FAQs
Whether you’re a parent, coach, volunteer or referee, we know you may have questions, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions for your convenience!
GENERAL
WHEN DOES THE 2026 SEASON START?
Opening day for the 2026 season is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
WHEN DOES THE 2026 SEASON END?
The last regular season game will be played on October 31, 2026. The tournament for U8 divisions and higher is scheduled for October 31, 2026 and November 1, 2026.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON OPENING DAY?
Opening Day kicks off the season with a community celebration where players, families, and friends gather at the field. Enjoy food and craft vendors, raffles, an opening ceremony, and the first games of the season.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RECREATIONAL PROGRAM AND THE SUPER REC PROGRAM?
Recreational Program (Ages 4–14)
The Recreational Program is designed for players of all skill levels, with a focus on learning the game, building fundamentals, and having fun in a supportive environment. Most games are played locally on Saturdays, with limited travel for older divisions.
Super Rec Program (Ages 10–18)
The Super Rec Program offers a more competitive level of play for players seeking additional challenge and development. This program includes tryouts, higher-level competition, and participation in games and tournaments that require travel within Lake County and throughout Northern California.
Key Differences:
- Recreational is open to all skill levels; Super Rec is more competitive and may require tryouts
- Recreational focuses on development and fun; Super Rec emphasizes competition and advanced play
- Recreational games are mostly local; Super Rec includes travel and tournaments
WHAT DO I NEED TO BUY FOR MY CHILD BEFORE THE SEASON BEGINS?
Soccer cleats and shin guards are required for each player. A water bottle is also recommended.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE GAMES BE PLAYED?
All U5 and U8 games will be played on Saturdays at Middletown High School. U10 divisions and above will also play on Saturdays at Middletown High School, with occasional travel to Lakeport for interleague games with the Konocti Youth Soccer League.
WHERE WILL THE PRACTICES BE HELD?
There are pre-approved locations around south Lake County where coaches can hold their practices. Coaches will select the practice days, times, and specific locations for their teams.
WHEN WILL PRACTICES BEGIN?
Coaches will be reaching out to parents to inform them of practice days, times and locations after they receive their rosters around the first week of July. Practices will begin in mid-July.
I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM MY CHILD'S COACH, WHAT DO I DO?
DO I NEED TO BUY MY CHILD A SOCCER BALL?
No. Coaches will provide soccer balls during practice.
IF I WANT TO BUY MY CHILD A SOCCER BALL, WHAT SIZE DO I NEED TO GET?
U5, U6 = SIZE 3
U8, U10, U12 = SIZE 4
U14, U16 = SIZE 5
SPONSORSHIPS/FUNDRAISERS
HOW DO I BECOME A SPONSOR?
You can fill out the online sponsorship form or contact Kyle Lewis or Kim Lewis at fundraising@clearlakeysl.org.
DO YOU HAVE DIFFERENT SPONSORSHIP LEVELS?
Yes! CLICK HERE to view the different sponsorship levels and benefits.
IS THERE A RETURNING SPONSOR DISCOUNT?
Yes! We do offer a returning sponsor discount for most levels. Please refer to the Sponsorship flyer for pricing and details.
ARE WE REQUIRED TO FUNDRAISE AS AN INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM DURING THE SEASON?
CYSL is a non-profit organization and operates solely on fundraisers, sponsorships and registrations. We highly encourage teams to participate in fundraising events throughout the season.
REGISTRATION
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO PLAY?
Children ages 4–14 (must turn 4 by July 31, 2027) are eligible for the 2026 Recreational Program. Players ages 10–18 are eligible for the Super Rec Program.
View the soccer age matrix HERE for details.
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER?
Recreational program registration for the 2026 season closes on June 5, 2026.
Super Rec program registration for the 2026 season closed on May 15, 2026.
HOW DO YOU UPLOAD A BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
You will be able to upload a copy of your child’s birth certificate online during registration.
HOW MUCH IS THE REGISTRATION FEE?
Recreational Program
Early Bird Registration is $120/player
Regular Registration is $150/player
All registered players will receive a jersey, shorts and socks.
Super Rec Program
Registration is $250/player
(Registration covers two sets of uniforms (Home and Away), backpack, tournament fees and referee fees)
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes! You will have the option to select a payment plan during registration.
DOES THE REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDE A UNIFORM?
Recreational Program
All registered players will receive a jersey, shorts and socks.
Super Rec Program
All registered players will receive two sets of uniforms (Home and Away) and backpack.
WHEN WILL KNOW WHAT TEAM MY CHILD IS ON?
Once registration closes, rosters will be created and coaches will be assigned. Coaches will begin reaching out to parents around the middle of July.
CAN I REQUEST FOR MY CHILD TO BE ON THE SAME TEAM AS HIS/HER FRIEND?
You may make one buddy request during registration for U5-U8 divisions. We will try to accommodate the best we can, but we are not able to guarantee it.
We DO NOT accept buddy requests for U10 divisions and above.
IS THERE A SIBLING DISCOUNT?
Recreational Program
There is a $10 sibling discount for each child registered in the Recreational program after the first. Must be registered under the same family account.
Super Rec Program
There is a $25 sibling discount for each child registered in the Super Rec program after the first. Must be registered under the same family account.
CAN I REQUEST A SPECIFIC COACH?
We DO NOT accept coach requests. We will do our best to create even teams to ensure every child has a great experience.
REFEREES ``GAME DAY FACILITATORS``
WHAT IS A GAME DAY FACILITATOR?
The Game Day Facilitator (aka Referee) will oversee recreational youth soccer matches to make sure there is a safe, fair and enjoyable soccer environment for players, coaches and spectators.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO BECOME A GAME DAY FACILITATOR?
Youth age 13+ can get certified to be a Game Day Facilitator.
Cal North is offering FREE 2-day certification courses, which will provide you with training on how to facilitate games. By getting certified, you will get paid a premium for each game you facilitate. Youth 13+ are eligible to facilitate games for payment or community service hours.
If you or your child is interested in becoming a certified Game Day Facilitator, please fill out the facilitator form below and our Referee Coordinators will get in touch with you.
Learn more about becoming a Game Day Facilitator >> https://clearlakeysl.org/game-day-facilitators/
If you child is under 13 and is interested in facilitating our lower divisions, they are not required to get certified, but we highly encourage them to attend the FREE 2-Day GDF course to learn the rules. Please complete the form below to be added to the facilitator list for the 2024 season.
Facilitator Sign-Up >> https://clearlakeysl.org/facilitator-registration-form/
If you have any questions, please contact referee coordinators, Amanda Santana and Sean Parker, at referee@clearlakeysl.org.
DO GAME DAY FACILITATORS GET PAID TO FACILITATE GAMES?
Yes! Game Day Facilitators will get paid per game they facilitate. The fee paid is based on the division. Certified Game Day Facilitators will get paid a premium per game.
DO THEY HAVE TO ATTEND BOTH DAYS OF THE CERTIFICATION COURSE?
Yes. The course is 6 hours long, so we divided it into two days. You must attend both days to become certified.
CAN MY CHILD EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AS A GAME DAY FACILITATOR?
Yes! They have the option to get paid or earn community service hours for each game they facilitate.