Frequently Asked Questions
What is MSO Kickers Soccer? This fun, introductory program is for Kindergarten and 1st grade boys and girls who live in Maplewood and South Orange. We seek to introduce the game of soccer in a fun, small-sided setting that focuses on skill development, small-sided games and fitness. The program consists of a once-weekly, afternoon practice session and a once-weekly game on Saturday mornings at a local park and field to be determined. The season will last approximately eight weeks beginning the week after Labor Day in the Fall, indoors during the Winter and in early April in the Spring.
Mini*Kickers is a program for 3-4 year old children 1-hour once a week (Saturdays or Thursdays) focusing on skills, fun, and movement.
Are tryouts held? No, there are no tryouts for this program.
What division will my child be assigned to? There are typically three divisions: Mini*Kickers (for 3 and 4 year olds), U6 (5 years old by 8/1), and U7 (6 years old by 8/1). ALL DIVISIONS ARE CO-ED.
Are soccer programs available for older children? Yes. There are club travel soccer programs available for those players looking to make a greater, three-season commitment to soccer. Contact Cougar SC (boys) and/or Cougar United Soccer Club (girls) for more information.
The South Orange Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs sponsors the South Mountain Soccer program for South Orange and Maplewood children in grades 3 through 8. The program offers a wide range of opportunity for players at all levels in the fall and/or spring seasons. Each season is approximately 10 weeks long and includes professional training one day a week and a game each weekend.
Can my child be moved up or down a division? Children should be registered in the age appropriate division. Any movement among the divisions will be done on a selective basis after registration is complete. Please contact MSO Kickers separately via the website to request registration in a higher or lower age/grade group.
What day and time are practices? Practices will vary by season.
Can I switch my child's practice time? Each team has been assigned a practice time, unless there is a standing conflict with the designated time for the duration of the season, we ask that your child practice with his or her team. If, for example, your child has a piano lesson every week at the same time, please let your coach know and he/she will work out a practice time that will work with your schedule for the season. Please note, that this is only for standing conflicts. We do not allow for any "make-up" practices.
What day and time are games? Saturday mornings.
Who organizes, runs and supervises practice and game day sessions? Professional trainers are retained by MSO Kickers to provide appropriate, age-level training at practices, and to provide supervision at game day sessions. Coaches and parents are strongly encouraged to attend both practices and games to further your child’s development and enjoyment of the game of soccer.
When will we be contacted regarding team placement, practice and game schedules? Players will be notified via email approximately one week before practices begin.
Can players make team placement requests? . Unfortunately, we will not be honoring teammate requests this season. Teams are built to balance age and gender and with the requirement that each parent coach volunteer will coach their own child's team.
How are we notified of weather-related cancellations/changes in the schedule? Soccer, even youth soccer, is often played in the rain, so be prepared. Game or practice cancellations due to thunder, lightning or other unsafe field conditions will be made via MSO Kickers website, www.bluesombrero.com/msokickers and via our Twitter feed, www.twitter.com/msokickers .
Will a uniform be provided? Yes, a uniform consisting of black shorts, black socks and a colored jersey will be provided for each player for Fall and Spring. Youth soccer cleats are recommended and shin guards are required to be worn at each session and must be purchased separately.
Mini*Kickers will receive a t-shirt to wear on their session days. Shin guards are required.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! The success of our program depends on the efforts of caring, enthusiastic and supportive parents to assist in a variety of ways, both big and small, including as team coaches, team managers, parent-on-duty, program administrators and program fundraisers. There is a place on the website to sign up as a volunteer. Please make every effort to pitch in and help. The program is only as strong as our group of volunteers.