Recreational Soccer Program

+ What are the main differences between the recreational and competitive programs?

Unlike recreational soccer, competitive teams hold tryouts, which select the most skilled and dedicated players. The competitive program costs more money, requires more time for practices and tournaments, has more extensive travel, and occasionally there are both Saturday and Sunday games. Competitive teams begin practicing in the spring (or earlier in some cases) and will play in tournaments or other events before and after the fall season. Coaches decide how much time each player receives during a game, and stronger, more dedicated players have more time on the pitch. The additional cost of the competitive program covers the cost of professional coaching, the additional practices, and higher quality uniforms.

The recreational program is mainly coached by parent volunteers and provides an opportunity for all players to learn and enjoy the beautiful game of soccer in a fun, stress-free environment with friends. Players receive roughly equal amounts of time in games, regardless of skill. At the end of the season, teams may elect to play in tournaments for recreational players only, and we also hold tryouts to form all-star teams.

U8, U10, U12 and above will have two practices per week with their team and coach.

Our Micro soccer program is primarily for 5 year olds (kindergarteners), but we will allow highly motivated 4 year old players and less experienced, younger 6 year old players to join. Micro teams typically train once per week.

The bottom line: Competitive soccer is more of a commitment and can be more intense.

+ When do I register?

Registration for recreational soccer opens in April and closes in June for the fall season. You must register during this window to secure a spot on a team. If there is room on teams, it is possible to register after this period. In these cases, there will be a late fee. Friend and coach requests will not be accepted after the registration deadline. Teams are formed in mid-July. (Competitive teams tryout earlier in the year. Please check the tryouts section for more information).

+ When is the season?

Games run from after Labor Day at the beginning of September to the weekend before Thanksgiving in late November. Recreational teams typically play 11 games during the season. They will play against teams from Cardiff Soccer as well as neighboring recreational clubs from Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe and Encinitas. (Competitive teams play 13 to 15 games during the same fall season.) Practices will start towards the end of August. Micro teams will practice once per week with their team and coach. U8, U10, U12, and above will practice 2 times per week. One practice per week will be with their team and coach and every other week they will have an age group practice with a professional coach. Micro-U8 teams will typically have one game on Saturday, unless they have a bye.

+ What are the age brackets?

The age brackets are designated by U.S. Soccer. U.S. Soccer provides player development initiatives to help better develop the players to the best of their abilities. Some of the Player Development Initiatives include: change in format (less players on the field for certain age groups), smaller field size, smaller goal size, smaller ball size, as well as some rules changes to some age groups. The goal of the initiatives is give the players more touches on the ball, and to make the game easier and more fun to play. Please contact us at recreational@cardiffsockers.org if you have any questions. Our Micro soccer program is primarily for 5 year olds (kindergarteners), but we will allow highly motivated 4 year old players and less experienced, younger 6 year old players to join. After Micro, boys and girls are separated and teams are divided by two-year brackets designated as Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 based on their age on August 1.

You cannot play in a younger age bracket unless there is a medical reason approved by Cal South. Please contact our Recreational Coordinator at recreational@cardiffsockers.org to request to play in a different age bracket.

+ Can I sponsor a team?

Absolutely! We put team sponsor names on the backs of jerseys and also provide an ad for your business on our website. If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please contact our Treasurer at treasurer@cardiffsockers.org.

+ Where and when are practices? Where are games?

Recreational soccer practices are held once or twice a week on local fields. The league determines practice times and locations based on their schedules and field availability. Games are once a week on Saturdays. Home games are generally played on local fields and "away" games are generally played in Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe although locations can vary based on the availability of teams in the area and the league.

+ What equipment does my child need?

The club provides a uniform, which includes shorts, jerseys and socks Players need to provide their own cleats, shin guards, and an appropriate sized ball (micro uses size 3, U8, U10, and U12 size 4, and U14 and above size 5). Players should also bring water to practices and games.

+ How are teams formed? Can I request a coach or a friend?

Teams are created by the Recreational Coordinator and Coaching Coordinators. We try to honor player and coach requests before the registration deadline and also strive for parity among the teams to maximize the enjoyment for all players involved.