Frequently Asked Questions

Age divisions, expectations, and game rules can feel confusing when you’re new to youth soccer. Click or tap on each division to learn more information.

  • Age divisions run on a yearly cycle from August 1 to July 31. Your child's division is based on the age they'll be on July 31 — an 8-year-old plays U9, a 9-year-old plays U10, and so on. Children can always play up a division if coaches feel it's appropriate, but never down.

  • The instructional level is meant to teach the fundamentals for ball handling in a fun and age appropriate way. We partner with the organization Coerver to bring in expert coaches to help volunteers learn how to coach and structure practices. The older instructional divisions will focus on game play to prepare children for 4v4 games.


    No Travel Required

  • This level introduces game play on a smaller field with four players per side. There are no goalies. Many kids spend four seasons at this level, so expect a variety of skills. An older team may dominate a game, while a younger team may struggle for their first season.

    If you are coaching, keeping an eye on blowout protocol and communicating with the opposing team’s coach and the ref will be key in making sure the game remains fun and appropriate for all.

    Playing time: Equal
    Division: CJSA Northeast Division
    Expected travel: ~4 away games, up to 30 minutes away

  • This level introduces the goalie position to the game. Expect coaches to ask every player to try goalie at some point. There may be two practices a week, depending on the team and field availability. This is where teams split into recreation and competitive divisions. The competitive division will encompass one age group (ex: U9 Competitive Team), while the recreation team will encompass two age groups (U9 and U10).

    The field is about three times the size as the U8 field. Expect players to begin learning more about playing various positions and tactics on the field. Players will learn about the offsides rule, enforced starting at the breakout line.

    Playing Time: Equal
    Division: CJSA Northeast
    Competition Level: Division IV
    Rec Level: Division V
    Expected travel: ~4 away games, up to 45 minutes away

  • 9v9 builds on skills learned at 7v7 while adding two additional positions. The field is bigger, with the offsides rule beginning at the half line. Players learn to advance the ball calmly from their own defensive third under pressure.

    Division: CJSA Central North Central
    Competition Level: Division IV
    Rec Level: Division V
    Expected travel: ~4 away games, up to 60 minutes away

Player Evaluations

Player Evaluations are for players rising U9 through U12 divisions in the Fall. Evaluations score player skill levels in areas like passing, ball control, shooting, and gameplay.  Gathering this data allows us to create competition teams and balanced rec teams. Note: Everyone gets placed on a team, whether it is a competition team or a rec team. We do not cut players.

  • Every child who submits their registration on time is guaranteed a spot on a recreational (Division 5) team, provided there are enough players registered for the team and volunteers to coach. The teams will travel to play other towns in the Northeast District.

  • Spots are not guaranteed on competitive teams. Placements are offered based on evaluation scores, coach’s input, and registration numbers. Comp teams also play other towns in the Northeast District. Additional "friendly" games may be scheduled at the coach's discretion with towns in neighboring districts. Depending on field availability, coaches may hold extra practices.

    Players are required to try out each year at evaluations if they want to be placed on a Divison IV team in the fall.

Glossary of Terms

  • Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. CJSA divides into regional divisions.

  • Higher competitive division of play

  • Lower recreational division of play

  • Implemented when there is a large gap in goals scored. For example, if one team has 10 goals, and the other team has 2, the coaches and refs can work together to make the game more equitable and fair to both teams.

    Examples include:

    • Losing team adds a player

    • Winning team removes a player

    • Winning team implements a “pass x amount of times” policy for the remainder of the game

    Note: getting kids to “pull back” can be difficult! Coaches are expected to make every effort to make the game fair and fun for all players.

  • At the recreational level, playing time is equal to ensure all players are able to have field time and touches on the ball. Playing time may differ at the competitive level, at the coach’s discretion.

  • The competitive division (Division IV) is a higher level of play for athletes who are looking for a bigger challenge on the field. There may be multiple practices a week at the discretion of the coaches, and travel may be farther. Teams are made based on evaluation results, coach’s input, and registration numbers. Regardless of division, every registered player will be placed on a team.

  • Appears at the U9/U10 level. A dashed line between the halfway line and the goalie box to show players where to line up when the goalie has the ball. It also indicates where the offsides rule begins.