Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Do the kids need experience?
• A: No, and neither do you! This is a recreational soccer league and we train coaches that will help your child. It's never too late to start. Some of our best players started in their teens!
• Q: When does practice start?
• A: Practice for spring 2005 play is already underway. And regular practice is encouraged. Once games start (April 1), practice time should be no more than 1 1/2 hour per week for U8 teams. U6 teams practice for 1/2 hour at their scheduled game time. U10 and above are allowed to practice up to three hours per week.
• Q: Where are the practices held?
• A: Practices are held at schools and other locations (not on the game fields!). You will get a call from your coach and he or she will tell you where and when practice will be held.
• Q: When do the real games actually start and how long do the kids play?
• A: Games start on Saturday, April 1. All games are played at the Rogers Group Soccer Complex on New Rock Creek Road (behind the State Correction Academy). All games will be on Saturday.
• Q: What equipment will your child need?
• A: We supply jerseys and socks. You will need to have a ball, shin guards, and shoes (tennis shoes are OK, but cleats are recommended). Soccer cleats with NO toe cleat are the only kind allowed. Shin guards and shoes are required for both practice and games. Teams are supplied with one team ball, but most coaches will require each child to bring a ball to practice. Be sure to get the right size ball for your child.
• Q: Where can you get the shin guards, shoes, and ball that your child needs?
• A: These items are generally found at any local sporting goods store. Soccer balls (competition quality) can be purchased from TSA (in the concession stand) for about half the regular price at a sporting goods store.
• Q: What size ball is used for different age groups?
• A: U6 and U8 teams use a SIZE 3 ball. U10 and U12 use a SIZE 4 ball. U13 and above use a SIZE 5 ball.
• Q: How young (or old) can a player be for TSA soccer?
• A: A child must be 4 years of age on or before January 31 of this year to play. A child should be less than 18 years of age on August 1 of this year to play.
• Q: Which age group will my child be in?
• A: For fall league, your child will be placed in the age group based on his/her age on July 31. If he/she is younger than 6 on July 31, he/she will be assigned to a U6 team. If he/she is older than 6, but younger than 8 on July 31, he/she will be assigned to a U8 team. This same rule applies for the other age groups as well. For spring league, your child will be placed in the same age group he/she played the previous fall.
• Q: Does TSA have competitive programs?
• A: We encourage HEALTHY competition in our Recreational Program. However, those players with advanced skills can try out for our Select and Middle School Programs. Click on the index item at left for more information, or contact a board member for details.