FAQs | SYSA

I've registered for rec but I have not heard anything yet.

First, be sure that you have properly registered and the program is showing up in your child's GotSport account. Your child will be notified within 7-10 days prior to the start of the season.
Can my child play in a higher or lower age group?

No, players may not play in a different age group than their grade level allows.
I'd like my son or daughter to play on a particular team or for a particular coach.

Unforunately, we can only accomodate requests of this nature to ensure siblings in the same age group are on the same team or when a player is associated with a sponsor of a particular team. If you are coaching a team, your child will automatically be on your team.
My child just got their ears pierced, can they play with earrings in?

No, absolutely not. Your child's piercing will not close in a 1 hour time span. No jewelry of any kind is permitted on the playing field, including piercings. This is not a rule made by SYSA, but comes directly from US Soccer and is enforced from recreation youth soccer through to the professional leagues. Referees are told to enforce this rule. Please do not put your child or us in the uncomfortable position of stopping them from playing. Delay ear piercings until after the season. Tape or a band aid over a piercing to circumvent the Law will not suffice.
What do I need to play soccer?

Shin guards, socks over shinguards, a ball (size 3 up to grade 2, size 4 through grade 6 and size 5 7th grade and up) and soccer cleats or sneakers. **Girls 5-7 recreation program uses a size 4 ball as they are a split age group
When do I register for Recreational soccer?

Spring Li'l Strikers is February 1st-28th. Fall recreation and Li'l Strikers is June 1st - July 15th.
How old does my child need to be to play soccer?

Children must be 3 years old to start in our Li'l Strikers program
When are games?

Li'l Strikers Spring season runs April - early June (6 weeks). Fall recreation (all grades), runs through September and October (7 weeks). A final schedule for the season will be distributed once registration is complete and players have been assigned to a team.
When will practices start? When and where and how often?

Practices are ONLY in the Fall for grades 1 and up. Li'l Strikers has practice and a game during their 1 hour sessions. Pratices will start the week before the first game and be held on a day and time selected by your teams coach. This will be communicated to you by that coach. We are unable to swap your child's team if you have a conflict with the practice day/time. Practices are held at Deerfield park and are once a week for 1 hour.
Do I need experience to coach?

No experience is needed! Our Director of Coaching will provide you will guidance and materials to be successful.
How can I become a recreational soccer coach?

Email us at vprecreation@sysa-ri.com and we will set you up!
How can I become a competitive soccer coach and/or get information on tryouts for my child?

Email us at vpcompetitive@sysa-ri.com
What happens when it rains?

We will make every attempt to play games even if it rains. The deciding factor is usually the condition of the fields and if there is lightning present. A decision to cancel is usually made the morning of and sent out via email and Facebook. If games do get canceled due to rain, there is one rain date added to the end of the season.
My child is interested in refereeing, what do I need to do?

If your child is 12 or older, please reach out to our Referee Coordinator at sysarefereecoordinator@gmail.com