Outdoor Soccer FAQ's
CLINIC:
Q – When can my child begin playing Clinic Soccer?
A – Participants should be 4 years old to participate in the fall Clinic however some exceptions may apply.
Q – Is Clinic Soccer Co-Ed?
A – Yes, Clinic Soccer teams have a good mix of both boys and girls.
Q – Are there practices for Clinic Soccer?
A – Yes, like the older groups.. Clinic teams typically hold one weekday practice and one Saturday game each week. Practice days & times are chosen by the coaches.
Q – Where are practices and games held?
A – All Clinic practices and games take place at Prettyboy.
Q – What is included with registration?
A – Each player will receive a "full kit". (A jersey, shorts & socks)
CLINIC IS DESIGNED FOR PLAYERS ENTERING KINDERGARTEN OR OLDER PRE-K STUDENTS
U-8 THROUGH U-12*
Q – How often do practices and games take place?
A – Most teams will practice once during the week and play one game each Saturday. (with occasional byes or double headers) Practice days & times are determined by each coach.
Q – Where are the practices held?
A- All practices take place at Prettyboy Elementary School.
Q – Where are games held?
A – Games are held on Saturdays at Prettyboy ES, Sparks ES, 5th ES & 7th ES mostly during the first half of the day
Q – What is included with registration?
A – Each player will receive a "full kit". (A jersey, shorts & socks)
Q – When does the U-8+ season start/end?
A – Games will start on Soccer Day (usually the first Saturday after Labor Day - Saturday, September 12th, 2026) and ends in October. Playoffs will start in late October and be concluded by mid-November. All teams are guaranteed at least one (1) playoff game.
Q - If I have any additional questions, whom can I direct them to?
A - SAM@PBREC.ORG
U-14 COED
Q – I registered my U14 player with Prettyboy last year. Why has that changed?
A – Since 7th District is already hosting the U18 players the decision was made to move the U14 under 7th District as well. These players have already moved on to middle school and it didn't make sense for them to be wearing uniforms with their elementary school logos. They will now be issued "Hereford" uniforms. Please register these players through 7th District. There is still a strong likelihood they will be able to practice at Prettyboy or at whichever elementary school happens to be closest and most convenient. Please mention your school preference when registering. (PB, 5th, 7th or Sparks)
Register at 7th District here.
*TEAM PLACEMENT CAVEATS IMPORTANT!!!
It is difficult to predict enrollment/registration numbers. Last year our numbers for the U12 girls were low across all Hereford Zone recs. In order to still provide the players with a
good experience, we (PB,5th,7th & Sparks) combined players to have a larger number of teams. We also collaborated with LTRC (Timonium) for games. In this instance, 50% of games were held
in Sparks and 50% of the games were held in Timonium. This worked out extremely well! A similar arrangement could be made for any given age group where numbers are low.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding, that in certain instances this sort of creativity is required to make everything work and give the players a great season with a variety of opponents.
The overwhelming majority of players are placed on a team at their "home" school. We work hard to keep all games and practice locations as convenient as possible for the players and parents.
ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Q – Can I request that my player be placed on a specific team to be with friends or for transportation reasons?
A – These types of requests can make things very complicated. You can certainly make a request and we will do our best to accommodate everyone however no guarantees are made.
Q – Circumstances have changed. Can I ask for a refund?
A – Once uniforms have been ordered (mid July), no refunds will be issued.
Q – My kid is an absolute baller. Can he/she "play up"?
A – Our first priority is to fill out our teams with players of the appropriate age. You can make a request and it will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
EQUIPMENT:
Q – Are shin guards mandatory for all players?
A – Yes, all coaches and referees have been instructed not to allow a player to participate in a game or practice unless they have shin guards.
Q – Are soccer cleats mandatory for all players?
A – No, soccer cleats are recommended but are not mandatory.
Q – What is included with my registration?
A – All players will receive a "full kit" (A jersey, shorts and socks). You will be able to select your jersey and short size at registration.
Q – What size soccer balls are used by the various age groups?
A – Clinic will play with a size 3 soccer ball. U8, U10 and U12 will play with a size 4 soccer ball. U14 and U18 play with a size 5 soccer ball.
COACHING:
Q – What sort of commitment is involved with coaching and is experience necessary?
A – Roughly 2 hours per week. 1hr during the week and 1hr on Saturday mornings. No experience necessary. We will provide all the tips, techniques and training you need.
Q – I'd like to coach but I have a busy schedule and I'm not sure if I can fit it all in?
A – One of the many great perks that comes along with coaching. You get to select your teams practice night!
Q – Do I need to have or supply any equipment?
A – No, we will provide you with absolutely everything you need
Q – Anything else that is required?
A – Yes, all coaches and volunteers must complete an annual background check. This is quick, easy and free. See below for the link.
CANCELLATIONS:
Q – How will I be notified if a game or practice is cancelled?
A– A message will be sent out via TeamSnap. You can also check the Hereford Rec main page anytime for updates.
Q – Will cancelled games be made up at a later time?
A– Yes, coaches and the league commissioner will work together to reschedule
SPECTATING:
Q– How should I behave when I come to watch the games?
A– No poor behavior will be tolerated. This means never being disrespectful or unkind to the other parents, players, coaches, volunteers or refs! You can and will be removed from the field!
Q– Where should I sit?
A–You should position yourself a MINIMUM of 6 feet from the sideline OPPOSITE to the players and coaches and NEVER on the endlines. Please give the players room!
USEFUL LINKS:
APPROVED VOLUNTEER/ROSTER LIST