Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment/uniform do I need to provide for my player?

• Uniform Jersey for Games
• Soccer cleats (not required in Kickers, but recommended)
• Ball
• Shin guards
• Water bottle
• Red pinnie (If the coach does not have a set; not required for Kickers)

Players in the Recreational league (including Kickers) purchase their own jersey and socks at Sterling Soccer.  Black shorts are preferred for all age groups but REQUIRED for the SFL age groups - 11U through 19U.  Travel teams will provide information on uniforms through the team manager. 

Every player must bring a soccer ball to practices.  It’s a good idea to mark the ball with the player’s name and telephone number.  Ball sizes are as follows:

• #3 ball for players in the 4U-8U age groups
• #4 ball for players in the 9U-12U age groups
• #5 ball for players in the 13U and older age groups

Every player (6U and above) must wear shin guards at practices and games! 

Can my child "play up" or "down"?

Players are not allowed to play up in the House Leagues. 

Players are usually prohibited from playing down an age group, however exceptions are granted generally for medical or health reasons.

How do I know what age group my player is in to register?

Age group eligibility is determined by the VYSA guidelines on the Registration Page.

You do not need to select an age group, the registration system will determine the players correct age group based on the birth date entered. 

When do the teams play?

Specific dates of play for the current season are on the Game Schedule page.  For general days of practice and game schedules, review the information for the age groups on the House/Rec page.

Where do the teams play?

Practice schedules are not set until registrations are closed and field availability and coaches are determined.  Each season the fields are allocated by Fairfax County in March (Spring) and August (Fall season).  Fields cannot be confirmed until this information is received.

When do the age groups change?

Under the Age Group Mandate, players are now grouped by birth year.  Players’ age groups will not change going forward.  Instead, players will stay with their birth year age group and will continue to play other teams with the same birth year age group as they get older.

What is the difference between House (Recreational) League and Travel league?

Travel soccer is an option for players who are interested in higher levels of training and competition for soccer development.  Players are chosen from tryout selections and compete for positions on teams within their age groups.  There is a higher cost involved for travel teams as they will have a professional coach and trainers who are compensated for their time and tournament/travel costs for the team to participate in tournaments out of town.  Visit the Travel page of the website for more details and to see the list of Travel teams and contact info for each team for more info.