FAQ's
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.
How old are the kids that play?
South Portland Strikers competes in Soccer Maine’s Fall Classic League
which offers divisions divided by gender from ages 8 to ages 13. A player’s
team is determined by their age as of August 1 of the tryout year.
U9 - birthdates between 8/1/2014 and 7/31/2015 (can include some U8 players with birthdates
between 8/1/2015 and 7/31/2016, but must be 51% or more U9 players)
U10 – birthdates between 8/1/2013 and 7/31/2014
U11 – birthdates between 8/1/2012 and 7/31/2013
U12 – birthdates between 8/1/2011 and 7/31/2012
U13 – birthdates between 8/1/2010 and 7/31/2011
U14 – birthdates between 8/1/2009 and 7/31/2010
*** Requests to “play up” an age group will be considered by the Strikers
Board of Directors and will be granted only at the Board’s discretion. Once a
play up request has been approved, that player would be allowed to play up
automatically for all subsequent years.
What does travel soccer cost?
U9 and U10 costs $80.
U11-14 costs $155. For U11-U14, early bird specials of $130 are available until May 1.
The fee covers the cost of Soccer Maine registration fees, training, field space,
insurance, referees, equipment, and tournaments.
New players are also required to purchase a uniform kit.
Participation in spring soccer will require an additional fee.
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 July 15th. There are no refunds given after July 15th. There are NO
REFUNDS ON THE PURCHASE OF UNIFORMS.
When are games played?
Most regular season games are on Sundays. Teams may also play “friendly”
games that are arranged by their coach (day TBD). In addition, as part of
your registration fee, your team will play in at least one tournament on
Columbus Day weekend (Sat/Sun). 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 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.
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). South Portland Strikers holds
player evaluations for all U12 to U14 age groups. The competitive age teams
(U13 and U14) are assigned based on the results from the tryouts and the
make-up of that 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.
Do all players make a team or are there cuts?
Generally, all registered players at U9 through U12 are placed on a team.
This, of course, is dependent on the availability of coaches. At U13 and U14,
there can be cuts if the number of players trying out is too many for one team
and not enough for two. South Portland Strikers goes to great lengths to place
all players.
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 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 Spring Soccer?
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.