Overview of the SFL Program

For the 11U to 19U age groups (for Spring 2018, birth years 1999 - 2007), the GFSC House teams move to the Suburban Friendship League (SFL).  The SFL teams provide a wonderful opportunity for busy student athletes to continue their soccer development while enjoying the camaraderie of friends and getting plenty of exercise in a more relaxed environment. 
 
Ideally, SFL players encourage friends to join their team and this core tends to stick together throughout their school years.  SFL teams can  begin in any age group.  Even a group of middle or high schoolers can decide to put a team together.  SFL teams are trained by parent coaches.   Teams are given the option of having a professional coach attend one hour of one practice each week for four weeks.
 
Each team (especially in the older age groups) can decide to practice anywhere from 1 to 2 nights a week depending on their competitive interest level and goals for improvement.   This flexibility is a huge draw for players with other interests and competing activities.

Fee Information
 
Registration for Spring 2018 opens on December 1st, 2017.  The SFL fees per player are as follows:

• Dec 1 through Dec 31 - Early Registration Discounted Fee:  $175  
• Jan 1 through Feb 27 - Regular Club Fee:  $195
• Beginning Feb 28 - Extra Rostering Fee (added to Regular Club Fee): $50 - waitlists begin
  

SFL History and Background
 
The SFL has been operating since the Fall 1990 season providing scheduling services for recreational soccer teams. The league’s charter and decisions are based on whether the result is for the good of the players. During the spring and fall seasons, the SFL provides scheduling services to between 450 and 500 teams representing almost 30 different clubs. The primary age groups covered are the Under 11, Under 12, Under 13, Under 14, Under 16, and Under 19 Boys and Girls.
 
Great Falls Soccer Club participates in the SFL along with other local/neighboring soccer clubs to ensure older players have an opportunity to continue to play recreational soccer.  GFSC does this to offer older players the opportunity to play against a variety of teams from other clubs.
 
The SFL schedules the games on our behalf. Teams will play on a home field (generally in Great Falls or Reston) for 50% or so of games.  Other games will be played in neighboring communities including Reston, McLean, Herndon, Sterling and Chantilly.  SFL ends each season with a tournament which groups together teams with similar records.
 
Find our more about the SFL at www.sflsoccer.org.

SFL Rules and Regulations
 
SFL plays according to a modified version of FIFA’s Laws of the Game on standard size fields.  The 11U and 12U age groups play 9 players on each side and use a number 4 ball.  The 13U and older teams play 11 players on each side and use a number 5 ball.

How GFSC SFL Teams are Formed
 
Each fall, coaches and our age group coordinators get together to form teams ranging in size from an average of 16 players at 12U, to up to 18 players at 19U. The core group of most teams stays together year after year. 

Uniforms/Equipment

All SFL players are required to wear a Great Falls Soccer jersey (with a number on the back), black shorts, and blue socks.  Please coordinate with your coach before buying a uniform and choosing a number to avoid the risk of duplicate numbers.  These items can be purchased at Sterling Soccer (off Route 7 at the Shopper’s Food Warehouse location).   GFSC uses Puma products, however, some teams may continue to wear the GFSC Adidas jerseys from previous seasons (please coordinate with your coach and AGC before the season starts).  Cleats and shin guards are also required and can be purchased at Sterling Soccer (with the GFSC discount) or any sporting goods store.  All players must bring a ball and a water bottle. 11U and 12U players use a size 4 ball, while 13U to 19U players need a size 5 ball.

  
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the appropriate Age Group Coordinator, the Vice President of House/Recreational Leagues and SFL, or the Club Administrator.  Find contact information on the Contact Us page.