Parents Resource Page

                Parent's Introduction to Soccer Presentation

 

For Parents new to the game of soccer, a booklet, entitled Soccer 101 for Parents is a simple guide to allow the parents of young soccer players to get a better understanding of what they are watching, what to expect from youth soccer, the laws of the game, proper sideline etiquette and a full glossary of soccer terms. This booklet is designed for the person on the sidelines who is regularly asking "what was that call?", "was that offside?", "why did she do that?" etc.  This booklet is designed for the person on the sideline who wants to know how best to support and encourage the players on the field. If you would like to understand the game better which will allow you to enjoy what your kids are enjoying, and maybe even be able to talk to them about something they ENJOY then this might be the exact booklet for you. The booklet covers:How the Game Works /  Rules of the Game /  Sideline Etiquette /  Glossary of Soccer Terms.

A Parent's Guide to Youth Soccer

If you're new to having your children play youth soccer, the following information should help you understand the basics of how the club is organized, what your child can expect, and what your commitment as a parent will be.

How old do my kids need to be to play soccer?
SBMC has teams for players 5 to 17 years old (U6 to U18), and they are welcome to start at any age within that range.

What equipment is required?
The only equipment your child needs to play soccer is a pair of soccer shoes with rubber cleats (for outdoor fields), running shoes (for indoor play), and shin guards. Getting a soccer ball for practicing is also a good idea.

Do I need to buy a uniform?
No. The club supplies uniforms, consisting of a jersey, shorts and socks. At the end of the season, return the jersey and keep the shorts and socks.

How do I join the Club?
To join club, all you need to do is register your child as a player on one of the boys soccer teams, and pay the annual registration fee. You can register online at www.sbmc.net

When does registration start?
The season starts in September and runs through to the middle of March. To ensure that your child is placed on a team, we encourage all interested players to register early in the spring.

How do I register?
The Club introduced the convenience of on-line registration for the 2006 - 2007 season.  The Club does hold in-person registration sessions.  Check for registration dates in the local community paper or refer to the Club's website.

How much does it cost?
The full soccer season costs are different for  mini and divisional players. For a lists of the registration fees, go to the Registration Page

What do the "U's" mean?

 The "U" stands for "under" and is always followed by a specific age. For example, "U11" means the player is 10 years old at the start of the season. This system is used because the calendar year of a child's birth determines the age group in which he plays. Age categories for the teams are as follows:

How are the teams created?
For children 5 to 10 years old, the teams are divided into groups by age, with players of all abilities mixed together. For these younger ages, the club tries to ensure that kids are grouped with their friends as much as possible, and that the teams are balanced in overall strength. Those who register late cannot be guaranteed placement on a team with a friend.

For children 11 years and older, the teams are divided by both age and ability, with the better players grouped together in competitive Gold, Silver and Bronze teams. Interested players need to go through a tryout process in order to be selected for the Gold and Silver teams.

How many players are on a team?
The U6s play 3-a-side Micro soccer in a small grass field at Riverway Sports Fields.

The U7s and U8s play  6-a-side Mini Soccer on fields within the community.

The U9s and U10s play 7-a-side Mini Soccer against other soccer club in Burnaby.

The U11s and U12s play "Super-8s" 8-a-side, on a smaller field soccer, against other soccer clubs in Vancouver, Richmond, the North Shore and Burnaby.

How big is the time commitment?
It depends on the age and competitive level of the team. Soccer games are scheduled on the weekends, usually Saturdays with the younger kids playing for up to 50 minutes, and the divisional kids playing for up to 90 minutes. Most teams practice once on a weekday evening, some teams practice twice, and the youngest age groups might not practice at all. Gold level divisional teams (U11 to U18) require a commitment to two practices a week, plus weekend games, and tournmaments.

Do boys and girls play on the same soccer teams?
The 5 year olds play together, and then boys and girls are streamed into separate teams. Some girls, however, do choose to continue to play with the boys through mini soccer. A rare few continue to play with boys in divisional soccer for as long as their strength, skill, and size permits.

Who coaches youth soccer?
The vast majority of coaches and assistant coaches are volunteers and parents of one of the kids on their team. They all share enthusiasm for community sport, and have varying levels of experience with soccer.

Does the Club offer soccer training programs?
Yes, the Club has a full-time Technical Director whose job is to help develop the Club's players.

I don’t know anything about coaching soccer. Are there volunteer positions I can help with?
Of course!  All parents are encouraged to help out the club by either coaching, or assisting with the numerous other tasks that come with organizing a soccer season for 900 players. A few of the positions include:

Coaches, can you remember a time when all of your athletes were healthy? Return to school, gathering at competitions, and travel are some of the factors that contribute to the spread of colds and influenza. Respiratory infections prevent athletes from performing at their best. The number one solution is to not get sick in the first place.