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. 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. 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 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). South Portland Strikers holds player evaluations for all U11 to U14 age groups. 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. See more details at https://www.sopostrikers.com/parents-and-players#h.zblxbiv5eueg. 

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 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.