New Parent Info
- What is the soccer season?
Our club plays from August through June with a break in the winter months (Thanksgiving through mid-March) and we split up that period in a fall season (September through November) and a spring season (March through May). Travel (older competitive) teams play a little longer, and may play with only a short break in the winter and a short break in the summer. Many travel teams will participate in a winter league. It’s entirely up to the discretion of the travel coach. - How do I register my child for soccer?
You can register online at https://westislipsoccer.com/register or click on the Register button in the top right corner of this page.. - I moved into the area after the Club’s registration dates. How do I sign up?
Click the Register link in the top right corner or contact the Club Registrar whose contact information can be found on the Executive Board Page. - What is the cost?
Click on programs link under the Info tab in the top navigation bar to find out the associated cost for each program. - At what age level does your Intramural program start?
The West Islip Soccer Club starts its Intramural program at the U5 level. U5 refers to Under 5 years old, where the child is under five years old (thus 4 years old) as of January 1 during the soccer year (similar to school year). The Club also offers a Mini Kickers clinic for children under 4 years old. - When and where are games played?
The West Islip Soccer Club plays a Fall schedule starting in September followed by a Spring schedule starting in March. All intramural programs (U5 -U10) play on Saturdays. Some games are on Sundays due to scheduling limitations and to handle cancellations. The intramural fields are located at the Manetuck Elementary School and the Udall Road Middle School. Some games are played at Masera. Check the Fields page for locations of these schools. The interleague program (U11+) plays mostly on Sundays with possibly a few Saturdays. The interleague program plays a home/away schedule, where the away games are at local area clubs that also participate in the interleague program - What does the U in U6 mean?
The player’s age as of January 1 (during the soccer year; similar to school year) is Under-6. - How many practices are there per week and where?
Practice location and schedule is determined by the coach (that is one of the benefits of being the coach). The coach, based upon his/her schedule, will pick a day and time for the team to practice. Generally at the younger age levels the coach will have one practice a week and usually it will be the same day and time each week. Some of our practice fields are available at 4PM but many aren’t available until 5:30PM. Many of the coaches are working parents who are rushing from work to the practice so for many the practices won’t start until 5:30PM. The length of practice is determined by the coach. - What equipment do I need?
• Shin guards are required for all practices and games. Cleated shoes (aka cleats) are needed if play will be on wet, muddy or soft surfaces. For very young players, sneakers will do fine. Any of the local sporting goods stores will have these supplies.
• No jewelry of any kind can be worn during games or practices. This is for your child’s safety.
• U5 & U6 players will be provided a shirt by the coach at the beginning of the fall season. U7 and older players need to purchase the club uniform which can be done during the season at the soccer shack (at the pass-through between the Manetuck & Udall fields) or by contacting the equipment coordinator during the off season. Travel (U10+) and interleague (U11+) players will be advised by their coach on how to obtain a uniform. - My child lost his/her shirt, socks, shorts, etc.; They outgrew their uniform. How can I get another one?
Uniforms can be purchased during the season at the soccer shack (at the cut-through between the Manetuck & Udall fields). During the off season, uniform purchases and/or exchanges are handled through our club uniform coordinator. His/her contact information can be found on the Contact Us Page. - How long does practice last?
The club advises that practices for players six and younger should be no more than an 45 minutes; under-8 players should practice one hour; under-10 players should be about an hour and 15 minutes. Older players usually practice for about an hour and a half. Actual length of practice is at entire discretion of the coach. - What does my child need to bring to practice?
• soccer ball (size 3 for U8 and younger, size 4 for U9 through U12, size 5 for U13 and older)
• soccer shoes
• shin guards
• plenty of water. - Do I need soccer cleats or will sneakers be okay?
For younger players, sneakers work fine on a dry field. In wet and muddy conditions cleats are helpful for younger players. Older players (travel & interleague) are required to wear cleats. - What size ball do you use?
• Mini Kickers are provided a ball
• U5 through U8 play with a size 3 ball.
• U9 through U12 play with a size 4 ball.
• U13 through U19 use a size 5 ball. - My child has a disability. Is there a place for him/her?
High Flyers is a program for players with mental or physical challenges. - Can I wear a cast (or earrings, religious medals, eyeglasses)?
The FIFA Laws of the Game prohibit anything which is dangerous to a player or other players. Referees determine if an item can be worn without being dangerous. - Why can’t players wear helmets?
Helmets are not included in the Laws of the Game under Players Equipment. Although the player wearing the headgear is protected, he may play in a physically more aggressive manner than others not protected, thereby becoming a danger to others. - Are mouth guards needed?
Injuries to the teeth are so few that insurers do not require them. Many dentists however recommend them. - How many players are on a team?
U5 & U6 play 5v5
U7 & U8 play 6v6
U9 & U10 play 7v7
U11 & U12 play 9v9
U13 & older teams play 11v11 - How big is the field?
Field sizes vary by age group. As the child gets older, the field size increases. From U13 onward, they play on a full size field. - I would like to be my child’s coach even though the only thing I know about soccer is that the ball is round? (I have unbridled enthusiasm, a thirst for knowledge, a heart of gold and I don’t frighten children).
You have all of the qualities that the club is looking for in a coach. Many of our coaches have unbridled enthusiasm but have never played the game. Coaching youth soccer, especially the younger age groups 5 to 10 years of age, does not require a person to have a soccer background, although it is helpful. The club does provide clinics and coaches courses and also tries to pair up coaches with assistants that have knowledge but cannot make the time commitment. The club helps out all new coaches by offering clinics at the beginning of the season and has been offering the A/B/C coaching courses to those coaches wishing to learn more. - I am unable to make a commitment to be a coach, how else can I help?
Many coaches need assistants to help out at practices and at the games. And even if you are not the Assistant by title you can still lend assistance to the coach. Help chase down balls during practice. Help setup or break down the goals during the games. The younger age divisions are not provided referees, help the coach by calling a game.The club is run by volunteers and could use your help at one of the many events that occur during the year; soccer social, tournaments, photos, etc. - Will my kids play with their friends?
U5 & U6 teams are formed to put multiple kids from the same schools together. Special requests are considered if the child is registered by the June 30 deadline, but cannot be guaranteed. U7 through U9/10 intramural players are placed on teams via a draft system to ensure even competition. Younger teams (U5 & U6) are carefully balanced so one team is not bigger than another team, therefore special requests are requests and cannot always be honored. - When do I know what team my child is on?
Teams are formed the month prior to the start of the fall season with each child being notified by the third week of the month prior to the start. - Does the Soccer Club keep standing and statistics?
No. Our goal is to promote your child’s enjoyment of the game while helping to develop their soccer skills. There is no 1st or last place finish. Every child in the Intramural Program will receive a participation trophy at the end of the spring season. At the younger ages we place a priority on participation and deemphasize results. As they get older, the travel program keeps scores and standings. - Positive Parenting
- Be a positive role model.
- Be a “team” fan not a “my kid” fan.
- Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators, and support groups.
- Be respectful of all officials’ decisions.
- Gain an understanding and appreciation for the rules of the sport.
- Avoid instructing one’s child/teammates during a game, because it conflicts with the coach’s plans and strategies.
- Help your child learn that success is experience in the development of his/her skills, and that he/she can feel positive about their skill development during the season, regardless of the team’s record.
- Support the alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-free policies of the school by refraining from the use of any such substances before and during athletic contests.
- Take time to talk with coaches in an appropriate manner, including proper time and place, if there is a concern. Respect the coach by following the designated chain of command.