Recreational Soccer

Willamette United FC is using a new registration platform for all our soccer programs. Parents will need to create a PlayMetrics account before they can register their player.

After our registration deadline all players will go on a wait list. Players will be confirmed and assigned to teams if and when roster spots open. Parents will be notified when as players are placed on teams based on available spots.

Recreational soccer team assignments are probably the least pleasant part of the season for our staff. It’s a challenge to assign nearly 2,000 kids to 170+ teams. Even though we try, we cannot possibly make everyone happy. To help you better understand our process we have “briefly” summarized the team assignment process:

For 1st-8th graders, rosters from the previous season act as a template. Players are reassigned to the same roster unless we are asked not to do so. Late registrants are only added to those rosters as space allows; just because a player was on a certain team last year doesn’t guarantee that same placement if the registration is late. New Club members are assigned to teams based on space, the school attended and if possible, teammate requests.

We first start by grouping players by grade, gender and the public school that they either attend, or in the case of players who attend private schools, whatever public school they live nearest to. Smaller teams mean we’ll need more coaches!

K – 2nd grade teams will play 4 v 4 games.
3rd & 4th grade teams will play 7 v 7 games (fall) or 7 v 7 games (spring).
5th & 6th grade teams will play 9 v 9 games (fall) or 7 v 7 games (spring).
7th & 8th grade teams will play 11 v 11 games (fall) or 7 v 7 games (spring).

Our goal is to assure adequate playing time (in recreational soccer, each player WILL play at least 50% of each game, unless there is a disciplinary issue) as well as provide for adequate substitutions in the event missing players.

Once game schedules are done, usually 1 week prior to the first game day, chances of getting on a team decrease.

During the registration process we do allow for parents to “request” players or coaches. Parent coaches always have their child on their team. We want to stress that although you may have requested a teammate or coach, we will NOT guarantee to accommodate your request.

We allow a parent to coach their own child, so long as they are the same age as the rest of the team. We also allow each team to have one assistant coach, and that parent may also have their child on the team. Teams are limited to ONLY two registered coaches. Other parents may help as long as one of the registered and approved coaches is present.

Recreation coaches are all volunteers that dedicate significant amounts of time to the team. Each year we welcome our coaches back. If they volunteer again and we are not aware of any significant issues with the team, they are given the first option to again coach that team.

We do not allow coaches to pick their team or to add a new player to their team simply because they request a child. Any new kids are assigned based upon the process that was explained above.

Willamette United will field as many teams as possible, as long as there are enough parent volunteers to coach them.

We understand that this process is not perfect. We also understand that 10-20 of our 1,200+ families will be upset that their requests are not accommodated. To these families we appreciate their frustration and apologize that we are not able to accommodate your request. If this occurs, we will gladly refund your registration fees if a refund is requested by August 1st of each year. We will keep a small service fee to cover our online registration and credit/debit card processing fees.

Our volunteer coaches are the glue that binds the program and helps build the technical foundation for our young soccer players. Over time, our volunteer coaches have become more versed in the game as many have played competitive soccer themselves. However, there are a fair number of coaches that never played the game and need help understanding skills and technique. Even if a coach knows the rules, most coaches need help understanding what skills are age appropriate, as well how to better communicate to our young players. Willamette United will continue to offer coaching clinics free to all club coaches. Coaches will get email communication about all coaching education programs we offer.

The club has limited funds available for financial aid for families. If you need to apply for assistance, please complete a Member Assistance Program (MAP). Click on the button below to access our Recreational MAP form.