General Questions

Are you part of the South Windsor Recreation Department (SWRD)?
No. Although we work closely with the Town of SW, The SWSC is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1987.

What does SWSC's status as a non-profit organization mean?
In legal terms, South Windsor Soccer Club is tax-exempt entity recognized by the federal government as an organization which promotes amateur sports competition while combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency. Most charitable organizations fall into this classification which is favorable as these types of organizations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions from supporters.

My family is currently facing financial hardship, is there financial assistance available?
We understand that sometimes families might encounter difficult times and in order to continue to develop the youth of our town, we offer financial assistance to families on an ad-hoc basis. Eligibility is granted on a per season basis and covers registration fees only. Equipment and Travel Uniforms are not included in the assistance program. The number of families receiving financial assistance is contingent on the funds available at that time. We make every effort to accommodate families but please note that at times space is limited.

The application process for financial assistance is strictly confidential. A family should be prepared to share proof of eligibility of free or reduced school lunch programs. Inquiries should be directed to the club Treasurer at [email protected]

How are my child's registration fees used by the club?
Registration fees are the club's primary source of income and we understand that members may be interested in how those fees are used. A detailed breakdown of fees can be found within the club's annual report.

I heard about a scholarship available from SWSC, where does my child apply?
The club will generally provide two $500 scholarships to the youth of South Windsor. Contact our Community Director for more details [email protected]

What if my child is hurt while playing?
Our volunteer coaches may administer basic first aid such as applying ice packs or bandages. If you or your coach suspects that your child may be concussed, they will be required to secure a doctor's note to continue playing. Click here for information about concussions. Supplemental medical insurance is provided by the club for all players and coaches.

What are Silent Sidelines?
Research has shown that players learn best when they are permitted to make their own game. Coaches and parents shouting from the sidelines can confuse and stress young athletes. Each season, the Connecticut Junior Soccer Associaton sponsors a weekend of Silent Sidelines, we encourage parents to cheer and clap to support players, but refrain from yelling direct instruction to players. SWSC encourages spectators to Silent Sidelines during all soccer games.

Questions About Coaching       

Who are your coaches?
Our club is volunteer-based, this includes our coaches. Our in-house program is coached by volunteer parents and overseen by professional paid trainers hired through UK International. Competitive travel teams are generally coached by parent volunteers although some teams hire professional coaches to lead their teams.

Why become a SWSC coach?
In addition to a registration discount offered to coaches, becoming a SWSC coach is a great opportunity to become active in the South Windsor community. The SWSC will provide every coach with the resources and help needed to become a quality coach regardless of previous coaching experience. Past and present coaches have shared that coaching with SWSC is a rewarding experience. Visit our coaching page to learn more.

How do I become a coach?
Register here or contact:
For in-house soccer, contact the Recreation Director at [email protected]
For travel soccer, contact The Travel Director at [email protected]

What is a coaching director?
The Director of Coaching (DOC) will direct and supervise the South Windsor Soccer Club coaching staff and is ultimately responsible for meeting the club's overall objectives relative to player and team development. [email protected]

What educational resources are available for SWSC coaches?
Coaching manuals and curriculum may be found under the curriculum portion of our website. Additionally, coaching clinics and coach licensing are available. Contact our Director of Coaching at [email protected]

Does the organization utilize paid, professional coaches to assist with programs?
The SWSC currently utilizes the services of professional trainers for some travel teams, Academy, Indoor, and our Little and Junior Bobcats Programs. Both the Recreational and Travel programs are broadly overseen by paid, professional coaches. 

Questions About Registration and Refunds

How do I register for the upcoming season, and what forms of payment are accepted?
Credit card and ACH check payment can be made during registration using our secure payment gateway.  Payment plans are available for an additional processing fee.

When does registration open?
Registration for the Spring season begins mid-December and closes mid-March. Fall soccer registration opens mid-May and closes mid-July.

Why was I charged a late fee?
A successful season relies on year-round planning and preparation. Equipment, supplies, and insurance are just some of the commodities that we secure in advance and in bulk. To the extent the club needs to purchase items beyond our normal registration dates, we often lose the competitive pricing of advance orders. Our late fees are used to motivate timely registrations.

What is SWSC's refund policy?
As a private non-profit club, your registration fees are directly applied to our soccer programming.  Prior to the start of the season, the club incurs nonrefundable expenses on your child's behalf, therefore, we've established a two tiered refund policy to appropriately cover these costs and keep registration fees to a minimum:

• Prior to the 1st Practice, refunds will be issued less a $10 processing fee and any club provided uniform cost (if applicable).
  
• After 1st Game - no refund will be processed.

