| |
|
| |
Saturday, March 1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE MISSION? ESA is a recreational association. We play for the fun of it! All of our coaches and administrators are unpaid volunteers who work hard for the benefit of our kids and our community.
WHEN DO YOU PLAY? Practice starts in mid-August. Games are played every Saturday, weather permitting, from the weekend after Labor Day through October.
WHO CAN PLAY? All kids from 4 through 17. There are no limitations on your place of residence or school registration.
- The youngsters play in age groups U6 (meaning under 6 years old), U8, U10, and U12. The cutoff date is August 1, meaning that if your child is 5 years old on August 1, he will play at U6, even if he turns 6 on August 2. Teams are mixed boys and girls.
- U13-U15 teenagers play on ESA teams in the Johnson City Recreational League. Age groups are determined each year based on numbers. Teams are gender-specific.
- In the fall, a U18 boys' recreational team will play in the Bristol Soccer Association's High School League. For more information email Ken Gough.
- Girls' and/or mixed U18 teams may play with BSA in the spring. For more information email Ken Gough.
WE'RE INTERESTED IN COMPETITIVE SOCCER. WHAT ARE OUR OPTIONS? ESA is dedicated to recreational play, so to provide a competitive option for our kids, we became a founding member of Fusion Futbol Club, the Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia regional club. Players interested in competitive soccer should check out FFC's website. Please note that FFC is an independent club and is not affiliated with ESA's recreational program. For other options, check out the Links page.
MY KID IS 3 YEARS OLD AND REALLY WANTS TO PLAY! We don't recommend that 3-year-olds play, but if the parent is confident that the child will do well, we will allow it.
CAN MY KID PLAY UP? OR DOWN? We routinely allow children to play up one age group at the parent's request. On rare occasions we will allow a child to play down an age group - consult the Registrar.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Fees in 2009 are:
- U6 - $25
- U8 thru U12 - $30
- U13-U16 - $35
- U18 - $50 (tentative)
- Financial assistance is available - consult the Registrar.
WHERE DO YOU PLAY?
- U6 league plays at Hunsinger Field, near Elizabethton High School.
- U8 thru U12 play at Doe River Gorge Christian Camp in Hampton.
- U13-U15 play in Johnson City, usually at Winged Deer Park, sometimes at Civitan Park.
- U18 rec will play at White Top Creek Park, near the Bristol Speedway.
- Click here to get directions to the fields
WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU PRACTICE? Each coach sets his team's practice time and place after consulting the parents. Most practices are held at city schools and parks and church playgrounds. Typically, teams practice twice a week in the early evening, after work. Click here to get more information.
WHAT IS PROVIDED? Insurance through the Tennessee State Soccer Federation, a team jersey, and all game fees. (U18 boys will get a complete uniform of jersey, shorts and socks.)
WHAT DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE? Black shorts, black soccer socks, shin guards, a regulation soccer ball, and appropriate shoes or cleats. (Check out ESA's great club ball - $15 for Size 3 and 4 for the younger kids, $20 for Size 5 for the teens. Proceeds support our program!)
WHAT ABOUT THE REFEREES? Our referees are USSF-trained and licensed. If you are licensed and wish to referee, contact the Referee Manager.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
- On-line registration will be available about June 1 (there is a small convenience fee.)
- By mail. Registration forms will be available about July 1 at the Boys & Girls Club, Parks & Rec Building on Mill Street, and sporting goods stores in Elizabethton.
- Walk-in registration will be held at Mill Street in mid-July. Check the home page or calendar for the dates about June 1.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON SOCCER? Try our Links page.
HOW CAN I HELP? Glad you asked!
- Bring snacks and drinks to a game - talk to your team's manager or coach.
- Help manage the team - talk to your team's coach.
- Coach (we'll train you!) or assistant coach (we'll train you for that, too!). Contact the Director of Coaching.
- Volunteer to help with field prep or the many other jobs that need doing - contact the Field Manager or Field Preparation Manager.
- Referee (if you're licensed) - contact the Referee Manager. (If you would like to get your license, he can help with that, too.)
- Join the Board of Directors - contact the President.
- You, your company or your civic organization can sponsor the Association for a very reasonable fee - contact the Fund Raising Manager.
OTHER QUESTIONS? Check the Board of Directors page for a contact, or email the Webmaster.
|
|
|
|
