Edwardsville YMCA Recreational Sports > Soccer

Youth Soccer FAQ's

Q: Who can play?
A: Players must be enrolled in the grade level of the league they wish to play for, we can not accommodate requests to "play up" a grade level. Kindergarten-8th grade students are encouraged to participate.

Q: When are games and practices?
A: Games are scheduled for Saturday mornings between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Most leagues will require 1 to 2 weeknight evening games on their schedule as well. Practice day/date/time/location is not scheduled by the YMCA. Volunteer coaches schedule practices and they are generally 1 hour on a weeknight.

Q: Where are the games played?
A: Games are conducted at the Edwardsville YMCA fields located on the SIUE campus on Bluff Road. Parking is available in the Korte Stadium parking lot. To find your field, refer to the field map.

Q: What equipment is needed for Youth Soccer?
A: A t-shirt is provided with registration. Players need to be able to wear the T-shirt over a jacket on cold days so be sure to order one large enough for that. Players are required to wear shin guards. Cleats are optional and gym shoes work fine. Players provide their own soccer ball for practices. Kindergarten - 1st use size 3, 2nd-5th use size 4, 6th-8th use size 5. Clearly mark your name on your ball.

Q: Who coaches YMCA Youth Soccer?
A: Teams are led by volunteer coaches. To volunteer, simply fill out the appropriate space on the registration form. Coaches are placed with their child's team. All team volunteers are asked to work together when scheduling practices, game plan or snack assignments. There will be a coaches meeting before the season; all coaches are invited to attend in order to pick up rules and rosters as well as meet other team volunteers in person.

Q: How are Youth Soccer teams formed?
A: Teams are formed by taking into consideration the following items: returning players, school attending, neighborhood, fair number of grade level players (for joint grade leagues), fair number of boys and girls (for co-ed leagues), grade level, appropriate team maximum as well as special requests. Teams are generally, but not always, grouped together in this order. The YMCA realizes the need for transportation assistance between players, desire to play with friends or for a certain coach. Due to the large volume of players, the YMCA will do their best but CAN NOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY or ALL REQUESTS CAN BE MET.

Q: How can I sponsor a team?
A: The YMCA Sponsorship program is designed to allow individuals and businesses the opportunity to support the YMCA youth soccer program. This sponsorship enables the YMCA to keep the cost of the program affordable for everyone. Contact the YMCA for more information on how to sponsor a team or fill out a sponsorship form here.

Q: What are the league divisions for the Edwardsville YMCA Youth Soccer?
A: The league divisions are as follows: Kindergarten - Coed; 1st grade - Coed; 2nd grade - boys only; 3rd grade - boys only; 2nd/3rd grade - girls only; 4th/5th grade - boys only; 4th/5th grade - girls only; 6th/7th/8th grade - girls only teams vs. 6th grade only boys teams; 7th/8th grade - boys only.

Do you have a question that was not answered here? Please contact the ymca at EdwardsvilleY@charter.net so that we can address your questions.