Frequently Asked Questions
1.What programs does NYSL offer?
• Recreational (Div. 4) and Club Programs (Divisions 1 & 3)
2.Why does NYSL offer a variety of programs?
• Provides greater opportunity for the parents and players to select the level of play and commitment best suited to their goals
3.What is the main difference in the NYSL programs?
• Recreation offers city-league recreational play with open enrollment and no try-outs. Players should get equal field time. Skill levels vary.
• Club offers more competitive play and travels outside Napa. Talent-based play requiring try-outs. Requires mandatory parent participation and support, with Spring –Fall play.
4.When does the season start and end?
• Recreation practices start early August and games run August-November, with November age appropriate All-star games
• Club try-outs are usually held in February-March. Practices start in April/May and games can include both Fall and Spring schedules.
5.What are the costs?
• Recreation is $80. Additional siblings are $70.
• Club is $300 per player.
6.When is registration?
• Recreation opens online registration March 1 and offers walk-in registration at New Tech High on May 5,16 and 19. (New players should bring birth certificates: please refer to Validation of children’s birth documents at the end of the FAQs.)
• Club registration is at try-outs (consult web site for details).
7.How are teams formed?
• Recreation is generally geographic and typically formed using the player’s school as the primary consideration; some coach selection will be considered.
• Club requires try-outs and coaches are assigned.
8.How many kids on a team?
• 10-16 depending on the age group.
9.How many players on the field?
• Recreation: U6 (3v3), U8 (4v4), U10 (6v6), U12 (8v8), U14 (11v11), U16 (11v11), and U19 (11v11).
• Club: U10 & U11-8v8, and U12 up-11v11.
10.Can I pick my child’s team or coach?
• Recreation teams are typically formed based on geography, and/or schools; for U6-U10, coaches requests and selections may be honored
• Club is assigned
11.What do I do if my child’s team does not have a coach?
• NYSL attempts to provide coaches but more volunteers are essential. Training is available if you would like to volunteer. Forward coach inquiries to coaches@nysl.org
12.What about uniforms?
• Recreation teams use standard reversible uniforms from Replay Sports ($30) or the Coliseum; some older teams may seek league approval for custom uniforms, Club assigns team uniforms ($100).
13.How can I get more information on the league programs?
• Visit www.nysl.org, or www.napavalleysoccerclub.org
Validation of children’s birth documents:
Every year a few parents express some concern over sending a copy of their children's birth documents to us. Ultimately, we need to see an official government issued proof of your child's birth date. Without that, your child will not play soccer with Napa Youth Soccer League. Below is an explanation of our age verification process.
We receive about 10-20 birth documents at our post office box each week. Until an appropriate amount time is set aside to process documents, all envelopes remain sealed. After the age verification process is complete, each document is shredded. Everyone who comes in contact with your child's demographic information fills out a disclosure form, a database access form and is subject to a LiveScan background check.
You are free to redact any information on your child's birth documents except:
1. Child's full name
2. Child's date of birth
3. Mother's date of birth
4. Issuing agency
Your possible methods of delivery are:
1. Mail a copy to the NYSL PO Box
2. Scan and email a copy to registrar@nysl.org
3. Show up at a walk-in registration day and physically show a league official the document
No special arrangements will be made to process your child's birth documents.