Frequently Asked Questions

New to Genoa Soccer Club? You’ll find answers to the most common questions below. If something isn’t covered here, reach out at genoarecsoccer@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.

GETTING STARTED

How many seasons are there per year?

We organize two seasons per year — one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Additionally, Genoa High School hosts a one-day summer soccer camp for U8-U14 players each year. See the Register page for current season dates.

How do I register my child?

All registrations and payments are handled online. Click the [Register] button in the navigation bar and follow the step-by-step instructions. Once you create a profile and enter your child’s information, it will be saved for future seasons — so registration gets easier every year.

What does the registration fee cover?

Registration fees cover the costs of running the program for the season, including league and association fees, insurance, referees, volunteer background checks, and end-of-year events. We work hard to keep fees as low as possible.

Are jerseys included with registration?

It depends on the division:

• U3, U4, and U6 players receive a t-shirt jersey included with their registration fee.

• U8–U14 players purchase a jersey kit separately through Soccer.com. After registration closes, we will email families a link to order. Kits ship directly to your home and are designed to last multiple seasons — so in most cases, you only purchase once.

Do coaches’ children play for free?

Yes! We deeply appreciate our volunteer coaches. The child(ren) of each Head Coach who play on that coach’s team play for free, and the Head Coach also receives a complimentary coach’s shirt. To be considered as a coach, simply indicate your interest during the registration process.

SEASONS & SCHEDULES

When does each season start and end?

Dates vary slightly from year to year. Generally:

• Spring season: mid-March through May

• Fall season: mid-August through October

Follow us on Facebook or check back here for current season dates.

When are practices held?

Practices typically begin 2–3 weeks before the season starts. The day, time, and frequency of practices are determined by your child’s coach.

When are games played?

Games are played during the week (typically starting at 5:30 or 6:00 PM) and on weekends, as scheduled by coaches at the beginning of each season.

Are there tournaments?

Yes! The ESSL hosts end-of-season tournaments for U8–U14 divisions at the end of the Fall season only. Tournament dates and locations are announced each fall — follow us on Facebook for updates.

DIVISIONS & RULES

Where are practices and games held?

Field locations are assigned by division:

• U3, U4 & U6 — Allen Township Fields (Allen Park) and St. John's UCC (Genoa)

• U8 — Waterworks / Brunner Campus area in Genoa

• U10, U12 & U14 — Clay Center Soccer Fields on Genoa-Clay Center Road

For ESSL field maps and directions, visit the League Info page.

How are age groups determined?

Age groups follow SAY Soccer guidelines and are based on birth year. For the current age chart, visit the Register page.

Divisions are as follows:

• U3 — Ages 3 and under (offered select seasons)

• U4 — Ages 4 and under

• U6 — Ages 6 and under

• U8 — Ages 8 and under

• U10 — Ages 10 and under

• U12 — Ages 12 and under

• U14 — Ages 14 and under
  
  

* Players move up to the next division based on ESSL guidelines, typically in the Fall season.

** The Genoa Soccer Board reserves the right, when necessary, to move the oldest players in a division up to ensure balanced teams and maximize playing time for all participants.

Because ESSL is made up of smaller community programs, divisions follow a two-year cycle — meaning players in U6, U8, U10, U12, and U14 may stay in their division for up to two years (across both fall and spring seasons) before moving up. This keeps teams balanced across all member clubs and gives kids more time to develop with the same teammates and coach. Players typically move up in the Fall season.

How does the U3/U4 division work?

The U3 and U4 divisions focus entirely on player development — foot skills, basic techniques, and an introduction to the game of soccer. These are skill-session practices, not organized games, and sessions typically run 30–45 minutes. Parents are highly encouraged to participate alongside their children, as it keeps the little ones engaged and makes the experience more fun for everyone!

How long do games last?

• U3 & U4 — Skill development sessions only (no games)

• U6 — Four 8-minute quarters

• U8 — Four 10-minute quarters

• U10 — Four 12-minute quarters

• U12 — Four 15-minute quarters

• U14 — Two 30-minute halves

How many players are on the field?

• U3 & U4 — Skill sessions only

• U6 — 4v4 (no goalkeepers)

• U8 — 7v7

• U10 — 7v7

• U12 — 9v9

• U14 — 11v11

What size ball should my child use?

• U3 & U4 — Size 1

• U6 & U8 — Size 3

• U10 & U12 — Size 4

• U14 — Size 5

Where can I find the official rules for my child’s division?

• 6U (Instructional) SAY Rules

• 8U (Passers) SAY ESSL Rules

• 10U (Wings) SAY ESSL Rules

• 12U (Strikers) SAY ESSL Rules

• 14U (Kickers) SAY ESSL Rules

How are teams formed?

Teams are built with balance in mind. Here’s how it works:

• Registrations are separated by age division and gender (e.g., B8U, G10U).

• Coaches are matched to the division they’ve volunteered to coach.

• The coach’s child is placed on that coach’s team.

• All remaining players are placed to create the most balanced teams possible, considering prior season continuity and a mix of ages within each division.

POLICIES

Can my child move up an age group?

The ESSL allows players to be moved up in limited circumstances, provided it is not for competitive advantage or individual talent.

Approved reasons include:

• Playing up to be on the same team as a sibling

• The player is a child of the coach

• The player will move to the next age group the following season and the coach confirms their physical and mental readiness

No player may be moved up more than one age group. All requests must be submitted to the board at the time of registration. The ESSL and Genoa Soccer Board reserve the right to deny any request.

Can my child move down an age group?

No. OSA guidelines require all players to compete at their age group or above (when approved). Moving down is not permitted.

What happens if my child is injured?

If your child is injured and requires medical attention, notify your coach immediately. The coach will complete an injury report form, which will be forwarded to OSA Soccer. OSA will then contact the family directly. All players are covered by accident insurance, which serves as secondary coverage (or primary if no other insurance is available).

What if my child registers but decides not to play?

Refunds are available depending on when you notify us:

• Before the registration deadline — full refund

• After the registration deadline — partial refund (registration fee minus insurance and uniform costs)

• After any team has played their first game — no refund