Rec FAQs
1. Should my child play Competitive soccer (Express) or Recreational soccer?
2. When does the season begin?
3. When do I register?
4. How much does it cost?
5. Can I get a refund?
6. When will I hear from the coach?
7. When & where do the teams practice?
8. How are the teams formed?
9. Can they play with their friends?
10. Do they keep score and are there standings?
11. Do they get uniforms?
12. Where are the games played?
13. What size ball do I need, how many players on each team, and how long are the games?
14. Are the coaches trained?
15. Can I specify on which team I want my child to play?
16. Are there co-ed teams?
17. Is there post season play?
18. Who are the referees?
19. How can I become a referee?
20. Can I sponsor my child's team?
21. What is KICK START?
1. Should my child play Competitive soccer (Express) or Recreational soccer?
Competitive soccer (also known as Club or Travel Soccer in some areas) is designed for the higher-skilled, more dedicated soccer player. Encinitas Express Soccer's competitive teams have professional, licensed coaches and teams are formed through try-outs. The level of play is higher with the competitive teams, but the costs and time commitments are higher as well. The competitive teams participate in pre- and post-season tournaments (generally beginning in June) and their league season starts in mid-August. Kids who love soccer can begin playing competitive soccer at age 6 (U7’s). More children will try competitive soccer at 8 and 9. Children who begin playing at these age groups will find that their skills and abilities will advance very quickly. Making the switch from Rec to competitive gets more difficult with age. While there is no optimum time to make the switch to competitive, children from ages 7 thru 10 will find the transition easier than older players.
In Rec soccer, no child is ever “cut” from a team. There are no try-outs and ALL children will play at least 50% of the time during the course of the season. The Rec games are usually played in or near Encinitas (we “game” with Solana Beach and Cardiff in all but Micro, and the U14 and older teams will play throughout North County). The coaches are volunteers (generally parents) who have gone through a licensing workshop and risk management. Recreational teams may play in the Commissioner’s Cup tournament after the regular season which lasts from mid-August (the beginning of practice) to the last weekend before Thanksgiving.
2. When does the season begin?
The Encinitas Express Rec Soccer season begins the first Saturday following Labor Day and continues through the last weekend before Thanksgiving. The games are on Saturdays, with earliest games starting at 8:00. Team practices begin in mid-August when the Encinitas public school fields open.
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The Encinitas Express Rec Soccer season begins the first Saturday following Labor Day and continues through the last weekend before Thanksgiving. The games are on Saturdays, with earliest games starting at 8:00. Team practices begin in mid-August when the Encinitas public school fields open.
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3. When do I register?
Discounted walk-in registration is held in March. Watch this website for details and we also distribute registration dates by e-mail and through the public schools. After walk-in registration has been completed, registration forms can be picked up at Postal Annex beginning April 1 or downloaded from the website.
Registration officially closes May 31. Late applicants ( April 30th) are placed on a waiting list. We are generally able to place a majority of those on the waiting list. If a child cannot be placed, a full refund will be provided..
Discounted walk-in registration is held in March. Watch this website for details and we also distribute registration dates by e-mail and through the public schools. After walk-in registration has been completed, registration forms can be picked up at Postal Annex beginning April 1 or downloaded from the website.
Registration officially closes May 31. Late applicants ( April 30th) are placed on a waiting list. We are generally able to place a majority of those on the waiting list. If a child cannot be placed, a full refund will be provided..
4. How much does it cost?
2012 Fees are $120 Micro and $200 all others.
Save $15 PER PLAYER by signing up during our March rec registration events (March 17 and March 20, 2012)
2012 Fees are $120 Micro and $200 all others.
Save $15 PER PLAYER by signing up during our March rec registration events (March 17 and March 20, 2012)
These prices include a uniform (shirt, shorts and socks), a basic photo package, Kick Start skills clinics and a trophy or medal.
5. Can I get a refund?
Our refund policy is as follows:
Our refund policy is as follows:
From date of registration thru May 31st: 75% refund.
June 1st through Jul 31st: 50% refund.
August 1st or later: 0% refund.
This policy applies to all players unless withdrawal from ESL is due to illness, injury or an unusual event (with the approval of the ESL Executive Board). ALL refund requests must be made in writing and submitted Rec Administrator. Send written requests to:
Rec Administrator - refunds
204 N. El Camino Real
PMB 225
Encinitas Ca 92024
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Rec Administrator - refunds
204 N. El Camino Real
PMB 225
Encinitas Ca 92024
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6. When will I hear from the coach?
