Spring Recreation registration has closed

Registration for fall season will be open in July

All practices at Jumbo Evans Sports Park Soccer Fields

TBD by individual teams/coaches.

Coaches are parent volunteers.

U4-6:  Saturdays @  9:00am & 10:30am - All games at Jumbo Evans soccer fields.

U7-8:  Saturdays @  9:00am & 10:30am-All games at Jumbo Evans soccer fields.

U9-U12 : Schedule TBD

Rec players born 2011 through 2019:  

ALL new players will receive new uniform shirts.  Parents will need to provide navy shorts and navy soccer socks.  Players are required to wear shin guards for all soccer activities (practices & games).  Absolutely no jewelry is allowed to be worn during games (so it may not be a good time for ear piercing).

**Due to numbering requirements, the new older Rec players (U9-U12) will need to order a uniform from Challenger Sports.  Note:  All prior uniforms can still be used.

The BYSA Youth Recreational Program

Program Purpose

The BYSA Recreational program is a fun-based program that both introduces the game of soccer to our younger players and allows older players who do not wish to participate in a competitive environment the opportunity to continue playing. Unlike Competitive (i.e. Select) soccer, scores are not kept and there are no standings since the Rec program is about enjoying the game without the focus on competition. Each player receives equal playing time and a balanced amount of time in different areas of the field. Through our Rec program, BYSA is committed to ensuring that the introduction of soccer to our young players is based on having fun while learning the fundamentals of the game. We also hope that by providing a positive and enjoyable experience we can cultivate an appreciation for the game of soccer to keep young players interested for years to come.

Format of Play

All Rec programs utilize small-sided game formats which encourages learning in a fun and positive environment with the added excitement of more action for all kids. Small-sided games are created to maximize active participation and touches on the ball by having fewer players on a smaller field. BYSA believes that our young kids simply learn by playing and this allows the game to be the teacher. Our U4/U6 and U7/U8 age groups all play  4 v 4 with no goalie.  The U9 through U12 age group plays 7 v 7 with a goalie, with the opportunity to play 9 v 9 with a goalie.

Age Divisions

Players are sorted into age groups based on their Year of Birth. No players will be permitted to play down once they have reached the next age division. Also, parents wishing to play a child up one age level may petition the Board for an exemption. In the interest of safety, factors such as the child’s size and experience will be considered before allowing younger kids to play up with older, bigger and more skilled players. 

Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Recreational Age Divisions

U4 - Birth Year is 2019 - Div IV Rec

U5 - Birth Year is 2018 – Div IV Rec

U6– Birth Year is 2017 - Div IV Rec

U7 – Birth Year is 2016 - Div IV Rec or Academy

U8 – Birth Year is 2015 - Div IV Rec or Academy

U9 – Birth Year is 2014 - Div III Rec or Academy

U10 – Birth Year is 2013 - Div III Rec or Academy

U11 – Birth Year is 2012 - Div III Rec

U12 – Birth Year is 2011 - Div III Rec

Fees and Equipment

The recreational program fees for the Fall 2022 season is $120.00-$175.00 per player, depending on age group. Included in the fee is the required insurance premium, fee to play under SARA or Alamo Area Youth Soccer Association, fee to play under South Texas Youth Soccer, and to cover grounds maintenance and facility improvements at Jumbo Evans Sports Park. As a non-profit, community organization BYSA charges only the amount needed to cover operating expenses and contingency costs. Our fees are very competitive with other clubs and we strive to offer a great value and experience for our families.

Other pieces of equipment that are required at the player's expense are navy athletic shorts, navy soccer socks, shin guards, soccer cleats and their own ball that must be brought to all practices. U4-U8 players use a size 3 ball, U9-U12 players need a size 4 ball.  

Games and Practices

Our Recreational teams, like our Select and Academy teams, are based at the beautiful fields of Jumbo Evans Sports Park on 281 N in Spring Branch.

All games for U4/U6 and U7/U8 teams are scheduled for Saturday mornings at Jumbo Evans against other teams within BYSA.

U9, U10 and U11/U12 divisions will have at least half of their games at Jumbo Evans but will be required to travel to other clubs as well. Games will be scheduled on Saturdays. Sunday games are rare but could happen due to field scheduling for these older age groups.

Practice days, times and locations for each Rec team is set by the team's parent volunteer coach. During the registration process, BYSA will not know what the practice schedule for each team will be so we cannot place players on teams based on when they are able to practice.  To request that your player be placed on a team with one (1) of their friends, please try to add that in the Requests field during online registration.

In general, all U8 and younger teams will practice once a week in a small group or pool training session.   Our U9, U10 and U11/U12 teams will have at least one practice per week and occasionally two practices if the coach desires to do so. These may also be pool sessions.

Questions

If you have any questions or need additional information about the BYSA Recreational Program, please contact our VP of Rec, Kyle Powell, by email at powell.kyled@gmail.com.