If you are new to soccer or new to our Region, welcome! We hope you and your child have a wonderful experience with AYSO. Here's some information on what to bring to your first practice:
Soccer ball:
Every child needs their own soccer ball at practice for drills. Ball size depends on your child's division. Please be sure to label your child's ball with their name.
Cleats:
Soccer cleats are not required but are highly recommended for all divisions except Playground, where a simple athletic shoe will suffice. Please make sure you get "soccer" cleats, not baseball or some other sport. Keep in mind that most teams will practice and have games on grass.
Shin Guards:
Required for safety at all games and practices for all age divisions.
Water bottle:
Make sure your player stays hydrated with a full water bottle.
Uniform:
One uniform is provided to each player in our Schoolyard - 19U divisions every Membership Year. The uniform consists of a numbered jersey, shorts, and soccer socks. Uniforms must be worn for all games. Coaches may specify whether uniforms must be worn at practice, although most do not require this.
If a player plays in our program in the Fall season, they will not receive a new uniform for the following Spring season, as we typically roll our teams over from the Fall to the Spring.
Tips for a successful season:
- Please be punctual to all practices and games, both when arriving and leaving! Make a point to arrive early to practices and games, so you are ready to start on time. On the flip side, please be timely when picking up your player from practices and games. Our volunteer coaches are busy and are not free babysitting!
- If you would like your player to walk home or to get a ride with another parent, please provide your coach with a completed and signed AYSO General Release Form.
- As a courtesy, please notify your coach if you will miss or be late for practices or games. Our coaches put a great deal of time into planning activities and game line ups. Knowing in advance that a player will not be there or will be arriving late prevents the need for last minute changes.
- You are welcome to watch the practice, but only certified coaches are allowed to actively work with the kids. If you want to help out, contact us at [email protected] to find out how to become a certified volunteer.
- Remember, kids come first in AYSO. Please read and abide by the AYSO Kids Zone Pledge (see the "General Information" tab) at AYSO practices and games. If you cannot honor Kids Zone, then please do not attend practices or games.