All questions related to refunds should be directed towards the Registrar at [email protected]



Questions About Equipment

What does my child need in order to participate in soccer?
Players participating in Travel Soccer will need to purchase a uniform consisting of a home jersey, away jersey, shorts, and socks. Many find it useful to purchase this as a bundle which includes a practice shirt and SWSC backpack. In addition to a uniform, players need an appropriately sized ball, cleats, shin guards, and a water bottle. Turf shoes are required for indoor play.

In-House Recreation players uniforms are included in your registration fee and include a jersey, shorts, and socks. Recreation players will also need an appropriately sized ball (provided for U4 players), shin guards, sneakers or cleats (cleats recommended), and a water bottle.


Questions About Rosters and Teams

I've seen U-## listed for teams, how do these age brackets work for youth soccer?
Age banding is important to youth soccer for several reasons including safety, enjoyment of the game, and the overall development of the player. For example, you might see a U-13 designation signifying that the players in that division are "under 13". The SWSC follows the US Youth Soccer age matrix, click here to view.

Can my child play in a different age group?
On rare occasion, if a player meets certain criteria they may be eligible to move up or down a division. Contact the Recreation or Travel Director for more information. [email protected] or [email protected]

How are teams formed?
Travel teams are put together as a result of the tryout process, to learn more about travel tryouts, please click here to visit our tryout information page.
Our team of volunteer Division Directors roster teams for our In-house Recreational program. This process is the result of analyzing registration information to honor parent requests and many other factors to create the most balanced teams possible.

What is the tryout process
Travel tryouts are held for all players (new and returning) in June of each year. In February, supplemental tryouts are held for teams needing to fill their roster.

Players should plan to attend two nights. For full details please click here to visit our tryout information page.

Why do you need my child's photo and birth certificate?
All Travel players and some Academy players must have a 'player pass' which coaches keep and present to referees before games. In order to obtain a pass, CJSA (The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association) age verifies each player using birth certificates. A pass is then printed with a headshot photo of the player. Please click here for detailed information about player identification and photo requirements.

Can my In-House player switch teams?
When rostering In-House Recreational teams, Division Directors take many factors into account including practice night and other parent requests and work to create balanced teams. Once roster and team information is released to families, it can be difficult to move players. Our Division Directors do their best to accommodate all re-rostering requests. Please contact the In-House Recreation Director with questions at [email protected]

Questions About Practices and Games


When do teams practice?
In-house recreational teams practice once per week in the evenings. Specific nights may be requested during registration.
Travel teams practice two evenings per week. Your coach will make you aware of your practice nights and times.
U4, U6, and TOPS meet once per week on Sunday. Academies and Clinics are generally held on Friday evenings.


When are games played?
In-house Recreational soccer (U8-U10) play games on Saturday mornings. The U12 and U15 Rec-Travel divisions have both home and away games so timing will vary.
Travel soccer teams generally play home games on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Away game times will vary.
U4, U6, and TOPS meet once per week on Sunday.

How Can I Become a Volunteer?


One of the club's most valuable assets is the volunteer base which gives a tremendous amount of support to the club. There are several roles you can take as a volunteer and based on your interests we can certainly find a place for you:

• Interested in being a coach? Contact our Coaching Director at [email protected]
• Want to be involved in event planning or the Board of Directors? Contact the Club President at [email protected]
• Unsure of what you'd like to participate in but want to give back to the community? Introduce yourself at the next board meeting every second Thursday of the month. All of South Windsor Soccer Club's board meetings are open to the public. In fact, the club very much appreciates your continued feedback. We hope to see you at the next meeting.

What are the positions on the BOD?
Our board of directors is made up of volunteers from the soccer community. The SWSC executive council includes our President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Registrar. The SWSC Equipment Director, Communications Director, Travel Director, and Rec Directors work closely with our Directors of Coaching and Operations. New members fill an at-large position while learning the functions of the board. All board positions are filled by vote at the Annual General Meeting in February.

Why does the club issue stipends or credits to certain individuals?
A countless number of volunteers donate their time to the club. Many responsibilities in the organization require specialized skill sets and/or a significant number of hours on a daily basis. For these individuals, the club issues stipends or credits to attract and retain these individuals. Further details are located in the club's annual report.

How do I receive a housing stipend for hosting an international coach?
Families who house a UK International coach during the season are eligible for a $100 credit for each week the coach was housed. At the end of the season, all amounts due to families are credited by the Treasurer. For further questions, please contact the Director of Coaching or the Treasurer at [email protected] [email protected]

How do I receive my stipend?
Board Member stipends are distributed by the Club Treasurer at the conclusion of each season. Each Divison Director is entitled to a waiver of registration fees for one child*. The Club Treasurer will credit the Director at the close of the season. Further questions should be directed to the Club Treasurer at [email protected]

*Up to annual maximum.