Registration FAQ
How do I know which division in which to register my child?
Your child will only be able to register for programs that match their birth year. See the Birth Year Chart page for which age group your child would be eligible for. Children at the U10 age group (or older) can choose to register for either the In House Program or the Travel Program for their birth year/age division.
What is the youngest age that can play in the SFSA soccer program?
SFSA's youngest age group is the Crickets division for children eligible for U6 leagues. Children are typically 4, 5, or 6 years old at the start of the season for Crickets. See the Birth Year Chart page for which age group your child would be eligible for.
What is the difference between the In-House and Travel programs?
The SFSA In House program is run as recommended by PA West for children ages 4-12 (U5-U12). The main objectives for the In House program are to introduce as many youths as possible to the game of soccer, to get them excited enough to continue playing, to teach basic individual and team skills, and to prepare players for entry into the Travel program. We promote fair play, equal playing time, and emphasize player and coaching development over wins and losses. To that end, we maintain no team records, team scores, or individual scores. For more info about the SF in-house program, visit the In House Program page.
The SFSA Travel program is for players seeking a more competitive soccer experience. Travel teams compete in U9 through U14 divisions within PA West. The games are typically played against local teams within 1/2 hour driving distance or slightly more, such as Upper St. Clair, Canon-Mac, Peters Township, and Wheeling. Coaches usually run one or two practices per week during the season, Monday through Friday for 1.5 hours between 5:30 and 8:00 PM. Games are usually scheduled on Sundays for an 8-10 week season. For more info about the SF travel program, please visit the Travel Program page.
What are the requirements to participate in the Travel program?
Travel players in U10 and U12 age groups must have participated in the MANDATORY Travel Evaluation sessions in the prior Spring in order to play Travel soccer in either the upcoming Fall or the Spring seasons. (e.g. for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, players must participate in the Spring 2022 evaluations in May 2022.) Travel evaluation dates will be announced ahead of time. Players should make every effort to attend at least ONE evaluation session, if not more. This will ensure that they are placed on an appropriate team for their skill level. There are no travel evaluations for the U14 age group.
Other requirements to play in the Travel Program include registration for the appropriate program within the site, uploading a birth certificate and picture to the site during registration, and purchase of a Travel Uniform.
If a player had not attended at least one Travel Evaluation session in the prior spring, they must petition the SFSA board for approval to participate in the Travel program.
Coaching FAQ
How do I register to be a coach?
You may register to be a coach through Blue Sombrero at the same place that you registered your children to play. Click the Register button at the top of the page.
What are the requirements to be a coach?
The following clearances are required to be a head or assistant coach:
-State Police Criminal Record Check (provided free to volunteers)
-PA Child Abuse History Clearance (provided free to volunteers)
-If PA resident for at least the past 10 years…a complete and notarized Volunteer affidavit
-If PA resident for less than the past 10 years…FBI Criminal Background Check (requires purchase of clearance)
Please see the
PA West site for more information.
Other coaching/volunteer information can be found on the Coaches page.