The Recreational Mission...
To provide an organization where kids can learn and play the game of soccer with their friends in a neighborhood setting.
The Recreational Philosophy.....
To keep the "FUN" in each practice and game.
Recreational Soccer at Chesterfield United is available to youth players age 4 to 18. The club now has a full time Recreational Director to best serve the needs of the recreational players. Games and prectices will be in Chesterfield and Midlothian.
Age Groups
Recreational divisions form teams in age groups based on US Youth Soccers rules. To determine your childs "soccer age" ask "how old was the child on last July 31?" For example, if a child was four years old on July 31 they will play in the Under 5 (U5) age group for the following fall and spring seasons, until the next July 31 when they move up to U6. If a child turns five during the year they will still play in the U5 age group. In age group designations the "U" stands for "Under" on July 31.
Teams
Teams are also formed by gender according to US Youth Soccer rules.
- Teams with females only are Girls teams
- All other teams are Boys teams ( Coed teams are considered Boys teams)
Teams normally will be formed in the following groups, subject to registration:
|
Age Group
|
Coed
|
Girls
|
Game Format
|
|
Under 5
|
X
|
|
3 vs 3
|
|
Under 6
|
X
|
|
4 vs 4
|
|
Under 8
|
X
|
|
5 vs 5
|
|
Under 10
|
X
|
X
|
7 vs 7
|
|
Under 12
|
X
|
X
|
8 vs 8
|
|
Under 14
|
X
|
X
|
11 vs 11
|
|
Under 16
|
X
|
X
|
11 vs 11
|
|
Under 19
|
x
|
X
|
11 vs 11
|
Game Format
U5 to U12 teams play small-sided games per US Youth Soccer Reccommendations.
Seasons
Recreational soccer plays two seasons per year. The fall season begins in early September and runs through mid November. The spring season begins in early March and goes to late May. Players register for each individual season.
Games
Teams will play on Saturdays. Games that are cancelled due to inclement weather may be rescheduled or canceled outright. Teams U10 and below will play other teams from within the club. Teams U12 and above will play teams from within the club and other Chesterfield County soccer clubs.
Practices
U5 and U6 teams practice once per week. Older teams generally practice twice per week. Practices last 1-hour to 1-1/2 hours depending on the age group. The Coach will determine the practice schedule.
Registration
Players register for each season. Registration for fall normally runs from mid May to July 31st. Registration for spring runs from mid November to January 31. To register go to the home page and follow the recreational registration link.
What is the difference between Recreational and Travel (Select) Soccer?
Recreational soccer is where most players begin playing the game of soccer. Recreational Soccer means a soccer league in which:
- The use of tryouts (except for UDP), invitations, recruiting, or any similar process to roster players to any team on the basis of talent or ability is prohibited.
- The club administrating the league accepts as participants in the league any eligible youths (subject to reasonable terms of registration).
- a system of rostering players is used to establish a fair or balanced distribution of playing talent among all teams participating.
- league rules require that each player must play at least one-half of each game except for reasons of injury, illness, or discipline.
Chesterfield United operates a recreational soccer program for all youth players age 4 to 18. Recreational Soccer is often played by children who also play football or baseball for part of the year.
Players who are skilled and desire more competition and commitment move to UDP or Travel Soccer. Travel Soccer normally starts at age 8 to 9. Travel Soccer allows the use of tryouts, invitations or recruiting to roster players to a team. Teams are formed to be as competitive as possible. Playing time may not be guaranteed. Travel Soccer plays teams from other clubs in the region and tournaments and as such require parents to "Travel" a little farther. Travel Soccer tends to have more experienced coaches and trainers. Players play both soccer seasons.
Both Programs are complimentary in that they offer two different soccer experiences.
