FCSA recreational program mission statement -
To create and environment where every recreational player enjoys a soccer experience so rewarding he/she voluntarily seeks opportunities to participate in Club programs throughout the year and returns to the Club the following season.
Should I be in recreational soccer or another program?
FCSA offers a number of programs that can meet everyone’s needs. Look at the “FCSA program overview” section to see if there is something else you should consider.
There are numerous off-season programs available for recreational players including fall skills and 4v4, winter skills and 4v4, fall “games” program, winter “games” program and fall and winter fitness programs.
What are the recreational soccer seasons?
Spring season – early March (start practicing end of February) to May
Fall season – early September (start practicing end of August) to early November
Note – high school players finish before high school tryouts
How long is the season?
All U5-U12 recreational teams play all their games at Patton Park. The season is 8 games over about 10 weeks.
For U14 and older teams who are in the North Florida league, the season is 9-10 games over 10 weeks.
What are the fees?
U5-U8 recreational players - $90 per season plus $40 (includes shipping)
U9-U19 recreational players - $100 per season plus $40 (includes shipping)
Note: Recreational players uniforms can be re-used each year.
What are the fees for?
FCSA is a not for profit corporation. We have nearly 2000 players in our club. FCSA has the responsibility of maintaining all of the fields at Patton Park (grass, equipment, lights, water,…). We also have an excellent staff who provide quality services on and off the field. Fees go to fields, FYSA registration and insurance, referees, administration,…
When does registration end?
Spring soccer – registration closes January 31. Returning players will be placed on their previous team if they register before January 1 of each year. After that there is no guarantee.
Fall soccer – registration closes July 31. Returning players will be placed on their previous teams (assuming proper age group) if they register before July 1 of each year. After that, there is no guarantee.
Note –After January 31 and July 1, players are accepted on a space-available basis only.
What are the age groups?
See section in the registration menu about “soccer age groups”. Note – players must be 4 years old by July 31 of the fall season they want to play in – this is a state rule.
When do the age groups change?
Children play in an age group starting in the fall season and the next spring season (i.e. August of one year until the end of May the next year). Every July 31, all players move up an age group – i.e. you are a U6 player in the spring season, in the fall you are U7.
What are the age groups for teams?
Age groups are in single years for coed teams until U11 (i.e. U5, U6, U7,…). At U11, age groups are combined 2 years together in recreational (i.e. U11/12, U13/14,…). Only academy and KYX have single year age groups at the older ages (i.e. U11, U12, U13,…).
Are the teams coed?
Teams are coed at U5 and U6 and after that for as long as girls choose to play co-ed. Girls have the option of playing with all-girls at U7 – teams are combined U7/8 age groups for girls at that age. Girls will be placed on all-girls teams at U7 and older unless they specify they want to play on a coed team.
When will I hear from my child’s coach?
As soon as registration ends, we start to form the teams. The coaches meeting for each season is about 3-4 weeks before the season starts – that is typically when the rosters are completed. PARENTS can view their own child’s roster by looking in your Blue Sombrero account and clicking on “VIEW ROSTER and SCHEDULE” beside your child’s name.
How are the teams formed?
Teams are formed with consideration of the following: zip code where you live, requests, returning to a team with a returning coach.
Can I request coaches and teammates? –
There is a “REQUEST” section in the online registration to put your request. Requests are considered but not always able to be honored - parents sometimes request teams or other players who are on teams that are already full.
Can some of my friends register?
We open registration for new players in fall and spring seasons. New players register through our website. They can request to be on a team or with a friend but since we allow players to return to their teams from season to season, requests cannot always be honored.
If you are requesting a friend, make sure it is clearly marked in the “request” box and make sure they are in the same age group as you.
How are the coaches decided?
In the recreational program, coaches are volunteer parents. We have about 150 recreational teams and we always need coaches (especially in the younger age groups). If you are interested, please contact the office. If you are emailed about coaching, remember that we cannot have teams if no one volunteers to coach.
If you are contacted that your child’s team has no coach, please do not send a nasty email – YOU, PARENTS, are the coaches in the recreational program.
Is there coach training?
FCSA has 3 Director of Coaches for their 3 main programs – recreational, academies and KYX. The recreational DOC holds multiple clinics for coaches during the season. The DOC is there to HELP YOU. FCSA also offers coach licensing courses.
When do we start practicing?
Teams start practicing by the end of August – once a week for most teams.
Day of the week, location and time of the practice are decided by the coach.
We do not move players from team to team based on practice days – with over 1300 recreational players, we do our best to assign players based on where they live and requests.
When will I get my uniform?
Uniforms take time to get in and they are shipped from another part of the country. Coaches are informed when uniforms arrive and will pick them up for the team and distribute to you. They are typically not available until the week before the season starts. Uniforms are re-used each year.
Are there sponsorship opportunities?
YES – Patton Park is maintained and run by our club out of OUR FEES.
We have sign and field sponsorship opportunities – contact the office for more information – fcsa@bellsouth.net
What’s coming up?
First Coast Soccer is a very active club with numerous events throughout the year including club games, tournaments, additional programs, high school games, middle school games, adult soccer leagues,…. Check the CLUB CALENDAR for a list of what’s coming up.
NOTE – there is NO SMOKING, NO PETS and NO ALCOHOL permitted at Patton Park.
Thank you for registering at First Coast Soccer!
