equipment is the player responsible for?
A: Players must have shin guards for all practices and games. Soccer cleats are optional but strongly recommended after U6. They must be soccer cleats. Football or baseball cleats are not allowed. Players should also bring a soccer ball. There are different size balls for different age groups: U4 and U6 use a size 3, U8, U10, U13 use a size 4, U17 uses a size 5.
Q: When are practices?
A: The club practices on weeknights (Monday through Friday). Teams will practice once or twice a week depending on the coach. U6 and U8 practice for one hour while U10, U13, and U17 will practice for 1-1/2 hours. U17 practices one- two nights for 1-1/2 hours. Practice times run between 5:00 to 7:30 and are dependent on the coach.
Q: Where are practices and games held?
(Answer) Player will usually practice and play their games on the same field. Field locations are determined by the town’s recreation department and the club is usually notified after registration is over. All of the games for the younger divisions are played in town.
Q: Can a player play in an older age division?
A: There are three conditions that must be met before a player can participate in an older age division.
- The player must be within one year of the age requirement for the older division. (I.e. a 5-year-old cannot play in U8).
- The player must have a sibling playing in the older division.
3. The players parent must be the head coach of the older siblings team.
All of these conditions must be met. All coaches need to be approved through division managers before the conditions are considered met.
No child less than four years old before January 1st will be accepted; There will be no moving up from Lil-Kix to U6.
Q: How will I be contacted after I register my player?
A: After the registration manager has processed your form it goes to the registrar. The registrar checks all player against our database and secures insurance. The player information then goes to the division manager. This manager is responsible for finding coaches and making teams.
The manager’s first priority is to make all the teams as even as possible based on age, size, and experience. Other requests are then considered. Coaches are given rosters at the coaches meeting and practice nights and times are determined. Coaches then will call his/her players and give the parents information required for the first practice.
Q: Can I get a refund if my player decides not to play?
A: A refund will be given to any player that decides not to play up to one week before the first game. The player or parent must inform the division manager. Refunds will be issued through the treasurer and usually take two weeks.
Q: Why do I need to provide a copy of my child's birth certificate?
A: The club is required to maintain a copy of the player’s birth certificate on file. This only has to be once for first time players. The club will keep this copy on file until the player reaches the age of 19. Originals are accepted but will not be returned.
Q: Are there any other costs to parents?
A: The club offers pictures to be taken of your player. It is optional. Parents are asked by the coach to bring a snack for the team on their assigned game date. At the end of the season the parents and coach will usually organize a trophy party.