Recreation FAQs
Recreation FAQs
When are games played?
U5 and U6 only play games on Saturday (total of 6 games)
Older players (U7 and up) will Saturday and/or Sunday in order to get in at least 8 games through the season. U10 - high school do play a tournament format at the end of the season.
Where are games?
All games and practices are at Habig Field
What kind of ball does the player need?
U5, U6, U7 and U8 use a size 3 ball; U10 and U12 use a size 4 ball; U14 and U16 use a size 5 ball.
What about shoes?
Players do not have to wear cleats, tennis or gym shoes are permitted. If the player does wear cleats the IYS rules specify that the cleats must be "soft cleated soccer shoes".
What about shorts, socks and shirts?
WYSA supplies jerseys and socks; players need to have a pair of black shorts.
How is soccer organized?
WYSA is registered with Indiana Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) which in turn is part of United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). USYSA is a division of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the U.S. Affiliation with IYSA provides insurance and training support for WYSA participants.
Do we have to live in Westfield?
WYSA is open to players from any area. The majority of our players live in Westfield and Carmel, but we do have players from Indianapolis, Zionsville, Noblesville and the other surrounding area.
How come there are only 3 (or 4 or 5) players on the field?
Soccer has traditionally been played with 11 players on the field but studies have shown that players develop faster and have more fun if fewer players are on the field at one time. This prevents a player from getting lost in the crowd and allows them to get more touches on the ball. WYSA was one of the leaders in the switch to "small-sided" soccer and many surrounding clubs now play the same format. We currently offer small-sided soccer up through and including high school.
What is all this "U" stuff and how are teams formed?
"U" stands for Under (U8 is under-8). Players are assigned to divisions based on their age as of August 1, 2008. For example, the U8 division consists of players who were 7 years old on August 1st. Team assignments are made by the division commissioners who attempt to balance teams. Factors include age and previous playing experience. WYSA does not allow players to play "up" in an older age group.
When are practices and games?
All games (except makeup games) will be held on weekends. Games run from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Saturdays and 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. on Sundays. Your coach will distribute your schedule. Practices will be set by the coach but will generally be on weekday evenings. U5s and U6s will practice one evening per week. U7/U8 practices are 1 or 2 days per week while older teams will typically practice twice per week.
Where do they play?
All recreational games and practices will be held at Habig Fields located at 156th and Carey Rd. (Approximately 1 mile east of Rt 31 on 151st Street to stop sign at Carey Rd then left 1/2 mile) and travel games will be played at the Habig Fields or the Shamrock Springs Fields (corner of 161st and Springmill Road).
What kind of equipment does my child need?
While soccer is a relative inexpensive sport, there are a couple of items required to ensure your child's safety. Shin guards must be worn for games and practices. In addition, your child should wear soccer socks over the shin guards to provide padding for other players. Regular gym shoes are fine although soccer cleats may offer an advantage under certain field conditions (mud!). WYSA supplies a T-shirt but we ask that you get your child a pair of black shorts and socks for games.
We also require that your child bring a soccer ball to practice. Balls come in 3 sizes: U5 thru U8 uses a #3 ball; U10 thru U12 use a #4 ball and older players use a #5 ball. Note: Do not forget to mark your player's name on the ball with a permanent marker.
What about rain?
Soccer is an all weather sport. Unless the weather conditions are dangerous (i.e. lightning), we will try to get the game in. While the parents may not enjoy watching games in the rain, most children enjoy playing in the mud and getting dirty. We may also close the fields to prevent damage if large amounts of standing water are present. The general rule of thumb is to show up unless you hear from your coach.
What can I do to help my child?
WYSA is a volunteer organization. Without parental support, we could not exist. In addition to providing moral support for your player and demonstrating good sportsmanship, we would like you to get involved with our program. We are always looking for coaches to help with the teams. As your soccer knowledge grows, consider becoming a referee. WYSA offers referee courses throughout the year.
Need More Info?
The WYSA Board Members and Commissioners are listed on the Board Members and Commissioners page, which is under the "About WYSA subject on the home page. Please feel free to contact them with any questions you may have. In addition, WYSA holds a monthly board meeting to conduct league business. The meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30 P.M. The meeting is in the Westfield Intermediate School Media Center
