To provide an organization where kids can learn and play the game of soccer with their friends in a neighborhood setting.
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 practices will be in Chesterfield and Midlothian.
Recreational divisions form teams in age groups based on US Youth Soccer’s rules. To determine your child’s "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 are also formed by gender according to US Youth Soccer rules.
Game Format
U5 to U12 teams play small-sided games per US Youth Soccer Recommendations.
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 games on Saturdays.
Game Make-Up Policy
Chesterfield County opens their fields up for use to CUFC as well as all other area soccer clubs. These fields are opened in the Spring and Fall. Once those fields are open we schedule the recreational games to the maximum field availability. These fields are also used by all area travel clubs and tournaments. With every available weekend utilized it is unfortunate that if games are cancelled due to weather conditions or other acts, beyond CUFC’s control, we do not have the ability to make up these games up. While not interfering with the existing practice and game schedules, teams are free to find open fields to arrange scrimmages. However, CUFC will not provide referees for these scrimmages.
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.
United Development Program (UDP)
The United Development Program is designed for all boys and girls ages U6 to U12. The program is designed to teach a well defined set of age specific skills to all players involved, providing a transitional link between recreational soccer and the Academy, small-sided programs under the guidance of United’s professional training staff.
If you would like your child to receive enhanced skills training and to be involved in an educational experience that inspires players to be creative, perform with confidence, and to have fun while improving at playing soccer and taking it to the next level, then. . .
United Development Program is the program for you!!!
Ages U6 and U8 will play in the Recreational League.
Ages U9 thru U12 may have the opportunity to play in the ADSL travel league.
The United Development Program provides:
- Enhanced training through age specific, progressive curriculum.
- Practice twice per week with a licensed coach
- Competitive games
- Ongoing evaluation and feedback
- Two tournaments per year
- Quality practice and game fields
- Optional Summer and/or Winter futsal training.
All programs are complimentary in that they offer different soccer experiences.
