Frequently Asked Questions
1.) What size ball should my child use?
Size 3 - Tykes up to and including U8
Size 4 - U9 up to an including U12
Size 5 - U13 and up
2.) I want to register my kid to play, when and how do I do that?
Registration events happen exclusively online, and happen twice per year. Registration for Fall, the main soccer season, begins around March and ends in July. Registration for Spring happens around January 1, and ends around mid-March.
3.) I've missed registration, what do I do?
If you are new to town, we understand and will do our best to accommodate you. If you are a prior member, remember, it is very difficult on the club to accept registrations outside of the regular registration period. Often, uniforms have been ordered, teams have been drafted, and adding children after registration is over upsets the mechanics of this and causes a lot of work for our volunteers. That said, please contact our registrar, there may be something we can do.
4.) When do practices start? When are games?
Fall Season - 1st Game - Weekend after Labor Day (practice starts 2-3 weeks prior), 8-9 week season
Spring Season - 1st Game - 1st week of May (practice starts 2-3 weeks prior), 6 week season
Games for Travel (U9-U15) are held by mutual agreement between the WSC and opposing coach, and may occur at our Home Field, Spera Field, or at a neighboring town.
Games for Tykes and Recreational teams (U4-U8) are held Saturday mornings (times vary), always at Spera Field.
5.) I haven't heard from a coach yet, what should I do?
Please contact our Director of Coaching or our Registrar. They can provide you with your child's team assignment, and put you in touch with their coach
6.) How are coaches and teams selected?
WSC has a policy for coach selection and team selection created to be fair to players and volunteers. Questions or concerns should be addressed to the Director of Coaching.
7.) Does WSC allow a player to "play up?"
WSC has a playing up policy. Questions or concerns should be addressed to the Director of Coaching.
8.) Can my child "play down?"
In *VERY* special circumstances, WSC may allow a child to play down. This is typically when a player is very new to the game, less mature (physical or mental), or it is deemed by the Director of Coaching that it would benefit the player. WSC cannot allow Travel players (U9-U15) to play down, as the age groups are determined by our parent organizations. WSC can allow recreational players (U6-U8) to play down.
9.) How is playing time determined?
Playing time is determined by the coach. Coaches are encouraged to provide an environment that is about player development and not winning at all costs. With this in mind, most of our teams and players should see roughly equal playing time. Competitive, Classic team coaches may alter playing time to suit the needs of the team (i.e. reward hard workers, set-up to win a tournament, etc.) Playing time issues should first be addressed by the parent and coach, and if that is not resolvable, involve the Director of Coaching.
10.) What equipment is needed?
All players need a soccer ball, shin guards and a water bottle. Uniforms are provided.
11.) Can I request a particular coach or to have my child placed on their friend's team?
Team selection is done per our policy to ensure fairness and the process balances a large number of factors. We do aim to place kids from the same schools together when possible. That said, we cannot possible fulfill everyone's desire for particular teams, so if any requests are made, they will be considered, but are not guaranteed.
12.) What are Rec, Premier, Travel?
These are different levels of play. In Waterford (note these terms and how they are applied vary a lot around the country), our Rec program refers to players who are U8 and below who play only intra-club games (other Waterford teams). Travel is also considered "travel" (play neighboring towns) and is the highest level of competition our club offers. Travel players represent the highest skill level Waterford has, and teams are selected to be competitive and challenging. More is expected of our Travel players, coaches, and teams. Premier is also known as "Club Soccer" and in many parts of the country is also referred to as "Travel." Premier clubs demand higher fees so they can hire professional coaches, travel greater distances, and face very competitive teams within our state and beyond. WSC does not offer a Premier soccer program, but there are a number of local clubs who do (Southeast Soccer Club, Mendonca Soccer Academy, and Connecticut Rush). Players who play travel may also play recreational soccer (Classic) with WSC.
13.) What is my child's "U" age?
Your U-Age can be found by subtracting your child's birth year from the end of season year (i.e. 2018-2019, you use 2019). For example, if your child was born in 2007 and you are playing in the fall of the 2019-2020 seasonal year, your child is a U-13 player (2020 - 2007 = 13).
14.) What does my registration fee cover?
WSC is partly funded by Parks and Rec, but is almost entirely funded by registration fees, and minimally funded by sponsorships and fundraising. Player fees mostly go to: State Dues/Insurance, Field and Facility maintenance, Referee Payments, Professional Coaching, and lighting the field. The little that is sometimes leftover gets funneled to special projects, such as the lights, fence, clubhouse improvements, new goals, player and coaching equipment, etc.
15.) How can I get involved?
WSC would love to have your help in whatever capacity you can provide it. It takes a village. We will gladly help you learn to coach. You're welcomed to be an assistant coach and learn the ropes first. But getting involved is the best way to ensure we have the best club in the SE Area! Please consider giving some of your time to coach, be on our board, or volunteer.
16.) Does WSC have a refund policy?
Refunds may be provided per our refund policy.
17.) I have a question not answered above, who can I ask?
Questions not addressed above may be addressed to the
Director of Coaching, who will direct you to the right person.