Recreational Soccer FAQ

1. How can I locate a soccer program for my child in my community?
2. At what age can my child begin playing soccer?
3. How long can my child play soccer?
4. Do boys and girls play on the same team?
5. When and where are the games?
6. What does the "U" in U-5 etc. mean?
7. Does TS's leagues or club screen its volunteers?
8. How can I volunteer to help out with a youth soccer team?
9. What equipment will my child need?
10. Where can I buy soccer equipment?
11. Can my child use his/her baseball or football cleats?
12. Where do I get the uniform?
13. How much does it cost to play soccer?

Q: How can I locate a soccer program for my child in my community?

A: There are a number of ways. Check with your local school office staff, newspapers, and telephone book. You may also check with your Parks Department, other parents in your community, go out to your local parks when you see a team playing and speak to the coaches. You may contact the TS office (423) 559-1150 for the contact information to an association in your neighborhood or you can view our online Membership Listing.

Q: At what age can my child begin playing soccer?

A: Age 5 years. Some parents start their child at age 4 years however this is often discouraged, as they would be playing against 5-year-olds and/or 6-year-olds if the league has two age divisions.

Q: How long can my child play soccer?

A: One of the most appealing aspects of soccer is that it is a lifelong sport that can be played by anyone at any age. TS administers players from the age of 5 to 19. Players over the age of 19 are considered amateur players instead of youth and must register as an adult. Youth players also may continue their careers in soccer by becoming youth coaches or referees.

Q: Do boys and girls play on the same team?

A: This will depend on your local league structure.

Q: When and where are the games?

A: There are two outdoor seasons per year. A soccer year runs just like a school year, a Fall season and a Spring season. Typically games are held on Saturdays and teams will practice twice a week during the week. Ages U-5 through U-12 typically play in their local community. The older age teams may have games in nearby neighboring leagues or communities.

Q: What does the "U" in U-5 etc. mean?

A: It stands for under. This means that each team member will be "under" the specified age. TS's age bracket is from August 1 to July 31.

Q: Does TS's leagues or clubs screen its volunteers?

A: No coaches, managers, or team administrators are given access to children until they have passed through TS's risk management program. TS or the local leagues run a background check on volunteers to make sure none of the players in our state are put in jeopardy.

Q: How can I volunteer to help out with a youth soccer team?

A: Contact your local community soccer club. If you do not know where your local association is click on MEMBERSHIP at the top of this page or call the TS Office at (423) 559-1150.

Q: What equipment will my child need?

A: The only thing any player really needs is a ball and the desire to play. Footwear can range from indoor soccer shoes (grooved rubber sole), to turf shoes (small rubber nubs), to cleats (10-12 molded plastic pieces on soles), to studs (6-8 metal spikes on soles). The field surface and weather conditions will determine the appropriate footwear. The flatter and harder the field, players will want flat, soft shoes (indoor or turf). Playing on grass usually requires cleats.

Older teens and adults may benefit from studs, and then usually only when the game is being played on a field with exceptionally long or wet grass. Shin guards are also mandatory equipment for any official game. Shin guards can cost as little as $5 or more than $50, depending on the materials. They can range from a simple piece of plastic to state-of-the-art synthetic materials. The strength of the shin guard materials is in direct proportion to the strength of the opponent's kicking ability.

Q: Where can I buy soccer equipment?

A: Nearly all sporting goods stores will have a variety of soccer shoes and balls for you to choose from.

Q: Can my child use his/her baseball or football cleats?

A: It is the responsibility of the referee to determine that all players are in compliance with FIFA Laws of the Game Law 4, which states in part "A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry)." A referee may look at shoes, which have been manufactured for another sport, and decide that the shoes would be safe on the soccer field, but it is also possible that a specific shoe, in the opinion of the referee, would be dangerous on the field. The style of baseball shoe, which included a flat metal cleat by the toe, would undoubtedly fall into this unsafe category. Even some shoes manufactured for soccer could be dangerous. For instance the cleats on a shoe with screw-in cleats may be worn down so that there is metal showing and in such an instance the referee would undoubtedly consider these to be unsafe."

Q: Where do I get the uniform?

A: Each organization has their own uniform requirements. Some clubs provide uniforms in their registration fees, some have you purchase their club uniforms from a specific vendor and other clubs allow each team to do their own thing. The club board members can typically provide guidance with this and other information about their particular club requirements.

Q: How much does it cost to play soccer?

A: TS charges $10.00 for a player to be registered for one year. The total registration fees vary from league to league. Generally registration fee will include uniform (socks, shorts, and jersey), complex development and maintenances fees, referees fees, and Administration costs to run the league. Typically soccer is one of the lowest, if not the lowest cost for a player per season in your local community.