Mom, when do I start playing soccer?
This will depend on which season you signed up for! The fall soccer season runs from September-October; the spring season runs from April-June. We will be posting game schedules and season start dates on the Schedules page in late August or early September for the Fall Season, and late March or early April for the Spring Season.
Dad, who will be on my team?
The AYSO board will put teams together. Teams are randomly formed, by the Registration Program, with the information entered during registration. Things like age, gender, and coach ratings, from the previous season, will all be used in forming the teams. Once the number of volunteer coaches is known we will enter that information into the computer and then teams are created. This is generally done in August (Fall Season) and March (Spring Season), so the earlier you register the quicker we may form teams and get coaches in place and trained.
We do not permit special requests of placing players on a specific team, with a specific coach, or with a specific player.
But I want to play on the same team as…../I want Coach Rob to be my coach again!
We are unable to place a child with a specific coach or player, even if they were on that coach’s or player’s team the prior season, because teams are randomly formed based on the criteria mentioned above. AYSO guidelines state that the only players that can be assigned to a specific coach are the coach’s own children. If it is important for your child to be on the same team as another child, you may choose to coach or become an assistant coach for the team your child desires to be a part of. Please email the Coach Admin at [email protected] for more details.
AYSO is committed to balancing teams every season to ensure that every child has a safe and positive experience.
For which age division will my child be eligible?
["MY" stands for Member Year and applies to the fiscal year from July 1 to June 30]
My child just got their ears pierced. Does she really have to take out her earrings?
YES! Earrings may not be worn at any time during soccer games or practices. Covering them up with a band-aid or tape is not acceptable. This is very important for your child’s safety, and the safety of his/her teammates. If you child is unable to remove their earrings, they will not be able to participate.
When will I know who my coach is?
The coaches will receive their roster information at the coaches meeting in August (Fall Season) and April (Spring Season). You should hear from your coach two weeks prior to the start of the season. If you do not hear from your coach by then, please email the Coach Administrator at [email protected]. The Coach Administrator will get back to you within a few days.
Will my child’s team be a co-ed or a traveling team?
We will try to have separate Boys and Girls Divisions. However, we will not know until we start to create the teams, whether we have enough players for each gender.
12U, 14U, 16U/U19 are traveling teams (Coloma, Dowagiac, Marcellus, Paw Paw, St. Joseph, South Haven, Three Rivers).
When will my child get a uniform?
Uniforms will be given to the coaches to be distributed at the Parent/Coach meeting prior to the start of the season.
Where do my shin guards go? Over or under the socks?
Shin guards MUST be worn during all practices and games. The shin guards MUST be under the socks and completely covered.
But I want to wear my striped socks!
Please make sure your child is wearing the socks that come with their uniforms for all games. It is important that all team members look uniform when playing on the field. Your child may wear any color soccer socks during practice.
What does the “U” mean in “6U”?
The “U” in each age division stands for “UNDER”. For example, "6U" means "6 and Under."
Children that will be 3 years old by the first game of the season, may register for our "4U Playground" program.
Please review the two page Age Guide document if you have questions about which division your child will play in. The second page explains the 4U Playground and 5U Schoolyard age guidelines.
What is Kids Zone?
In AYSO, we want all players, coaches, families and volunteers to have fun. That’s where Kids Zone comes in. Please click here to learn more.
Why can’t I bring my dog/pet?
We love pets and understand that they are a part of your family. In keeping with safety and health issues, we ask that you leave your pets at home. There are several reasons why – including players that are allergic, children that are afraid, and as friendly as pets may be – we wouldn’t want to red card any pet for poor sportsmanship.
What if my child decides not to play, or we move out of the area?
We have a “dropped player” policy that can permit us to refund registration fee depending on what date you alert us that you will not be playing for the upcoming season.
To drop your player from our Region, complete the Refund Form, and submit it as soon as you can!
Other Questions?
Click "Contact Us," to email the appropriate person, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.