If the question you have concerning the GCYSA is not here, please use the Contacts page to send an email to the appropriate person or send directly to the President.
- What age group does my child belong in?
- Are there exceptions to the league age policies? Can my child play up?
- What kind of equipment does my child need to bring to practice? To games?
- Where does my registration money go?
- How are coaches determined? How do I become one?
- What is PA West?
- What size of ball should I buy for my child?
- Will Spring soccer interfere with Little League? Can my child do both?
What age group does my child belongs in?
A child's league age is determined by his/her age on July 31st prior to the Fall season. The U6 division is for players under 6 on July 31 before the Fall season. This means 4 or 5 years old. U8 is for players who are 6 or 7 on July 31st before the Fall season. U10 is for players 8 and 9 on July 31st before the Fall season.
Are there exceptions to the league age policies? Can my child play up?
In-house
Yes, there are exceptions to the age policies. These are truly exceptions though. Your child can play one level above or below his/her league age level under certain conditions. Since some children mature faster and develop speed and coordination differently, we do permit children to play one level up or down but only with GCYSA Executive Board approval. Some of the factors that are considered when permitting a child to play at a different level are ability, safety, and the well being of the child and the other players. Before requesting your child be placed up or down, please keep in mind that exceptions to the age policy are very rare and only granted under exceptional circumstances. Please note: In house players will not be permitted to be moved up to travel under any circumstances.
Travel
In the travel divisions there are strict roster requirements. No team shall play more that 18 players. Because of this, the GCYSA may move a player up to a different level to balance out the numbers of players on each team. This is only done though with prior approval of the player's parent and with a coach's recommendation.
What kind of equipment does my child need to bring to practice? To games?
In-house
A Yellow/Black reversible game shirt and shin guards are the only requirements. The reversible game shirt can be purchased at registration and is good for as long as the player is in the in-house program. Shin guards can be picked up at Wal-mart or any sporting good store.
The Yellow/Black reversible game shirt is not required for practice. It is for the games to determine what team the players are on. In cold or rainy weather, dress appropriately. If the game shirt will fit over a coat or jacket, great. If not, don't worry about it. We would rather have your child warm.
If you have a soccer ball, put your name on it and bring it. GCYSA nor the coaches are responsible for lost soccer balls. However, especially at the U-6 and U-8 level, it is important that there are enough balls for every player to have one.
Metal cleats are not permitted. Molded cleats are fine, but not required. Make sure there is no toe spike. If there is a toe spike, just cut it off; the shoes will still function.
Travel
A game shirt, shin guards, socks, and soccer shorts are required. The shirt and socks can be purchased at registration. The shin guards and shorts can be picked up at Wal-mart or any sporting goods store.
Metal cleats are not permitted. Molded cleats are fine, but not required. However, at the travel age, it is suggested that soccer shoes be worn to practices and games.
Where does my registration money go?
Some of the money from registrations go to PA-West to pay for insurance and to provide guidelines and assistance in the administration of our league. The rest of the money goes directly to the Grove City Youth Soccer Association (GCYSA). Along with money from donations, concessions, and fund raisers, the registration fee money is used for the maintenance of the Hunter Field soccer complex and to purchase equipment and supplies needed for soccer. When one stops to think about the expense involved in maintaining the soccer complex (don't forget to count the port-o-potties - they cost money too), and purchasing and maintaining of enough equipment to field teams for 300 children, small registration fee for two seasons is a bargain.
How are coaches determined? How do I become one?
As stated several times on this web site, the GCYSA is an all volunteer association. We rely on parents for everything, including coaching. We are always looking for coaches. Do not let the fact that you have never played soccer prevent you from thinking you cannot be a good soccer coach. Anyone with some patience and a good rapport with children can coach youth soccer. GCYSA provides a coach's clinic before every season and will also work with you individually if needed. You will be surprised to know that many of the people who help run the GCYSA have never played a minute of organized soccer (ok, maybe you won't be surprised but don't let that stop you).
If you want to become an in-house soccer coach, contact Dan Ritenour or Damon Covert.
Travel soccer coaches are selected by the GCYSA based on the level of coaching license held as well as years of experience coaching in general and in particular with the GCYSA.
It is recommended that all coaches, including in-house coaches, attend the appropriate coach's licensing courses. PA-West sponsors various coaching clinics throughout the year. GCYSA sponsors coaches clinics as well.
What is PA West?
PA West is our mother organization. PA West provides insurance and rules for our association.
What size of ball should I buy for my child?
Soccer balls come in different sizes depending on the age of the player. Here are the sizes recommended by PA West:
U-6 Size 3
U-8 Size 4
U-10 Size 4
U-12 Size 4
U-14 Size 5
Will Spring soccer interfere with Little League? Can my child do both?
Your child can play Spring soccer and Little League. The seasons do overlap though and there may be a few practices that will have to be missed in either baseball or soccer. Soccer is played on Wednesdays and Sundays. Little League does not play on Sunday but may have games and/or practices on Wednesdays. On those days, you, or your child, will have to decide which activity to attend. If the player misses a soccer practice on a Wednesday, that player can still play in the game the following Sunday. The In-house soccer program is a noncompetitive instructional league. Players are never penalized for missing a practice or a game.
