Belmont Soccer Basics
Information and Tips about the Program
The Belmont Soccer Association (BSA) is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the game of Soccer in Belmont. The BSA currently has 750+ youth players and 200+ affiliated adults registered players for both the Fall and Spring seasons. After reviewing this website, if you have any questions please contact us.
PLAYERS AGE Who can play Belmont Soccer?
Belmont Soccer is for children living in Belmont who are in the 3rd grade and above. BSA follows the BAYS (Boston Area Youth Soccer) age grouping guidelines which group players into age/grade categories starting with U9 (under age 9), up to U18 based on a cutoff date of July 31. For example, for a player to be eligible for the under 12 age group in the spring 2000 season, she must have been under the age of 12 (i.e., not yet turned 12) as of July 31, 1999. If she turned 12 on or after August 1, 1999, she is eligible to be on a U12 team. This rule applies for both the Fall and Spring seasons. If your child is young for their grade, they can play with their classmates or elect to play in their appropriate age group.
REGISTRATION How do I register my child to play soccer in Belmont?
Registration is required for EACH season (Spring and Fall). That's right, 2 registrations per year. The registration period for the Fall season occurs in April/May while the Spring registration period occurs in October/November. If your child is in Second Grade, you need to register during the April registration period to be placed on a roster for the upcoming fall season. Registrations are be completed. Check the Main Page for registration information. Registration periods close so the organizers can fill out rosters, schedule games and get set-up for the upcoming season. If you are new to town and missed the deadline, you can submit a late registration. We will try and place your child on a team (our goal is to involve as many children as possible) but some times rosters are full. We try and limit the number of players on a team to insure rewarding experience for the players and coaches.
SOCCER PROGRAMS What soccer programs are available for my child?
BSA runs soccer programs which are divided by age and gender for children in 3rd grade and above. Currently we have 2 leagues, Town League and Travel League.
The Town league is a single gender 6v6 program comprised of players from grades 3 & 4. All games are played in Belmont. The objective of the program is to provide an opportunity to play soccer without having to travel to other towns. Teams are comprised of players with varying skill levels on each team. The schedule consists of approximately 10 games per season starting in early September (Fall Season) or early April (Spring Season). Past games have been played on Saturday, but given the shortage of fields in Belmont, Sunday games are a possibility.
The Travel League participates in BAYS (Boston Area Youth Soccer) and the teams compete against other towns in the BAYS program. Half of the Travel League games are in Belmont and half at the opposing teams field. Teams in this program are comprised of players of equivalent skill, and compete against teams from other town matched to a similar skill level. The schedule consists of 10 games per season starting in early September (Fall Season) or early April (Spring Season). Generally, games are 6v6 up to grade 4, 8v8 for 5th & 6th grade and 11v11 for 7th & 8th grades. (U11/U12 will adopt the new 8v8 format starting with the Fall 2006 season.) For the most part, Girls play on Saturday mornings and Boys play on Saturday afternoons.
Team Formation How are teams formed?
BAYS TRAVEL: Depending upon the number of applicants, the BSA will form teams for U9/U10, U11/U12, and U13/U14 for the Fall Season and add U18 (and U16 where appropriate) for the Spring Season. U9/U10, U11/U12 may be single or dual age groups, depending on the number of players available. U13/U14 will always be a combination of 7th and 8th graders.
Players will be placed on a team based on their placement results (see below) and coach's feedback from the previous year.
Beginning with the Fall 2006 season U11/U12 will adapt the new 8v8 format recommended by BAYS, MYSA and US Youth Soccer.
TOWN LEAGUE: Teams for the 3rd/4th grade are formed by selecting players of varying ability based on placement results and coach's feedback from the previous season
PLACEMENTS What are "placements" ?
Placements assess a players ability in soccer related skills and are conducted each spring. The placements are held on 2 different weekends in May providing your child with 2 opportunities to attend. Your child must attend only one tryout session. Soccer players in the Second Grade will need to attend one of the sessions so they can be properly placed on a team in the fall.
Placements are held indoors (in the High School field house). Players are grouped by gender and age, and participate in different skill drills. The results of the placements are combined with feedback from coaches determine a players rating which is used to group the children into teams. See Team Selection Information for more information.
UNIFORMS What is the standard uniform and how do players obtain them?
Uniforms are ordered at the time you register your child. The uniform includes BSA shirt, black shorts and green socks. Town League Shirts are reversible, Travel League shirts are single sided. The Shirts are not interchangeable. If your player changes leagues, a new shirt is required. Cleats and shin pads are required to play, but are not included in the order. Uniforms and equipment can be obtained at Champions in Belmont Center. Uniforms ordered during the registration are delivered by the coaches to the players, usually during the first practice.
INSURANCE What insurance coverage is there for players and coaches?
As an affiliate, the Mass Youth Soccer provides three primary insurance coverage packages for its members:
1. Excess Medical Coverage for soccer accidents to players or coaches
2. Liability Insurance for coaches and administrators
3. Directors & Officers Insurance for Board Members of all affiliated organizations