Q.  How are players assigned to an age group?

A.  The “U” in the program names stands for “under”, so for example, a U-8 player must be under age 8 to play in a U-8 program. The age is determined as of July 31^st of the year that the fall soccer season begins.  A child will remain in this age group throughout the year, even for the spring season.  

 

Nether offers four divisions in intramural leagues - Papoose (or U6) for 4-5 year olds, Novice (or U7) for 6-7 year olds; Novice (or U9) for 8-9 year olds and Majors for 10-12 year olds or (U12).

 

Q.  Can my child “play up” or “play down” an age division?

A.  The online registration system places your child in the age appropriate division for the intramural program.  We do not encourage player to "play up" for purposes of increased competition, nor to "play down" for a child to be in a less-competitive age group. Any final decision as to whether or not a child is permitted to play "up" or "down" will be determined by the Nether’s Intramural VP.   Note:  League travel rules do not allow travel players to play in a younger age group (play "down").

 Q.  Can I request that my child be placed on a team with certain players or a particular coach?

A. Nether’s guidance is to have children on new teams each year as much as possible so as to meet and experience new children, coaches and teams.   We know there are tight bonds formed within soccer teams and encourage that but also know that children learn from new experiences and will continue to move players between teams and coaches each Fall season.

Q. Are the teams coed?

 

Q.  How much does it cost to register a child for the soccer program?

A. The fee for a child playing in the intramural soccer program is $100 for petites and $140 for all other divisions for the soccer season. The regular registration period lasts until 3-4 weeks before the season starts. Fall season starts first week of September and Spring season starts late March.

 

Q. Where do I send a check to pay my balance?

 A.  Send your check to: Nether Soccer, 612 West Brookhaven Rd. Wallingford, PA 19086-6750

Q.  Is there a sibling discount?

 A.  Yes, after two children in the same family are registered at the regular fee, the third child receives $20 off their fee and any child after that is free.  

Q.  What do the fees pay for?

A.  The fees are used to pay for team jerseys (intramural program), trainers, maintenance and upkeep of the fields and facilities, equipment (nets, goals, balls, coaching equipment), coaching education courses for all parent coaches, paying referees, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer fees, insurance costs, field rental permits and many other costs.

 

Q.  Is the soccer program only open to children who are Nether residents?

A.  No. Nether Soccer program is open to any child within the surrounding communities who wish to participate in our program.

 

Q.  Does the soccer club offer financial assistance?
A.  It is the club’s policy that no child should be unable to play in our soccer program due to financial hardship. If any family feels that they cannot afford to enroll their child(ren) in the soccer program, they should contact the club treasurer  to request financial assistance. See Club Contacts for the email and phone information. This request will remain confidential.

 

Q.  Now that Ive registered my child for soccer, when will I hear back from the club?

A. You will receive an email confirmation of your registration.  Your child will be placed on a soccer team and you should then hear from your child’s coach approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the soccer season.

Q:  My child would like to try out for the travel program. How do we do this?

A:  First, register your player with the soccer program in the appropriate group. All eligible players (those old enough to have a travel team division in their age group) will then be notified of tryout dates and times via email.  The Club website will also have travel tryout dates and times posted. These will be held between mid April and late May.  

  

Q.  How are coaches chosen for the teams?

A.  All intramural and many travel coaches are parents that volunteer to coach a team. For intramural teams, these parents step up to volunteer on the online registration website in the volunteers section.  Every season Nether Soccer has to search for additional coaches because there are never enough coaches to cover all of the teams. Most of the coaches are a parent of a player on the team.

 

Coaches volunteer their time to work with your player during practices and games. Some coaches grew up playing soccer, some have watched their children play and some have never played soccer or coached soccer before. Nether Soccer program offers coaching classes and clinics before and during the season to help all of the coaches, no matter what their prior experience is.

 

Q.  What day and/or time will my player’s team practice?

A.  The day and time of the practices are decided by the coach. Coaches are given flexibility with regard to days and times, as they are volunteers and must often schedule around their busy work schedules. 

 

Q.  Where will practices be held?

A.  It is not possible to know in advance of the season as to where practices will be held. Practice location is affected by the availability of certain fields and, based on availability, is then chosen by the Coach.

  

Q.  What equipment is needed for practice/games?

A.  - Shin Guards covered completely by socks.

     - Soccer cleats or “Turf” shoes.

     - No jewellery of any kind.  Medical bracelets must be taped down.

     - Drink

 

Q.  Can I have my child switch teams?

A.  Sorry, once the teams are determined, players cannot be moved off a team onto another team. If there is an issue that requires this, please contact your intramural division commissioner.

 

Q.  What can I do to help out?

A. Nether Soccer program is a completely volunteer organization, so you could VOLUNTEER! We encourage everyone to volunteer to help make the programs operate. Please visit the Volunteer Sign-up page to volunteer for a position. We have roles that require minimal time to very time intensive roles.

 

Q.  If I have a problem or a question, who do I contact?