FAQ:

1. My player has never played soccer before. Can they still join at this age?

A: Yes. We welcome players of all levels of experience to join our house league.

 

2. Where do house teams play?

A: House teams will play in our House League on the Sunshine Coast. Games are played in Gibsons, Roberts Creek & Sechelt throughout the season that runs September to March. The aim is to have teams play in all communities equally, however, field closures sometimes effect the balance.

 

3. Can my child request a friend to play with?

A: On our house teams, all players can request a friend and we will do our best to accommodate requests made by the cutoff date. On our development & rep teams, we unfortunately cannot take requests.

 

4. How often do U11-U13 House teams play?

A: Teams at this age practice once a week, and play a game on either Saturday (boys) or Sunday (girls). Teams will also have Age group development sessions provided a few times a season.

 

5. Where do U11-U13 Development teams play?

A: During the Fall season, U11-U13 development teams will play in a SCYSA house division on the Sunshine Coast 1-2 years up, depending on the strength of the team.

 

6. Where do U11-U13 Rep teams play?

A:  U11-U13 rep teams play in the BC Coastal Soccer League, which includes clubs from all over the Lower Mainland. The BCCSL begins in September and ends at the end of February. Home games will be on the coast, while away games will be in the lower mainland. Approximately 50% of games will be at home. Girls will play Sundays, while boys will play Saturdays. Teams will also have the opportunity to play in the 2025 Cascadia Spring League to prepare for their upcoming BCCSL season.

 

7: How many years of birth are there on one rep or development team?

A: Due to our club size, Rep & Development teams consist of two years of birth.

 

8. What is the purpose of having development & rep teams in the U11-U13 age groups?

A: The Club aims to provide opportunities for all players to be appropriately challenged (not overly challenged, and not under challenged) so they can develop their skills and enjoy their playing experience.  By offering multiple levels of teams we aim to provide opportunity for players to train and play with others of similar ability, rather than dominate or struggle in practices and games. By removing these dominating players, remaining players are able to get more involved, take on more leadership roles, and get more touches and time on the ball, which will enhance their skill development.

 

9. How are Rep teams selected?

A: Rep team selection will rely on ongoing assessments throughout the season, not on single or two day evaluations. How this will look, will depend on the age group. Please see below for more details.

New U11 teams:

Assessments will come primarily from SCYSA Technical Staff, who will be observing players in various environments throughout the 2024/25 season: team practices, games, development practices, and staff-led Age-Group Development nights. Coach evaluations will also be consulted.

Players found to be in the top 20-25% of their age group will be identified, and invited to staff-led training sessions in mid February- beginning of March. If an identified player is unavailable for these sessions, staff will find other ways to further assess the player. Some of these selected players will be offered a spot on either a rep or development team for the 2025/26 season by mid March.

 

Existing Rep Teams:

U11-U12 Teams

For boys born between 2014-2013, top players in the house division will be identified by coach feedback, paired with assessment by Technical Staff attending games and Age-group development sessions. Identified players will be invited to attend multiple training sessions with the current U11/U12 Boys Development team. Players deemed at level or exceeding level will continue to train in that pool of players. From that pool of players, the top 20-25% players will be invited into training sessions with the current U11/U12 Boys Rep Team. Players assessments will continue in both groups, with players being offered a spot on either a rep, development or house team for the 2025/26 season by mid March.

 

U13+ Rep Teams

Girls born 2013-2008 who are interested in playing Rep soccer should fill out this expression of interest form:  Click Here: Rep Expression of Interest

Players will be assessed in their current team in games, and invited into training sessions with current rep teams if the player is assessed to be a prospective rep level player.

 

Boys born 2012-2008 who are interested in playing Rep soccer should fill out this expression of interest form: Click Here: Rep Expression of Interest

Players will be assessed in their current team in games, and invited into training sessions with current rep teams if the player is assessed to be a prospective rep level player.

 

All players currently on rep teams, or being assessed will be offered a spot on either a rep or house team for the 2025/26 season by mid March.

 

All existing Rep players, who would like to be considered for placement on a Fall 2025/2026 Rep team, must fill out the Rep Soccer - Expression of Interest Form by January 31, 2025.

 

10. My player was not identified during assessments, but we feel they are at the level to play on a Rep/Development team. What can we do?

A: If you feel your child may have been missed in assessments, please fill out this form requesting an assessment:  Click Here: Rep/Development Expression of Interest

 

11. If I coach, will my child have a better chance at being selected for a development or rep team?

A: No. Coaching has no bearing on whether your player will be selected or not. Teams are formed prior to coaches being placed. Once a team is formed, we will look at all coach volunteers, and then place a coach with the team. If no parent is able to coach a team, the club will look for a coach that is unattached to the team.

 

12. Is there a difference in registration cost for a house and development team?

A: No. House & U11-U13 Development teams all play in the SCYSA House League, so pay the same registration fee.

 

13. How often to U11-U13 Rep & Development teams play?

A: Teams at this age practice twice a week, and play a game on either Saturday (boys) or Sunday (girls). Teams will also have Age group development sessions provided a few times a season.

 

14. How do I register for a House or Development team?

A: Players register in their applicable age group on our registration page. Players will then be assigned to teams during our team formation process.

 

15. How do I register for a Rep team?

A: Selected players will be sent a registration link in mid March.

 

16. Will Development teams carry "training players"?

A: Yes.Training players will be invited to practice once a week with the development team, as long as they attend their house team practices & games. Training players may get opportunity to be called up, or attend tournaments with the team.

 

17. Can my player "play up" or "down" a division in the House league?

A: If you feel your player is not being adequately challenged, you may put a request in to have your player assessed by the Technical Director to play up a division in our house league. Alternatively, if you feel your player is being overly challenged, you can also put in a request to have your player play down a division.

 

18. My player did not get identified for a Development or Rep team, but would like to work towards playing a higher level. What can I do to support their development?

A: Encourage your player to practice their skills, and get as many touches on the ball as they can. Assure them that they are capable, if willing to put in the effort. Players develop at different speeds, but practice outside of the regular soccer schedule makes a big difference. Practice at home, and take advantage of  development opportunties- ie: Player Development Acadamy, Age Group Development Nights, attending team practices and games, etc.