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 If you have a question not listed in our FAQ's email us  at info@harborsoccerclub.com.
Thank you for your support of Harbor Soccer Club!

RECREATIONAL PROGRAM FAQ


When will I be notified of when practices begin?
Typically, coaches will notify their players when practices begin in early to mid-August. Sometimes this process takes more time and can be as late as the end of August.

Where are practices and home games held?
Rec practices and games are most often held on Peninsula School District grass fields rented by the club.

How long is the soccer season?
The fall Recreation Soccer season starts in August.  Games typically begin the first weekend after Labor Day, and generally run through the middle of November with some older teams playing into the first week of December.

Can I choose what day/time my child plays?
No. Harbor Soccer Club relies on volunteers to coach and they are able to choose the practice schedule that works best for them. 

Can a child play in an older age group ("play up")?
While this generally is not advised, a player who is at the oldest age for their classification may be allowed to play in the next oldest age group. A parent or guardian will have to make a special request at registration. The Harbor Soccer Club Program Director will need to discuss this with the parent or guardian and possibly evaluate the player before granting permission.

Can a child play in a younger age group ("play down")?
No.  

My child has little soccer experience. Will they get much playing time?
Coaches are directed to divide playing time as equally as possible for all players, regardless of ability.

What equipment is needed?
Shin guards and cleats are required for practice and games for players playing recreation soccer (ages 4 and up).  A water bottle should be brought to every game and practice. Soccer balls are provided by the club. 

Full Uniforms are provided to all recreational players, which includes jerseys, soccer shorts, practice shirt and socks.

Can my child be placed on a team with their friends or a particular coach?
While there is a place in our registration system to enter a Friend Request, such requests should not be looked at as guarantees. Please review our Registration Policy for further information on team placement.

What about "rainouts" or cancellations?
Rain does not mean a game or practice is cancelled. For games, coaches and referees must meet at the field to determine playing conditions before canceling. Players should report to the field by game time. Soccer can be safely played in a light to moderate rain. We will not play or practice while lightning is visible from the field location.

Practices may be cancelled at the coach’s discretion. Make sure you have a clear understanding with your coach what the criteria and procedure will be for canceling a practice. Coaches may ask players to report to practice so that conditions can be evaluated before canceling.

Will soccer conflict with other sports?
Harbor Soccer encourages all kids to play multiple sports. Since the fall soccer season runs from August through November, there may be times when there is a conflict.  Please inform your coach as early as possible of any/all conflicts.  They will need to plan their practice/games accordingly.

PREMIER PROGRAM FAQ

Click a question to find out the answer!

Who do I contact if I have a concern?

  • For any general concerns about Harbor Premier, please contact Jason Jarrett at jasonj@harborsoccerclub.com
  • For team specific concerns, please follow this chain:
    • Coach first,
    • Then Director of the Age Group,
    • Then Technical Director/General Manager

We are all here to help and to make the Harbor Soccer experience the best possible.

What is the Harbor Premier guidelines for playing up in age?
Please see document below.

Why Choose Harbor Premier?

Player development has always been at the forefront of our curriculum and programming.  Winning has never been the entire focus of Harbor Soccer Club. Over time, with the right development, success will happen.

The primary goal of Harbor Soccer Club is to provide development and competitive opportunities for youth soccer players in all ages and all ability levels. 

HSC currently offers playing opportunities at all levels of ability from recreational soccer to Regional Club League levels. The starting point for U7 through U9 players is our Foundation Phase & Jr. Academy Program designed to focus on basic abilities in soccer and individual ball mastery. The next progression is to the full Harbor Premier program and the Development Academy (U9-U11).  Transitional Phase (U12-U14) and Advanced Phase (U15-U18) follow and round-out our program. Individual information regarding each phase can be found on program tabs.  Based on individual progress and readiness level, Harbor Rec players may move to our Harbor Premier Program at any age. 

Foremost in our minds is the desire to share with every HSC player a genuine love for the world’s beautiful game. Our coaching staff is unparalleled in Washington and one of the most experienced in the region. Among our staff, we have several coaches with highest levels of United States Soccer Federation National Coaching Licenses; many former college players; former college All-Americans; former National team players; former professional players, former high school and college coaches.

What is the tryout procedure?
All players, both new and existing, regardless of age or status, are required to tryout each year. 

How many sessions does a player need to attend during the tryout process?
Players should attend every session to ensure adequate time for proper evaluation.

Can players play up an age group?
Players can request to be evaluated for an age bracket above their proper group. This request must be made to the Director of Coaching prior to the tryout. Any player wishing to play up will be evaluated by the Director of Coaching. Decisions will be made according to our play-up guidelines. See Below for Document.

What is your philosophy on when tryouts should be competitive?
HSC endorses a strong system of development in the younger age groups. As such, players at the U9 and younger age groups do not participate in a tryout that involves cutting or dropping players. Tryouts at the U10 and above are competitive and will cut or drop players to form the best teams possible.

How are teams formed?
HSC’s first priority is to form the teams for that are of equal skill levels and will from top (Green) teams first.  Additional teams in each age group will be formed if the players and coaching is available. This will allow a solid system to trade and promote players based on the team’s needs and the player’s abilities.

What factors are the coaches considering when evaluating my child?
There are many factors when forming teams. Common factors include, technical skill, tactical awareness, coach-ability/attitude, commitment to soccer, interest in the HSC’s complete program and offering, and personality.

Who will coach my child?
Coaches for established teams are announced in advance of tryouts. The Technical Director reserves the right to shift coaches after being announced to accommodate the best interest of the players and club. Some of our coaches also coach High School and/or College teams. Due to the time and travel commitments of these programs, a guest coach may be needed during their seasons.

Do existing teams stay the same during the next season?
HSC does not endorse a system of cutting and/or dropping players at U9 and lower. However, team transition in the U7 – U9 age groups may be necessary to keep players of like abilities and commitments together. U10 and older teams are subject to change at each tryout. The DOC’s will aid in formation of any hybrid teams necessary to compete in winter and/or spring leagues.

Can I bring an existing team into the HSC?
HSC sponsors an open tryout for all age groups. You are welcome to bring a group of players to the tryouts but teams will be selected as described herein.