Salem Youth Soccer
In-Town Program
PRESCHOOL CO-ED, PRE-K/ AND GRADE 1/2 PROGRAMS
Vice President:
Jason Glick
sysvpintown@witchcitysoccer.org
Age Group Directors:
Boys 1/2 - Matt Carr Email: sysu8boys@witchcitysoccer.org
Girls 1/2 - Nicole Turton Email: sysu8girls@witchcitysoccer.org
Preschool, PreK/K Boys, PreK/K Girls - Kara Walker Email: sysu4coed@witchcitysoccer.org
For Additional Salem Youth Soccer Directors and Board Members, please see our Directors Page.
Spring Registration Link:
https://manageyourleague.com/SYS/registration
GRADE 1/2 PLAYING DATES & TIMES
Game Times - Saturday mornings:
Boys: 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Girls: 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Practice Times - Wednesday nights during the season:
Boys: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Girls: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dates of Games: 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15
Dates of Practice: Wed evenings - 4/10, 4/17 , 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12
Pre-K/K PLAYING DATES & TIMES
Playing Times - Sunday:
Boys & Girls: 10 am - 11 am
Dates of Play: 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16
Preschool Co-Ed PLAYING DATES & TIMES
Playing Times - Sunday: 10 am - 10:45 am
Dates of Play: 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2, 6/9
FAQs
Q. How old does my child need to be to play soccer?
A.
Age Guidelines for Fall 2023 / Spring 2024:
Grade 1/2 (formerly U08) attending 1st or 2nd grade and born on/after 01/01/2015
Grade PK/K attending pre-K (starting Kindergarten Fall 2024 Grade = PK/K or Kindergarten (Grade = (0), born between 1/1/2017 and 8/31/2019
Grade PS born between 1/1/2019 and 8/31/2020, grade (PS) for starting K Fall of 2025 or Grade =(-3) starting K Fall of 2026
Children must be at least 3 years old as of March 31, 2023 to play.
Q. How does the In-Town program work?
A.
Preschool Co-Ed
The Preschool Co-Ed program is a 6-week program that will mostly consist of drills and a basic introduction to the sport of soccer.
Preschool Co-Ed will play on Sundays at a time to be determined.
Pre-K/K
The Pre-K/K program is an 8-week program held one hour each week. Usually, we will have 3 or 4 -7 minute skill sessions followed by 30 minutes of gameplay.
Pre-K/K play on Sundays.
Grade 1/2
The Grade 1/2 program observes a more traditional structure with one practice during the week and games on the weekend.
Grade 1/2 Practices are held Wednesday evenings:
Boys: Wednesday night @ 5:00-6:00
Girls: Wednesday night @ 6:00-7:00
Grade 1/2 Games are held Saturday mornings.
All games will take place on the LOWER FIELD
Q. Where are the games played?
A. All in Town games and practices, Preschool - Grades 1/2, are played at McGrath Field which is located off of Marlborough Rd. In-Town programs generally use the LOWER FIELD for all games/practices.
Q. What equipment do I need for my child?
A. SYS will supply a shirt for new players and a size 3 soccer ball (for new players) when you sign up. Any player that has played SYS and was issued a ball will not receive a new ball. Equipment is distributed the first week of the season so please plan on coming early the first week. This equipment is yours to keep. As a parent, you are asked to provide shin guards for your child. Players can’t play if they do not have shin guards. Jeans are not permitted, players will play in shorts or sweatpants. Also, cleats are recommended but not required to play. Sneakers may be worn. We also recommend that you bring a water bottle to each session. Please write the player's name on the water bottle. Please note, you will only receive one new ball from SYS, after that, it is the player's responsibility to supply their own ball. Replacement balls can be purchased through our Online Store.
Q. My child lost his ball. What should I do?
A. You can purchase another ball from a local sporting goods store or purchase one from us. In-Town players (preschool, Pre K, K, Grade 1, & 2) use a size 3 ball. Larger balls are not allowed.
Q. If it’s raining, will someone call me to cancel?
A. No. However, an email will be sent, the website will be updated, our Twitter account will reflect a cancelation and our Facebook page will be updated as well. Please make sure you have given an email address to the league Registrar to insure you receive these notifications. Do not expect a phone call on cancelations. You can also check the SYS website, www.witchcitysoccer.org for field conditions.
Q. If my son/daughter is a really good player, can they move up to an older age group?
A. If you are age-appropriate for the In-Town program, you must play In-Town soccer. Additionally, children must play within their appropriate age group within the In-Town program. Information on the move-up request process can be found in the documents section of the website.
Q. Can I request my son/daughter be on a team with their friend?
A. Yes. You can make a formal request to the In-Town league director and the director will do his/her best to satisfy it. Please keep in mind we try our best to keep first-year players on one team and more experienced players together. This helps coaches and directors with organizing the teams before the season.
Q. Can I help volunteer as a coach or an assistant?
A. Yes, we are always looking for coaches and assistants. You do not need to be an experienced player to coach at any level. You should be someone who can enjoy spending time with kids and is willing to learn about soccer. We have a basic 8-week program that we use. Any questions you may have about this program can be answered by the division director. Please see our Coaches Corner for additional information.
Q. Can I help out the league in any way? What about an older son/daughter?
A. Yes. We are always looking for people to step up and help us. Please see our Volunteer Opportunities webpage for details and contact information.
Q. I have multiple kids in the same division; will they be on the same team?
A. All of the children must be in the Age Group in order to be on the same team. If you request that your children be on the same team then yes, they will be. If for some reason as a parent you think it best for the children be split up, we will try to accommodate this as well.
Q. My child played a few weeks of the season and no longer wishes to play, what do I do?
A. Notify your child’s coach or Age Group Director as soon as possible. If you would like to request a refund, our refund policy can be found on the Registration page.
Q. My son/daughter has a friend who wants to play but the season has already started, can they sign up once the season has started?
A. No, Once registration is closed, it can not be reopened. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Q. A holiday falls during the season, will you play that weekend?
A. No. Major holidays do not count as part of the regular season. The PRE K - PRE K-K program will not play that Sunday. However, GRADE 1/2 coaches may consider assembling teams for local tournaments being held that weekend. Tournament participation fees are separate from your child’s registration fee.
Q. Is it okay to smoke while I watch my kids play soccer?
A. No, smoking is not permitted on the fields at any time. If you are observed smoking by a league representative you will be asked to stop.
Q. Can I bring my dog to the field?
A. No. Dogs are prohibited at the field. Please do not bring your dog to the field.
Q. Will my child get a trophy for playing in the Fall?
A. No, we only distribute trophies to the PRE K - PRE K-K/GRADE 1/2 players in the Spring season. The soccer "Season" is a 2 part structure, starting in the Fall and ending in the Spring, this is why trophies are only given out in the Spring, at the end of the soccer season.
Q. If my child plays in the Fall season only, is the cost of soccer less because they don't receive a trophy?
A. No, the cost of the season is the same regardless of the season they sign up for.