LA JOLLA YOUTH SOCCER FALL RECREATIONAL PROGRAM
The La Jolla Youth Soccer Recreational Program is the foundation of La Jolla Youth Soccer, serving over 800 players within La Jolla and surrounding communities. Our program is dedicated to providing a fun, safe and community-based soccer league. It is our mission to offer a program where players have the opportunity to technically improve while having fun and building a love of the game. In addition, we strive to provide unlimited growth opportunities for players of all skill levels and potentially acting as a stepping stone into our competitive, Impact program.
The La Jolla Youth Soccer Recreational Program is overseen by Executive Director, Heather Hilliard: [email protected]
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does registration open? Registration will open on April 1, 2024. All registration is on-line. Please visit our registration page for more information and link to our secure registration system.
When is Early Bird registration? Early Bird Registration is from April 1 to April 30. During the Early Bird registration period, registration fees are reduced to $300 for U6 players and $325 for U8 and above. As of May 1, registration fees will increase to $325 for U6 players and $350 for U8 and above. In addition, friend or coach requests will only be accepted during the Early Bird registration period.
When does registration close? Registration will close on June 15. Registrations prior to June 15 will be guaranteed placement on a roster. Registrations received after June 15 will be charged a $25 late fee if space is available. If rosters are full, your child will be placed on a waiting list.
What info do I need to register my player(s)? If your child played for LJYSL last season, simply register on-line and you are done. If your child is new to the league, you will need to submit your child’s birth certificate to the office for age verification.
What division or age group will my child play in? See below for age group break down:
· Under 6: U5/U6 players (born in 2020 & 2019) play 4 v 4
· Under 8: U7/U8 players (born in 2018 & 2017) play 7 v 7
· Under 10: U9/U10 players (born in 2016 & 2015) play 7 v 7
· Under 12: U11/U12 players (born in 2014 & 2013) play 9 v 9
· Under 14: U13/U14 players (born in 2012 & 2011) play 11 v 11
Are the teams co-ed (boys and girls on same team)? No, we do not place boys and girls on the same team.
Can I make a request at sign up? Yes, during the Early Bird Registration Period (between April 1 and April 30), you may request to play for a certain coach or friend/neighbor. Requests must be made at the time of online registration (we will not accept requests via email). Requests are NOT guaranteed but we will do our best to honor one request if made during Early Bird Registration Period.
Can I be on a team with all my friends? If your request is made during Early Bird Registration, we will do our best to honor one request. However, we cannot guarantee placement with all of your friends. Our most important goal in making placements is balancing the teams to provide competition that is enjoyable for everyone involved.
How will I be placed on a team? Considerable effort is made to balance the teams and provide competition that is enjoyable to both players and parents alike. Players are placed on teams using the following criteria:
· Balance between older and younger players on each team
· Requests to play for a certain coach or with a friend or neighbor
· By school and/or location
· Fair distribution of All-Star players
When will I find out which team my child is on and when they practice? Coaches will receive their rosters at the Coaches meeting in late July. Your child’s coach will contact you with season details by Sunday, August 4.
What do I need to buy for practices? Your child will need shin guards, socks to cover them and soccer cleats. Players will be provided a Nike game jersey, shorts and socks for game days.
When do practices start? Team practices will begin at the end of August. Practices are once per week and may be held any day, Monday through Friday beginning at 4:00 PM or 5:15 PM at local parks and schools. Coaches will select practice day, time and location. We do not guarantee requests for practice day/time/location.
When do games begin? Games are played on Saturdays beginning September 7 and ending on November 9 with our annual Pizza Bowl (a fun, end of season in-house tournament for U6, U8 and U10 teams). Game schedules will be released in late August.
I would like to be a coach, assistant coach, or team parent. What should I do? First, THANK YOU! Every youth sports program depends on the spirit and energy of volunteers. Every year we need coaches and assistant coaches. The league depends on parent volunteers to fill these positions. When you register, you will have an opportunity to indicate that you are willing to volunteer so please include this information on your child’s registration.
What is required to be a coach? No experience necessary, we train!! Coaching requirements are set by our parent organization, Cal South. Head and Assistant Coaches must complete Cal South Risk Management (fingerprinting). In addition, Head Coaches are required to have a Coaching license, SafeSport training and concussion training. All of this information will be discussed in detail at our Coaches Meeting in late July. Any questions, please contact the Executive Director.
I would like to sponsor my child’s team. Who do I contact? The registration fees do not completely cover the costs of running the soccer league. The league depends on our team sponsors to help cover the additional cost to run the recreational league. Team sponsorships are $700.00. If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please contact Cathy Callier at [email protected].
How can I help? There are many ways for parents to help. LJYSL recreational program is run by a large group of volunteers. We invite you to join us for a memorable experience, assuring a great season for our players. Some volunteer positions start and finish before the season starts, some may last the season, and some positions involve simply one event. Please contact the Executive Director, Heather Hilliard at [email protected], if you are interested in volunteering.
What are my responsibilities as a parent? You are responsible for getting your child to practices, games, and other team functions on time (for games, this often means at least 30 minutes prior to game time) and picking up your child promptly afterwards.
Do you have an All Star program? Yes! All Stars for ages U8 through U14 are selected in early November and go on to represent LJYSL at local All Star tournaments in December.