My child has never played soccer. Where do I start? How do I sign my child up?
BCF offers many different options and programs to suit your child’s soccer needs, especially first-timers! Here is a quick step-by step-guide to help you get started. We hope to assist you through the registration process so your child is soon on the soccer field meeting new friends and having a healthy, fun time!
Here are some important questions to get you moving in the right direction:
1) What is your child’s birth date? The birth date will determine the age level your child is eligible to play. Kids are grouped first by age rather than school grade. Check the chart below to see what age level your child fits into. Note: The "U" in front of each age group number stands for "under as in U8 means under 8 years old prior to the start of the season.
2) Can my child "play up" an age group?
At U5-U10, a child may play up an age group as appropriate. However, as per the rules of our governing association, Colorado Youth Soccer Association, a U10 child may not "play up" to U11 (Competitive) unless s/he is age-appropriate according to the birth chart below or going into 5th grade with school documentation. A U11-U17 player may "play up" as appropriate.
Fall 2011/Spring 2012 - Age Chart
Birthdate
Age Group
8/1/06
7/31/07
U5
8/1/05
7/31/06
U6
8/1/04
7/31/05
U7
8/1/03
7/31/04
U8
8/1/02
7/31/03
U9
8/1/01
7/31/02
U10
8/1/00
7/31/01
U11
8/1/99
7/31/00
U12
8/1/98
7/31/99
U13
8/1/97
7/31/98
U14
2) What is your child’s gender?
From U5-U8, teams are mixed with boys and girls. Starting at U9, teams are separated into boys teams and girls teams.
3) My child has never played soccer. Is there an appropriate level for him or her?
Absolutely. See below.
4) What levels of soccer does the Boulder County Force Soccer Club offer? How do I determine what the most appropriate level for my child?
Recreational soccer is offered for U5-U8 players. Our pre-competitive training program is designed for U9-U10 players and is called our Developmental Academy (DA). While the DA is a recreational program, it introduces our players to a larger field size, a more structured game environment and a higher level of training and coaching through two training sessions per week in addition to Friday night games. Most players turn to competitive soccer at the U11 age group; however for those players who wish to remain playing at a recreational lever, we offer recreational teams through the U11-U14 age groups. A quick overview of each level:
Developmental Academy: Players in the DA will train with BCF staff clinicians 1-2x per week. They will play on Friday nights at Pleasant View Soccer Complex in Boulder with a designated team coach. Some players will participate in 1-2 tournaments per year as preparation for competitive soccer beginning at U11. Players can sign up as a group or as an individual. There are no tryouts for the Developmental Academy.
Recreational: Recreational teams are coached by volunteers (usually a parent of a player on the team). They may practice 1-2x per week and will paly in local league games. Teams may participate in 1 tournament per year. Players can sign up as a group or as an individual. There are no tryouts for recreational socccer.
Competitive: Competitive soccer runs from the U11-U18 age groups. All BCF competitive teams are coached by paid team coaches. Teams will practice 2-3x per week and will participate in games sanctioned by the Colorado Youth Soccer Association. Through a competitive tryout process, players are assigned to teams based on soccer ability and athleticism. Depending on the level of the team, the team may participate in 1-4 or more tournaments per year and the highest level teams frequently travel out-of-state for tournaments. Motivated players have the opportunity to participate in the Colorado ODP program (Olympic Development Program) and other training partnerships with many players continuing on to play high school level soccer and beyond. For more information about the competitive soccer offered by BCF, click here.
5) Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance? Financial assistance is solely based on a need basis. Click here for more information about financial assistance.
6) Is the Boulder County Force Soccer Club the right for my child?
We encourage you to learn more about the vision and values of the Boulder County Force Soccer Club, speak with our staff coaches and administrators, speak with other BCF parents and ask our players about their experience with the Club.
Please explore the rest of the Boulder County Force Soccer Club website. You will find a wealth of information. Feel free to call us at (303) 443-8877 or stop by our office at 1510 28th St., Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80303. We are happy to assist you!
