FAQS
Table of Contents
- How do I register my child to play recreational soccer for GHSC?
- How do I know my child’s age group?
- Can my child “play-up” in an older age group?
- Can my child “play down” in a younger age group?
- When does registration begin?
- How much does it cost?
- Are there discounts for having multiple children playing in the club?
- What happens if I do not properly complete the registration process?
- When does registration close?
- Why do you need my child’s photo and why does it have to be a certain size? (1 inch X 1 inch)
- Where do I send my registration?
- What is the GHSC Volunteer Policy and why do I have to pay additional volunteer fees?
- Do I need to write separate checks for the volunteer fees and the registration fees?
- What if my child changes their mind and doesn’t want to play anymore? Can I get a refund?
- My child wants to stay with the same coach, can they?
- My child wants to play on the same team as their friends – can they?
- I do not know who my child’s coach is – when will I be notified?
- When do practices start?
- When does the season begin?
- What about uniforms and other equipment?
- What size ball does my child need?
- What is the difference between U6 and U8 soccer?
- What is Metro/Select Soccer?
- I am interested in becoming a coach – what should I do?
- I am interested in becoming a referee – what should I do?
How do I register my child to play recreational soccer for GHSC?
For the 2013 Season, GHSC has gone to on-line registration. Please proceed to our Registration Information page for a link to detailed instructions, as well as the link to the on-line registration site. In addition to on-line registration, the GHSC will hold an in-person registration night on April 30th at the Robbie Waters Library (7335 Gloria Drive) from 6:30pm-8:30pm. If you do not have access to a computer, you may attend in person registration and we will have volunteers with computers ready to assist you. Please visit the Registration Forms Page and the Registation Checklist Page on March 25th for further details including what documents to bring. Please note that GHSC is no longer offering registration via the US Mail.
If you do not wish to pay via credit card, you may also print out all of the necessary forms and bring them with your check or money order to in-person registration night. Again, please visit the Registration Forms Page for further details.
How do I know my child’s age group?
Please refer to the age matrix to determine the proper age group for your child.
Can my child “play-up” in an older age group?
GHSC discourages this practice, but upon request, the executive board will consider whether or not to approve a particular child’s placement in an older age group.
Can my child “play down” in a younger age group?
No. Our state governing body, the California Youth Soccer Association – North or US Club Soccer, does not allow a child to play below his or her age group due to small stature or lack of experience. On very rare occasions, an approval for a child “playing down” can be granted due to rare medical conditions upon showing of proper documentation and via vote of the league’s board of managers.
When does registration begin?
On-line registration for the 2013 season begins on March 25th. In person registration is at the Robbie Waters Library on April 30th from 6:30-8:30.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies by age group. Please note that we are not offering an Early Bird Registration Deal this year. These prices are the same the regular fees were in 2012. 2013 Registration Fees are as follows:
U6: $70.00
U8 – U10: $105.00 (does not include referee fees)
U12 – U19: $120.00 (includes referee fees)
Please note that the above prices are in effect from March 25th through May 15th.
Registrations on or after May 16th are considered late and are subject to a surcharge of $30.00 per child.
Are there discounts for having multiple children playing in the club?
Sorry, no.
What happens if I do not properly complete the registration process?
If your registration is not completed correctly, the registrar will contact you informing you what you need to do in order for your registration to be completed. Your child will not be considered registered until you correctly finish the process and submit payment that has cleared the bank.
When does registration close?
The final date to register your child for the 2013 season will be May 25th. Registration packets postmarked after that date will be returned. The only exception will be if we are in need of players of a certain age to fill out a team. Those situations will be posted on the website.
Why do you need my child’s photo and why does it have to be a certain size? (1 inch X 1 inch)
The photo you submit is used to create a Player Pass for players in U8 through U19. Our state governing body, the California Youth Soccer Association, requires that every player (except for those in U6) have a player pass in order to play. The player pass verifies that the player is actually registered with the GHSC and the CYSA. The head coach typically keeps the player passes and must present them to the referee before each game. Any player without a pass will not be allowed to play in the game.
Where do I send my CYSA Forms?
Greenhaven Soccer Club
P.O. Box 22790
Sacramento, CA 95822
What is the GHSC Volunteer Policy and why do I have to pay additional volunteer fees?
Please see the Volunteer Policy and Information Page.
Do I need to write separate checks for the volunteer fees and the registration fees?
