Fall Academy League vs. Fall Recreational Soccer: Players are encouraged to participate in either the Academy or Recreational Soccer Season for the fall league.

The Fall Academy League provides those kids with a desire to play in a more competitive environment the chance to do so.

The Fall Recreational program is for those kids looking for a more relaxed atmosphere while perusing their love of soccer. If you are unsure where your child fits in, please feel free to attend the August 16th tryouts.

Tryouts: Tryouts for new and returning players will determine who is ready to join the Academy. If your child is interested in learning more about the academy program, we encourage you to attend fall tryouts on August 16th.

Who can participate in the Southside Soccer Academy: The Player Development Academy is open to all youth in the third (U9) and fourth grade (U10) with a passion for playing soccer. Those players at the U8 level will only be able to participate with the approval of the Academy Director.

When are practices? Players practice 2 times per week: Team practice on Wednesday nights, and then skills practice at Friday Night Skills.

When do games occur? Summer tournaments: typically run Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please note the summer session fees do not include the costs for tournament participation.
Fall league games occur on Sundays in September and October.
Winter League Most teams will play Futsal at the Tualatin Indoor Soccer Center (This is separate from the Academy program due to insurance reasons)
Spring league occurs in March and April with games each Sunday (except Spring Break).

Where will games be played at? Summer tournament games will occur wherever the tournament is being hosted. Typically we enter tournaments that occur in the Portland Metro Area.
Fall league games will be played at Cook Park in September and October.
Winter Most teams will play Futsal at the Tualatin Indoor Soccer Center (This is separate from the Academy program due to insurance reasons)
Spring league games will occur at the host club’s fields, or they may be scheduled throughout the metro area

What is Futsal? Futsal is played the same way as soccer but on a hard floor about the size of a basketball court. Its ball is smaller and less bouncy than a normal size-five soccer ball. Unlike soccer, in Futsal there is an accumulated foul count, teams substitute on the fly (like hockey), and the two halves are only 20 minutes each. Unlike typical American indoor soccer, there are no walls and teams play four players (plus a goalie) to a side.

Because of its smaller playing area and the lack of walls to deflect poorly aimed kicks, Futsal is great for developing precise passing. The fast pace of the game forces players to think fast, gives them more opportunities to touch the ball, and leads to higher scoring games. Individual players never have much space or time to dribble, so team shape, rotation, and ball movement are critical. The unique characteristics of the ball make it easy to control and encourage creativity; players’ physical size and strength are not as important as their skill.

What if I miss practices or games? We understand this will happen, however, fees are not waived or pro-rated if a player misses practices or games. If you are a member of one of the Academy teams and there are team expenses associated with the tournament (team equipment, coach reimbursements, etc.), you will need to pay those whether you participate or not.

Who will be coaching my son or daughter? Teams will generally be coached by licensed and experienced premiere coaches from our competitive program.

How are teams formed? Teams will be formed by Southside’s Academy Director “primarily, but not strictly” based on a player’s ability and developmental needs. Players may be shifted from roster to roster during the season based on developmental needs

How do I obtain a player card? Player cards will be issued by the Club to players who do not already have a valid OYSA Player Card. The fee is $15. All players must have a VALID OYSA player card in order to participate Player Development Academy. Please contact the office if there are any questions about player cards.

Is there an official Academy uniform? Yes. We want the players to experience the pride of belonging to a team. When all players dress alike, they feel part of the team. When you are playing as a team, players are required to purchase the Southside Recreational Nike Uniform. This includes a blue jersey (home team), a white jersey (away team), blue shorts and blue socks. These items can be purchased from the club office.

Do I have to wear cleats? No. But we do recommend them as they provide better traction. If you do wear cleats, the shoes cannot have a toe cleat. Those cleats are not approved for soccer.

Can I wear earrings/jewelry or can I put tape over them? No. Soccer is a physical sport and players bump into each other. If a player were to have their ear bumped, the earring could puncture the skin. Earrings may NEVER be worn to practices or games and they may NEVER be taped over. In addition, No Jewelry/watches of any sort can snag other players’ clothes or tangle in hair or scratch skin. This includes earrings, nose rings, brow rings, watches etc.

My child has a cast on their arm, can they still play? No. Plaster casts, metal casts, or metal braces may NEVER be worn for practices or games. Soft wraps worn for support are ok.

How much does it cost for training, to join a team and for a uniform? Please see the Web site link under the academy section for current fees.

The Player Development Academy is open to all third and fourth grade soccer players that have the interest in taking their skills to the next level. 2009/2010 Age Chart Fall 2009 3rd and 4th Grade

Age Group Birth Date U9 8/1/00 - 7/31/01 U10 8/1/99 - 7/31/00