FAQs

For more information about fees, registration, and more, please review https://www.sopostrikers.com/parents-and-players.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is travel soccer?

Travel Soccer is a fun and competitive soccer playing experience for children ages 8 (U9) to 13 (U14). Travel soccer involves competing with, and traveling to other towns for games. The fall season runs from early August through late October/early November. All regular season games are played on Sundays. For the older age groups (U12 and above), the opportunity exists to compete through play-off games to become state champions. South Portland Strikers is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a competitive and fun soccer experience for the youth of South Portland. We are committed to the development and growth of our kids through the sport of soccer and our mission is to provide a positive and competitive experience, with a particular focus on player development. All participants are expected to abide by our Player Code of Conduct, which demands good sportsmanship.

What do the player registration fees cover?

The registration fee helps to cover all aspects of the club's operations, including the cost of Soccer Maine fees, training, insurance, referees, equipment, and tournaments. We are an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. 

May I use a hand-me-down jersey?

All players who wish to use a hand-me-down jersey, or a jersey with a number that was not previously assigned to that player, must get authorization from the club. This will avoid duplicate numbers on a team, which is prohibited by Soccer Maine. 

What is your refund policy?

A refund of registration fees shall be granted if a request is made in writing by March 31 for the spring Pine Tree League and by July 15 for the Fall Classic League. There are no refunds given after July 15th.

When are games played?

Most regular season games are on Sundays. Teams may also play “friendly” games that are arranged by their coach. In addition, as part of your registration fee, your team will play in at least one tournament on Indigenous Peoples Day weekend in October. In addition, your team will play in the end of season festival (Sat/Sun) held by Soccer Maine (U11 and younger) and/or play-offs (U12 and above).

How are coaches selected?

Coaches are at the forefront of player development. South Portland Strikers seeks to attract and train the best coaches we can find in support of our objectives. People interested in coaching should submit an application to learn more about this opportunity and the training and license requirements.

Coaches are appointed to teams at the recommendation of the Board of Directors. All coaches must pass Risk Management and background screening as directed by Soccer Maine. 

How often do teams practice? How many games do teams play?

Fall practice begins in early/mid-August. Teams typically practice twice per week. Games begin the last Sunday of August. There are six regular season games. However, teams can play additional games, depending on the number of “friendly” games that are scheduled. In addition, teams typically play a minimum of three games during a tournament.

Are there opportunities to play soccer in the spring?

Team participation in Soccer Maine’s Spring Pine Tree League is at the discretion of the coach and the availability of players. It is open to returning fall Strikers players only. Participation will require an additional fee.

How are teams selected?

Generally, the configuration of teams depends on registration numbers and what is in the best interest of each particular group of players as a whole. We are bound by the Soccer Maine bylaws and must abide by their rules for minimum and maximum roster size.

Please note that where there is more than one team per age group, there is no guarantee that your child will be on the same team from year to year. If there are enough players to form more than one team in a particular age group, the Board of Directors, with input from our coaches, will seek to form balanced teams for our younger teams (U12 and below). The competitive age teams (U13 and U14) are assigned based on the results from the evaluations and the make-up of that particular group of players as a whole.

Why does South Portland Strikers hold player evaluations?

Evaluations help us place players on an appropriate team where they’ll be challenged, supported, and able to grow. They also allow us to create balanced rosters at U11-U12 level as well as provide players with experience in a tryout-like setting, which prepares them for future soccer opportunities.

How do evaluations align with the club’s mission?

As a non-profit, our mission is to build a community of teammates who enjoy training and playing in a competitive environment. Evaluations support this by helping us match players with the appropriate level of play so they can continue developing both skills and a love for the game.

What is the purpose of evaluations for U11–U12 players?

At this level, evaluations:

• Introduce players to a structured tryout environment

• Help us form balanced teams for the fall season

• May identify players who would benefit from more time developing skills in the town’s Rec Travel Team (5th/6th grade), which offers a competitive but supportive environment just below our Fall Classic league. Rec Travel Teams have 1-2 practices/week and play a 6-8 week season of games against recreational teams from surrounding towns.

Are cuts made at U11–U12?

We do not make cuts at this level, but our goal is to find the best developmental path for each player, whether that’s within Strikers travel soccer or the town's rec program. We may recommend that a player pursue the Rec department’s programming and clinics to improve their skill.

What is the purpose of evaluations for U13–U14 players?

At the U13–U14 level, evaluations are used to:

• Form Division 1 and Division 2 teams

• Help determine roster sizes and competitive levels

• Explore rostering options if numbers are low/high, including coed teams, “practice player” roles, or encouraging participation on middle school team

At U13 and U14, there can be cuts depending on the number of players and/or player readiness levels.

What happens if there aren’t enough players for two full teams?

When necessary, we may:

• Offer a limited number of “practice player” spots for continued training

• Encourage players to join school teams or prepare for future seasons through rec programs

• Create a single coed team

• Cut players who are not at the same level as the current team

What happens if a potential player is unavailable/injured for the scheduled evaluation? 

If existing SoPo Strikers players are injured or unable to attend evaluations, then the club will rely upon existing coach/assistant coach feedback to facilitate decision making.

For new players to SoPo Strikers that are unable to attend evaluations, SoPo Strikers will aim to facilitate an opportunity to join a scheduled practice session (or similar) to meet the player and conduct an evaluation. 

How does the club differentiate the evaluation process for goalkeepers?

SoPo Strikers does not have a specific evaluation process for players that primarily identify as goalkeepers. We will rely upon coach/assistant coach feedback for existing SoPo Strikers players.

What is being evaluated during the evaluation process?

SoPo Strikers utilizes an evaluation process that covers four categories:

• Physical - Speed, Agility, Strength, Stamina

• Technical - Ball Control, 1v1, Shielding, First Touch, Dribbling, Receiving

• Mental - Attitude, Listening, Encouragement, Work Ethic, Coachability

• Soccer Smarts - Decision-making, Off-ball movement, Positional sense, Communication

Evaluations will last approximately 90 minutes, comprising 45 minutes of drills and 45 minutes of small sided games.

My child has a game scheduled on the same day as the evaluations. How does that impact the process?

The majority of the evaluation process should not be physically taxing for players. Evaluations will be technical in nature, with input on stamina provided by coaches.

Evaluation Schedule for 2025

Thursday, May 29

U13 GIRLS: 6p - 7:30p

Saturday, May 31

These evaluations were rained out and have been rescheduled as follows:

- U11 Girls: Monday, June 2, 6:30p-8p

- U12 Girls: Tuesday, June 3, 5:30p-7p

- U14 Boys: Wednesday, June 4, 5:30p-7p

- U11 Boys: NO evaluations this year

- U12 Boys: NO evaluations this year

Sunday, June 1

U14 GIRLS: 12:30pm - 2pm

U13 BOYS: 1:30pm - 3pm

If you have any questions about the timing or what group your child belongs to, please contact us.