REC SOCCER FAQS

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For fall, all players receive a uniform (jersey, shorts, socks).  Fees also pay for fields, referees, field lining, insurance, financial assistance, equipment and maintenance. For spring, players receive a jersey and ball.  Your coach receives team training equipment and soccer balls.

The club will grant a refund if we cannot place your player on an age appropriate team.  For spring, and fall, refunds are available for a limited time posted on our website.  There is a processing fee.  For refund inquiries, please email registrar@svslvsoccerclub.org.

During your player's registration process you will  indicate your desire to coach.  If you don't list a coaching partner, the club will assign an assistant coach to you.  Please email any question to registrar@svslvsoccerclub.org.  All coaches will be asked to complete a background check.  Failure to do so by deadlines may prevent you from coaching.  

Coaching opportunities are based on player registration, field and team availability.  While we encourage parents to volunteer, expressing interest does not guarantee a coaching assignment. Final placements will be determined after registration closes.

Practices and games are in Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley. Coaches select practice locations based on their preference. All teams have a mix of SV and SLV players. Some players practice outside their geographic preference.

• U6 coed (4 & 5 yr olds) typically practices on Fridays with games on Sunday
• U8 (6 & 7 yr olds) typically practices 1x per week with games mostly on Saturday (and perhaps a few Sundays)
• U10 (8 & 9 yr olds) typically practice 1-2x per week with games mostly on Saturday (and perhaps a few Sundays)
• U12 (10 & 11 yr olds) typically practice 2x per week with games mostly on Saturday (and perhaps a few Sundays)
• U15 (12, 13, & 14 yr olds) typically practice 2x per week with games mostly on Saturday (and perhaps a few Sundays)
• U19 coed (15-18 yr olds) typically practice 2x per week with games mostly on Saturday (and perhaps a few Sundays)

The program requires family flexibility as practice schedules and locations are not known until August. Coaches select a practice time of 3:30, 5:00, or 6:30 and the day(s) (Monday - Friday) to practice. Coaches typically start practicing by September 1 and may start earlier. Games start the weekend after Labor Day and season ends before Thanksgiving. We schedule games for 70-80 teams each weekend. U8 - U19 play on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the day. U6 has games Sunday afternoon. Game schedules are posted by the end of August. U12 and older coordinate schedules with other county teams. U12 and older play away 3 to 5 games at other county fields in Santa Cruz, Aptos, and Soquel.

All spring practices and games are at Skypark. See the Spring Rec page for the latest information on schedule. 

We cannot provide practice days and times before you register because your fall volunteer coach selects their practice schedule in August. We are a volunteer organization relying on volunteer coaches to guide our teams. Before you register, please consider that switching teams or refunds are not permitted even if practice times are inconvenient. 

Teams typically start practicing the 3rd week of August. However, this is based on your volunteer coach's schedule and preference. Coaches communicate practice information to teams.

We form balanced teams based on age, skill level, years experience, and gender for coed teams. After the initial grouping, a committee examines each age group and tries to cluster players by school and neighborhoods, if possible. Coaches have their players placed on their team. There are no legacy teams.

We no longer accept buddy and schedule requests. What started as a dozen carpool requests peaked at nearly 500 special requests. The volume and nature of requests became impossible to manage with our limited volunteer staff. If you volunteer to coach, you select a practice time and field that works for your schedule. We offer coaching support and  equipment.  

Play-Up an Age Group: There are no play up requests for our rec program.  If your player is not challenged in their age group, please consider our Competitive Program.  

Play-Down an Age Group: Players may not play down an age bracket.

Email registrar@svslvsoccerclub.org

Our goal is to make as many teams as possible, but this is dependent on the number of volunteer coaches and field availability.  If we are able to place your child on a team, you are notified via email with registration information.  If you paid a registration fee to be waitlisted, you will be refunded if your child is not placed on a team.

Team formation will be posted in the BYGA app before the season begins.  Coaches may contact families directly.  

Scotts Valley / San Lorenzo Valley Soccer Club serves an area that includes both Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley.  We do not have "Scotts Valley" or "Brook Knoll" teams. We attempt to group 3-4 players from a school together, so that everyone has a familiar face. However, our first priority is balanced teams by age and experience.  You may be placed on a team that practices outside of your preferred practice location or an inconvenient time.  This is based on the coaches selection.  

This is a recreational program.  All rec teams have a balance of new and returning players. Players interested in a more competitive experience should consider playing comp soccer.

Games typically start in late March and end early June.

Games start the weekend after Labor Day and end before Thanksgiving weekend.

All players are required to wear socks and shin guards to practice. Most players also wear soccer cleats but athletic shoes are permitted. Metal cleats are not permitted. Baseball and lacrosse cleats are also not permitted due to the toe cleat.

Please email the registrar@svslvsoccerclub.org for a financial assistance application.

Jewelry/Earrings No jewelry of any kind (earring, watches, necklaces etc.) is permitted on the field for both practice and games for any age group. Earrings cannot be taped. 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 or not, due to safety. 

Casts Players having splints or soft casts may be permitted to play with the permission of the referee. If, in the opinion of the onsite referee, the splint or soft cast causes a safety hazard, the player is not allowed to play. Hard plaster casts are considered to pose a danger to both the wearer and other players and are not permitted to be worn. The practice of padding a hard plaster cast does not reduce the element of danger. 

Glasses  are permitted. Safety straps are encouraged.

*** These questions are provided for informational purposes only.  The responses are subject to change.  Please email registrar@svslvsoccerclub.org if you have any questions.