The teams are generally formed by June 15, but practices do not begin until mid-August with the start of the elementary school year. Coaches will contact their players some time during the summer. Some coaches do it earlier than others, but if you signed up before April 30, you will be placed on a team (assuming we can identify sufficient coaches – please volunteer to coach).
The teams are generally formed by June 15, but practices do not begin until mid-August with the start of the elementary school year. Coaches will contact their players some time during the summer. Some coaches do it earlier than others, but if you signed up before April 30, you will be placed on a team (assuming we can identify sufficient coaches – please volunteer to coach).
7. When & where do the teams practice?
Teams practice twice a week for an hour, either M-W or T-Th. Since coaches are at a premium (we need about 180 to 200 coaches every season - including assistant coaches), the practice schedules are set up around the coach’s schedule. Normal start times are 3:30, 4:30 or 5:30 as our Rec practice fields lack lights. Park Dale Lane , Flora Vista , Olivenhain Pioneer, Ocean Knoll, Oak Crest and Capri are our most used practice fields.
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Teams practice twice a week for an hour, either M-W or T-Th. Since coaches are at a premium (we need about 180 to 200 coaches every season - including assistant coaches), the practice schedules are set up around the coach’s schedule. Normal start times are 3:30, 4:30 or 5:30 as our Rec practice fields lack lights. Park Dale Lane , Flora Vista , Olivenhain Pioneer, Ocean Knoll, Oak Crest and Capri are our most used practice fields.
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8. How are the teams formed?
In the younger divisions (Under-10 and below), we form the teams around neighborhoods and schools. We strive for competitive balance in the older divisions (Under-12 and above) while still attempting to give the teams a neighborhood component. The neighborhood aspect is important for two reasons. One, Rec soccer is social. School-based teams help families bond and can make the overall experience more fun. Two, our practice fields are scattered throughout the city. We like to avoid sending kids (and the parents who transport them) from one side of town to another.
In the younger divisions (Under-10 and below), we form the teams around neighborhoods and schools. We strive for competitive balance in the older divisions (Under-12 and above) while still attempting to give the teams a neighborhood component. The neighborhood aspect is important for two reasons. One, Rec soccer is social. School-based teams help families bond and can make the overall experience more fun. Two, our practice fields are scattered throughout the city. We like to avoid sending kids (and the parents who transport them) from one side of town to another.
9. Can they play with their friends?
A request can be made at time of registration. We try to comply with all requests, but it is not always possible - especially in the older divisions. Youth sports are one way that children meet others from outside their immediate neighborhood. This may seem like a contradiction from answer 8 (above), but sometimes the number of players registered forces us to form teams using several schools. Teams are like sausage, sometimes it’s best not to know how they’re made.
A request can be made at time of registration. We try to comply with all requests, but it is not always possible - especially in the older divisions. Youth sports are one way that children meet others from outside their immediate neighborhood. This may seem like a contradiction from answer 8 (above), but sometimes the number of players registered forces us to form teams using several schools. Teams are like sausage, sometimes it’s best not to know how they’re made.
10. Do they keep score and are there standings?
There are no formal standings thru U14 nor any league playoffs. Somehow, though, everyone knows the score and their team’s record. Our goal is to minimize blow outs. Teams should not be winning (or losing) 7 – 0. There are many effective ways to keep games competitive and our coaches are encouraged to keep the game within a four-goal margin.
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There are no formal standings thru U14 nor any league playoffs. Somehow, though, everyone knows the score and their team’s record. Our goal is to minimize blow outs. Teams should not be winning (or losing) 7 – 0. There are many effective ways to keep games competitive and our coaches are encouraged to keep the game within a four-goal margin.
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11. Do they get uniforms?
A jersey, shorts and socks are provided by the league and are the player’s to keep. Players need to provide a ball, shin guards and soccer cleats (baseball, softball or football cleats that have a toe cleat are not allowed). Soccer Fanatic, Sports Authority, Play It Again Sports will have packages for younger players that will include everything they need to get started.
A jersey, shorts and socks are provided by the league and are the player’s to keep. Players need to provide a ball, shin guards and soccer cleats (baseball, softball or football cleats that have a toe cleat are not allowed). Soccer Fanatic, Sports Authority, Play It Again Sports will have packages for younger players that will include everything they need to get started.
12. Where are the games played?
The games are played throughout Encinitas, Cardiff and Solana Beach in Divisions 4 - 6. Divisions 1 - 3 will play throughout North County. Elementary schools provide most of our fields. The fields are all marked and have goals with nets.
