Easthampton Youth Soccer Association

1

Jul, 2023

FALL SOCCER REGISTRATION FAQ

We get a lot of questions about the fall season, so we thought it might be helpful to put a lot of answers in one place:

Q: What ages are your programs for?
A: We have programs for all ages 4 and up (must turn 4 by December 31)

Q: Where do we register?
A: https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=972226

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Rec programs are $60-$80 including team shirts. Travel teams cost $125 and another $50 if uniforms are needed. There are family discounts built in for multiple registrations, but costs will increase $25 across the board soon, so register now!

Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Yes! We are able to offer reduced price or free registration to anyone who needs it. Send us a message at [email protected] and we'll help you from there.

Q: How long is the season?
A: Generally the season runs from late August/early September until early November. There may be slight variations for different teams and levels.

Q: What program/division should I sign my child up for?
A: The website will let you know what's available for your child(ren) based on age. Division descriptions can be found at this link, but we'll also go into more detail down below:
https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1028202

Q: My child did the Skill Building program last year, should they be doing it again?
A: Definitely, if that's still where their age would place them. The Skill Building program is designed to meet children at their ability levels and help them improve and be ready for the older divisions (with larger teams, fields, etc.) in the future. We'll be increasing the amount of scrimmage/game time against other Skill Building teams a little bit this season.

Q: What days are practices and games?
A: This varies by division, and you can see more in the more detailed descriptions below.

Q: Are there tryouts?
A: No, we mostly let players and parents self-select what is best for them. That said we do host Evaluation Days over the summer to help build teams for the fall season and guide players to the best places for their skill levels. We will be having evaluations for our Skill Building and 10U Rec programs on Wednesday, August 9 at Nonotuck Soccer Complex.

Q: What are the differences between 10U Rec and the 9U and 10U Travel programs?
A: The 10U Rec program tends to have players with less playing experience, or those that prefer a somewhat more casual atmosphere. That said the focus is the same in both: helping players develop skills and a love for the game that they carry with them into the future.

Q: Are there Rec opportunities for 5th graders (11U) or older?
A: Unfortunately we are not able to offer any recreational programs for these ages. Feel free to reach out to us and we can try to help you find an opportunity or two.

Q: How far do the Travel teams travel?
A: Roots Soccer League is made up almost entirely of teams in Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Counties (plus Brattleboro, VT and Enfield, CT), so rarely more than a 30 minute drive away. Half of each EYSA team's games are played at Nonotuck Park and the other half (usually 4 games) at the home fields of other teams in the league.

Q: I'm interested in coaching, how do I sign up?
A: Awesome! You can register as a Head Coach, Assistant Coach or Team Parent (non-coaching volunteer role) when registering your child for soccer. No experience necessary - we'll provide you with some basic training and the tools, activities and equipment you need to have a great season.

Q: I still have questions about the divisions!
A: Sure thing, it's not always easy to understand so here's a further breakdown:

Novice: Pre-K (Must turn 4 by Dec 31). Practices on Saturdays only.

Learn To Play: K and 1st Grade players with no/little prior playing experience. Practices on Wednesdays and Saturdays; no games but scrimmages may be organized on Saturdays.

Skill Building: 1st and 2nd Grade players with some experience and may have done a season of Skill Building already. We encourage players to spend 2 years in this division unless they have demonstrated an outsized skill level for their age. Practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Saturdays start with a short practice time followed by small-sided games/scrimmages between teams monitored and refereed by the coaches.

10U Rec: 3rd and 4th Grade players, Boys and Girls teams tend to be divided; players may have a little or a lot of playing experience but prefer a more casual atmosphere and traveling no further than Northampton or Southampton for games. Games on Saturdays, 2 practices during the week (days will be set by coaches)

9U (3rd Grade) and 10U (4th Grade) Travel Teams: Generally for players who have developed through the EYSA system or played elsewhere and who are likely to continue with soccer in future years. That said, these are still very much developmental programs so there are no skill or experience requirements of any kind. Players develop at different paces and our focus is on developing the whole player no matter what their skills when they arrive for the first practice. Games mostly on Saturday and at least 2 practices per week as scheduled by the coaches.

11U (5th grade) and up Travel Teams: These teams tend to be made up of experienced players, but building skills is still very much the name of the game. Since we don't have a Rec program for these ages, it's still OK to sign up players whose soccer experience is fairly minimal so they can integrate into the team and learn alongside their peers. If we aren't able to field a team at a certain age level, we may have options for players to join the next age group up or we may partner with other Associations to ensure that opportunities are in place for everyone who wants to play.

Website Manager

Easthampton Youth Soccer Association

Easthampton Youth Soccer Association

News Detail

1

Jul, 2023

FALL SOCCER REGISTRATION FAQ

Site Links

Contact us

Site Links