Who can play with WCSA? What if my child has never played soccer before?
Many of our players return every year and continue to grow in their skills and love of the game, but each season we also have many first-time players in all age groups. As a recreational sports organization our primary goal is to help ALL players of ALL skill levels have fun while playing the world's most popular game. WCSA is an inclusive organization that guarantees all players play.
How do I determine my child's age division?
Age divisions are determined by birth year. You can determine your child's age division by consulting the Birth Year Matrix found under the Parents tab.
Can my child play in a different age group than his or her true age?
WCSA allows players to be placed on teams one birth year older than their true age. Players may not play down to an age group younger than their true age. See our full Play Up Policy under the Parents tab for additional information.
Can my child play on more than one team?
No. A player may only be rostered on one team at a time within an outdoor or indoor season. This applies whether within the same age group or across age divisions.
Can I request a specific coach or teammate?
WCSA accepts requests for a coach and requests to be placed with another player with certain restrictions depending on age division. Requests are submitted on the registration form. Requests are reviewed but are NOT guaranteed. Below is the Request Policy information found on our registration form.
Coach Request: I understand that IF my child plays in the age groups of U5-U9 (2020-2016) coach requests will not be taken into consideration. Coach requests for U10 and above (2015-2006) are all reviewed, but NOT guaranteed.
Player/Friend Request: I understand that IF my child plays in the age groups of U5-U9 (2020-2016) player/friend requests must be reciprocal to be considered and are NOT guaranteed. Player/friend requests for U10 and above (2015-2006) are all reviewed, but NOT guaranteed.
Can I request a practice time?
WCSA does not accept requests for a practice time or location. Our volunteer coaches choose their practice day, time, and location after teams have already been formed.
How will I know if a game or practice is canceled?
Game cancellation and league-wide practice cancellation information will be disseminated via email and the RainedOut system. You can sign up for RainedOut here or by following the link in the footer of our website. Individual practice cancellation will be at your coach's discretion and communicated to the team by your coach.
Can my child wear earrings if they are covered? What about other jewelry?
No. NO jewelry of ANY kind is allowed. This includes earrings covered in band aids or tape as well as bracelets regardless of the material. Prohibited items include but are not limited to rings, earrings, facial piercings, bracelets, wristbands, and hair accessories (beads, hair rings, charms, barrettes, and clips). A jewelry policy acknowledgement is signed during the registration process.
What equipment will my player need?
Your player will need tennis shoes or soccer cleats, shin guards, soccer socks for practice, a soccer ball the correct size for his or her age (U5-U8 size 3, U9-U12 size 4, U14-U19 size 5), and a refillable water bottle. Soccer cleats do not have the "toe cleat" like on baseball and football cleats. Cleats with the "toe cleat" cannot be worn for soccer. Shin guards are required to be worn to participate in practices or games and must be worn underneath soccer socks - not on top. WCSA provides the gameday uniform (jersey, one pair of soccer shorts, one pair of soccer socks). Uniforms should be kept from Fall to Spring. Replacement fees for lost uniforms are as follows: $20 per jersey, $10 for shorts, and $5 for socks.
I see that there are certain roster restrictions for travel players built into several programs offered at WCSA. What is the definition of a travel player?
A travel player is any player who participates in a competitive club or academy during the soccer year that aligns with the WCSA program being offered. These players would include those who participate in Youth Academy teams, Local (State) Competitive leagues, National League Conferences, NPL, and/or ECNL Regional Leagues. For example, if your child participates in a club team that is registered with the state, you are required to disclose that information on the registration form while signing up for the program that you have selected. There will always be a question on the registration form regarding travel player status. Failure to disclose that information accurately can result in dismissal from the selected WCSA program without refund.
Why is there a weekday game scheduled in the season?
A division with an odd number of teams will have a bye week during the outdoor season and play on a Monday or Tuesday night. WCSA does not know which age groups will have an odd number of teams at registration.