The games are played throughout Encinitas, Cardiff and Solana Beach in Divisions 4 - 6. Divisions 1 - 3 will play throughout North County. Elementary schools provide most of our fields. The fields are all marked and have goals with nets.
13. What size ball do I need? How many players on each team? How long are the games?
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
| Division | Age as of 7/31 | Ball Size | # of Players on Field/Team | Game Length Each Half |
| 1 | 16-18 |
5 | 11/18 | 45 minutes |
| 2 | 14-15 |
5 | 11/18 | 40 minutes |
| 3 | 12-13 |
5 | 11/16 | 35 minutes |
| 4 | 10-11 |
4 | 11/16 | 30 minutes |
| 5 | 8-9 |
4 | 8/12 | 25 minutes |
| 6 | 7 |
3 | 6/10 | 25 minutes |
| 7 | 5-6 |
3 | 4/12 (they play 2 simultaneous games) |
20 minutes |
14. Are the coaches trained?
All of the Express Rec coaches have been trained and certified by the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA). The current training is a day-long program designed to teach the coaches how to organize a practice and teach the basic soccer skills. There is an emphasis on age-appropriate drills and games. Also, all coaches undergo risk management.
All of the Express Rec coaches have been trained and certified by the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA). The current training is a day-long program designed to teach the coaches how to organize a practice and teach the basic soccer skills. There is an emphasis on age-appropriate drills and games. Also, all coaches undergo risk management.
15. Can I specify on which team I want my child to play?
The coaches are allowed to request three to four children each season. Parents may request a particular coach or team, but Encinitas Express cannot guarantee that such a request will be honored. We do our best to make it happen, though.
The coaches are allowed to request three to four children each season. Parents may request a particular coach or team, but Encinitas Express cannot guarantee that such a request will be honored. We do our best to make it happen, though.
17. Is there post season play?
Encinitas Express encourages all teams to compete in the Commissioner's Cup, held the first weekend in December. This is the largest Rec tournament in San Diego County and is played on North County fields. The teams pick up the costs of playing (between $25 - $35 per player).
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Encinitas Express encourages all teams to compete in the Commissioner's Cup, held the first weekend in December. This is the largest Rec tournament in San Diego County and is played on North County fields. The teams pick up the costs of playing (between $25 - $35 per player).
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18. Who are the referees?
With the exception of Division 7, where parents referee (it helps the parents learn the game, too), trained referees are provided. The referees are trained by CYSA in a two-day session and the referees have all played the game. Minimum age for referees is 12 and all referees are at least two years older than the children playing. Referees are in short supply. Encinitas Express requires its coaches, parents and players to treat the referees with respect. Referee abuse is one of the main reasons why we suffer a shortage of game officials.
With the exception of Division 7, where parents referee (it helps the parents learn the game, too), trained referees are provided. The referees are trained by CYSA in a two-day session and the referees have all played the game. Minimum age for referees is 12 and all referees are at least two years older than the children playing. Referees are in short supply. Encinitas Express requires its coaches, parents and players to treat the referees with respect. Referee abuse is one of the main reasons why we suffer a shortage of game officials.
19. How can I become a referee?
Encinitas Express and CYSA offer workshop training to become a recreational soccer referee. All referees are paid and we need as many referees as possible. If interested in becoming a referee go to www.sdcsra.org
Encinitas Express and CYSA offer workshop training to become a recreational soccer referee. All referees are paid and we need as many referees as possible. If interested in becoming a referee go to www.sdcsra.org
20. Can I sponsor my child’s team?
Yes! Contact VP of Rec Craig McStravick or Rec Admin Patti Lochner. A $250 Team Sponsorship gets your company name on a team's jerseys, a thank you plaque and a place on the website.
Yes! Contact VP of Rec Craig McStravick or Rec Admin Patti Lochner. A $250 Team Sponsorship gets your company name on a team's jerseys, a thank you plaque and a place on the website.
21. What is KICK START?
Encinitas Soccer League holds three free summer clinics on weekends for recreational players beginning in July. These clinics are held at Leo Mullen Field. The clinics are conducted by former and current Express coaches and trainers. There is no cost for these clinics.
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Encinitas Soccer League holds three free summer clinics on weekends for recreational players beginning in July. These clinics are held at Leo Mullen Field. The clinics are conducted by former and current Express coaches and trainers. There is no cost for these clinics.
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