Q: What is the difference between Recreation, and Select/Competitive?

A: Recreation - The focus of our recreation program is fun. The skill and commitment requirements are more relaxed. The goal of our recreational program is to create a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes enjoyment and skill learning, through equal participation regardless of ability. All participants are eligible to participate in the Recreational programs without tryouts or any basis on talent or skill.

Select/Competitive - The opportunity to play at the Select/Competitive level is offered to age groups U9 and up.

Open tryouts are conducted and the process is designed to ensure every player has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skill, attitude and effort to possibly be invited to play at the select level. The primary objective of tryouts is to identify players with a strong level of commitment and skill level that are seeking to further advance their skill development at a more competitive level. Players who tryout will be notified by club if they are accepted or not.

All Select teams are formed based on the cumulative performance total and player’s rank from the tryout sessions along with observations and experience of the participants. Select/Competitive pricing is $650 plus uniform cost

Q: My 3 year old is full of energy. Can I register him/her for soccer?

Q: Why do I have to register my child for soccer so early?

A: Teams must be formed and coaches must be certified. Additionally, the paperwork to handle insurance, team roster and scheduling is monumental and takes time.

Q: What if I am out of town during registration?

A: The registration period lasts about 3 months and can be done over the internet in about three minutes. Go to the registration page and follow the instructions.

Q: What if I don’t have a computer and/or internet access?

A: Local Public Libraries have free access or you can email or call the club to make arrangements for registration assistance.

Q: What does my registration pay for?

A: Fees pay for insurance, field equipment, referees, training costs, etc. required to run this type of program.

Q: Why are some teams practicing and my child hasn’t heard from a coach?

A: Older and advanced (select or competitive teams) teams often start early. Many of the coaches for younger children will not begin until a week prior to their first games.

Q: What will my child need for practice?

A: Shin guards are a must. Additionally, comfortable clothes for exercise, soccer cleats, and a drink (sports drink or water) are needed. Players should also bring their own soccer balls to practice (U6 through U8 use Size 3 balls, U10 through U12 use Size 4, U14 & Up players use Size 5).

Q: Does my child need cleats to play?

A: Although shin guards are required, cleats are not. Many younger children are more comfortable in their sneakers. Older (U8 and above) children will want the traction that their cleats provide.  Please be sure that soccer cleats (not football cleats, which include a toe cleat or stud) are selected for your players.

Q: Can my child play with jewelry or beads in their hair?

A: No jewelry or anything that could cause harm to other players or themselves can be worn. This rule includes hair beads and barrettes and even casts. We recommend that ears be pierced between seasons, because earrings must be removed or covered to play. This is a Florida Youth Soccer rule and is not discretionary for the referees or club officials.

Q: Can my child bring a friend to practice?

A: Only players and coaches registered to can participate in our practices and games. Other are not covered by our insurance.

Q: What can be done if a referee makes a bad call?

A: All referees are trained and certified, unfortunately they are also human. Bad calls will happen. They usually do not affect the outcome of the game. Also, calls will be made and not made that you will disagree with. Sometimes, it is just a matter of what the referee sees. Sometimes, it is just a matter of advantage to the team that is fouled. If there is a truly bad situation, find a Board member or send an email to the club and the situation will be addressed. Remember that you are a role model for our players and arguing with a referee does not set a good example or get calls in your favor. For all questions regarding referees, please email [email protected].

Q: What is a traveling recreational team?

A: A traveling recreational team plays with other teams in North Florida Youth Soccer League, instead of just AIYS. Some travel is involved but it is all within an hour and half of home. Teams start traveling at the U10 age level for both boys and girls.  At this time, all recreational play is in house (no travel).

Q: What is the difference between recreational and competitive (Select) AIYS?

A: Commitment! Competitive players are selected at a tryout and are committed for the entire year. They often hire trainers and go to tournaments. For these players, soccer is priority one. On the other hand, the focus of Recreational soccer is fun. The skill and commitment requirements are more relaxed.

Q: Who can try out for Competitive teams?

A: Anyone eligible to play in U10 or above; specific birth year restrictions will be published prior to each season's tryouts.

Q: Why are the teams and spectators on opposite sides of the field?

A: Players and spectators are kept separate to aid the coach and referees in team management. It helps the coach to have all the players in one place. It helps the player to understand that his or her instructions come the coach during the game.

Q: Why can’t I stand near the net or behind the goal line during matches?

A: This is first and foremost a safety issue. Players have been injured, not to mention goals scored or not scored, because of the distraction of people behind the goals.

Q: Why are there no trash cans next to each of the fields?

A: Trash cans are located by the concession stand area.  Trash cans near the fields can cause litter and safety issues.

Q: The team I want my child on is full, but the coach is willing to add my child.  Why can’t we just do that?

A: On a recreational team, coaches are not allowed to select their own players to prevent team stacking. Additionally, the coach may not have the overall division picture in mind when you contact him or her. There may teams in need of players. Also, in recreational soccer, players are guaranteed 50% play time during each match (assuming practice attendance, good health and good behavior), so a team playing 4v4 cannot have 9 players on their roster.

Q: How can I find out about special clinics and camps sponsored by AIYS?

A: We try to publicize all upcoming events on the website, in newsletters, and emails. You can also check the bulletin boards at the field.

Q: Who do I contact if I would like to coach a team?

A: Sign up on the website under volunteer registration or email [email protected]. You will then be contacted with information needed to complete your background check and associated volunteer training.

Q: Can I get educational information about coaching?

A: Yes, AIYS has manuals, books and a few videotapes. We also provide coaching courses and clinics on a regular basis. 

Q: How do I become a referee?

A: Please reach out to [email protected].

Q: What does a team Manager (parent/mom) do?

A: Team managers help with team organization. They also are the communication link between the club and their team. They handle all tournament arrangement for team, ensure players have submitted picture for player cards, hand out the newsletters and photo packets and organize the snack schedule, end of season party and coaches’ gift and much more.

Q: Why do some matches have 3 referees and others have only one?

A: Only matches where off sides are called require Assistant Referees.  Recreational soccer games are typically managed by 1 referee only.

Q: Can my daughter play on an all girls team?

A: AIYS offers and encourages separate boys' and girls' teams beginning at U6 and above.

Q: Who are North Florida Youth Soccer League and Florida Youth Soccer Association?

A: NFYSL is the local league that schedules travel games and handles discipline for North Florida. FYSA is the State Organization that sets the rules and regulations and handles the insurance.

Got a question or need more info?

Email the club at [email protected].