Ela Soccer Club

1 hour per week (1/2 hour practice and 1/2 hour game) on a Sunday afternoon. Each player will receive a team t-shirt.

1 game per week on a Saturday or Sunday and 1or 2 practices per week at the coach’s discretion.

Practices

Practice sites and times are decided by the coach, and held in neighborhood parks or school grounds. Coaches put in countless hours for your children, and are not compensated for their time.  Please coordinate with your coaches and assist where needed.

NOTE:  ESC will not move players from one team to another, or issue a refund because practice times or locations are not convenient, or players are not with their friends.  Parents should encourage children to make new friends and be part of the team.  If a practice day & time is a priority, then volunteer to coach.

Team formation and coaching

ESC players are sorted by gender, age, geographic locations, and schools. We do our best to balance teams. one friend request can be made but it is not guaranteed. The primary goal in team formation is balance.  The best effort will be made to make teams competitive.  ESC combines players at Pre-K (Little Kickers), U6, U7, U8/U9, U10/U11, U12, U13/U14 and High School. Where ages are combined, teams are formed from larger geographic areas.

ESC and BASA partner at the U12 and U13/U14 age groups to provide a more competitive league.  Some games at those age levels will be played in Barrington.

Volunteers

ESC is a not-for- profit organization that is designed to provide a youth soccer program for the residents of the area.  It is made up of volunteers who receive no compensation for their time or work, yet are committed to providing quality soccer programs for the community.

Uniforms

Little Kickers (Pre-K) - Each player will receive a team t-shirt.  A starter kit consisting of shoes, shin guards, ball and sackpack will be available for purchase at www.elasoccerstore.com. Order Now

U6-U18 - Each player must purchase a full uniform set consisting of a blue jersey, red jersey, a pair of shorts, and socks.  Uniforms are worn on game day, and may be worn to practice. To order your uniform go to www.elasoccerstore.com. Order Now

All players must wear shin guards at all practices and games.  They should be size appropriate, and referees check before each game.  Coaches will not allow players to practice without shin guards.  Soccer shoes are recommended, but not mandatory. A starter kit consisting of shoes, shin guards, ball and sackpack will be available for purchase at www.elasoccerstore.com. Order Now

All players must remove watches, jewelry, and earrings (starter studs must be taped with a Band-Aid).  If a player wears eyeglasses, then sports safety glasses must be worn during practices or games.

Referees

Youth referees are not professional referees, and everyone is expected to respect referees’ decisions and not disturb them during the match.  Misconduct by players or parents toward a referee, including abusive language, may result in game forfeit and/or suspension of the violator.

FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION CLICK HERE

All participants of ESC shall play in a league according to their age on September 1st of each year. (Players with a birthday in the month of August may play at the level appropriate with the ESC cut-off date of September 1st or with the level that is appropriate based on the IYSA cut-off date of August 1st). A year is from August 1st through July 31st – encompassing the fall and spring outdoor season and the winter indoor season. No participant shall be allowed to play at a level below their age (play down) except in the case of extreme physical limitations. These exceptions need to be documented and approved, prior to the season, by the VP of Recreation. A participant requesting to play at an age level above his age (play up) can only do so by one of the following:

• attending a minimum of 4 weeks of skill practice sessions provided by ESC or
• attending 4 days of summer camp provided by ESC or
• a previous ESC Travel Player and
• the recommendation of the Director of Player Development (ESC  staff position).

A Player Evaluation form must be completely filled out prior to team assignments each year. All exceptions must be approved/renewed on a yearly basis.