The Hemlock Youth Soccer Program is for players of ALL skill levels. Teams are made up for each spring and fall season independently based upon the school grade of players.
The Recreational Soccer Program is comprised entirely of volunteer Coaches, some have experience with the game and others are parents just learning the game. These volunteers are the foundation for the Recreational Soccer Program and we could not function without the effort of these volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please sign up when prompted in your child's registration process.
SPRING LEAGUE
Our Spring League runs From Mid April through the first week of June. Registration begins the first week of January and ends the 1st of April. We do not have games on Memorial Day weekend.
FALL LEAGUE
Our Fall League games start the first Saturday after Labor Day and run through Mid October. We do not play on Sawdust Days weekend. Registration begins the First week of June and runs through August 1st.
Ages
Our range of players is 4 years old through 8th grade. Your child need to be 4 by September 1st of the current school year to register. In some circumstances we will allow 3 year olds when the parent is willing to coach the team. Our experience has been that most 3 year olds are not ready and end up having a bad experience which results in over 50% of them not returning to play.
UNIFORMS
The Hemlock Youth Soccer Program supplies one team Jersey/shirt with the registration purchase price. We encourage parents to purchase jerseys a bit larger so the players can wear clothing under them during inclement weather. Each player must also wear shin guards covered by socks and we encourage players to wear cleats to reduce injury and provide better footing in wet weather conditions.
JEWELRY
Jewelry such as bracelets, or loose earrings must be removed before the child can participate. loose jewelry has a way of catching fingers and injury can occur as a result.
GAME TIMES
Most Games will occur between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm on Saturday mornings. On occasion there may be a few Sunday games starting at 1:00 pm or later or on a rare occasion a game on a weekday evening.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
During a game - We DO play when it is raining, but NOT WHEN IT IS THUNDERING AND LIGHTNING. We use a lightning tracker app during games to determine when lightning is within a 10 mile radius of the fields. Games will be postponed or cancelled when lightning has breeched that area. In the event of inclement weather and the whistles are blown by referees, players and spectators may need to wait out the weather conditions in their vehicles. Make up games may be rescheduled at the discretion of the Recreational Director.
Prior to games - Cancellations will first be communicated through our Facebook group "Hemlock youth Soccer" Coaches will then be contacted through Email.
DIVISIONS
Divisions are always subject to change based on the number of enrollments but in general we are made of of 4 co-ed divsions based on grade.
Prek-K
1st-2nd
3rd-4th
5th-8th
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Practice times and locations are set up at the discretion of the individual coach for each team. The most common practice days are Monday through Thursday between 5:00 and 7:30 pm. We do ask that coaches hold their practice within a 5 mile radius of hemlock High School. We also give them a guideline of how many practices to run and for how long.
Preschool/Kindergarten 1-2 practices/week 45 min-1 hr each
1st-2nd 2/week 1 hr each
3rd-4th 2/week 1.5 hrs each
5th-8th 2/week 2 hrs each
Sportsmanship
The Hemlock Youth Soccer Program works to provide the best possible experience for the players, and spectators. Please understand that your behavior on the sideline is a direct message to the players as to what is acceptable. Strive to be an good example for all of the athletes.