No. You may include all of the fees (the total amount) on one check.
What if my child changes their mind and doesn’t want to play anymore? Can I get a refund?
Please e-mail the registrar if you wish to withdraw your child’s registration. Refunds are available, but the amount of the refund depends upon the date you withdraw from the club. Please note that the date you withdraw is considered to be the date you e-mail the registrar. Refunds are issued as follows:
*Before August 1st: Full refund of all registration and volunteer fees.
*August 2nd – August 17th: Partial refund consisting of half the amount of your registration fees
and the full amount of your volunteer fees.
*On or after August 18th: No refund of registration fees or volunteer fees.
My child wants to stay with the same coach, can they?
Players who wish to stay with the same coach and/or team may do so as long as their registration paperwork is submitted correctly and on time.
My child wants to play on the same team as their friends – can they?
There is a place on the registration form for special requests. While the GHSC cannot guarantee that the request will be granted, every effort will be made to accommodate the request, as long as the registration paperwork was submitted correctly and on time. In addition, all coaches of a particular age group must agree to the special request.
I do not know who my child’s coach is – when will I be notified?
The GHSC holds a player draft in early June. All of the coaches in a particular age group meet and choose players for their respective teams. Once the teams are formed, each coach is required to contact the families on their team and inform them that they are their coach. If you have not heard from a coach by July 1st, please contact the appropriate Age Group Coordinators. E-mail addresses for all of the Age Group Coordinators can be found on the board page.
When do practices start?
Practices may begin on August 1st.
When does the season begin?
The 2013 season will begin on September 7th.
What about uniforms and other equipment?
GHSC provides all U6 players with a T-shirt. Parents are required to provide shorts, socks and shin guards. For ages U8 though U19, GHSC loans each player a uniform including a jersey, shorts and socks. Parents are required to provide shin guards and shoes.
What size ball does my child need?
It is helpful, but not necessary that each child has their own ball to bring to practice. Sizes are as follows:
U6 – U8: Size 3
U10 – U12: Size 4
U14 – U19: Size 5
What is the difference between U6 and U8 soccer?
There are a lot of differences! U6 kids play small sided games, consisting of 3 players on a side. U6 is
co-educational, meaning boys and girls play on the same team. There are three games going on at the same time involving the same team. The fields in U6 are very small, and they use smaller, “pugg” style goals. All games are played against other GHSC U6 teams and there is no traveling. All games are played at Pony Express Elementary School. The players are 4 and 5 years old and due to their age, the emphasis is more on fun than skill. Scores are not kept and there is no goalie.
U8 is not co-educational and they play on a much larger field. While the emphasis should always be on the kids having fun, the players’ age and development allow for a more traditional brand of soccer. There are goalies, and scores, as well as standings, are kept. At this age, the kids are more coordinated and are ready to learn more about the game, including positions and strategy. Teams also travel for at least half of their games, and usually play teams from other clubs.
What is Metro/Select Soccer?
Metro /Select Soccer is a level of soccer between recreational and competitive. It offers an environment for dedicated and skilled players to develop and play. The main difference between recreational and Metro/Select Soccer is the level of skill and commitment required. All Metro or Select players must try out for a team, and selection is not guaranteed. The Metro/Select season occurs at the same time as the recreational season. There are 10 games, but most teams play almost twice that many by participating in tournaments. Travel is often a big part of Metro or Select Soccer. Games and tournaments can be quite a distance away. Another difference is the level of coaching and training offered. Metro/Select coaches will have the opportunity to have nationally licensed trainers come out to their practices and train their teams. The SSA is affiliated with many professional soccer trainers. Metro/Select coaches all have at least a USSF ‘E’ license, with the Assistant coaches having at least the USSF ‘F’ license. The SSA highly encourages its coaches to obtain higher USSF and/or NSCAA licenses. The SSA coaches also receive in-house training from the Alliance’s Head Trainer. For more information, please contact the Metro/Select VP or visit the Sacramento Soccer Alliance web site.
I am interested in becoming a coach – what should I do?
That is great! We are always on the lookout for dedicated people who are willing to volunteer their time to teach our children this wonderful game! Please contact Wayne Novoa at 916.628.8895 and coaching@greenhavensoccer.com. Please click here to learn more.
I am interested in becoming a referee – what should I do?
Please contact Mike Koshell at 916.422.1080 and referee@greenhavensoccer.com. Please click here to learn more.









