CVUSC - Club FAQs
If you're new to the adventure of having your children play youth soccer, the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) should help you understand the basics of how our Youth House Soccer Program is organized, what your child can expect, and what your volunteer commitment as a parent will be. House League is for players aged U5 to U18. House league is a non-competitive program played in two distinct seasons, Fall and Spring.
- How old do my kids need to be to play soccer?
- Where is the club located?
- What other amenities does the club offer?
- What equipment is required?
- Do I need to buy a uniform?
- How do I register?
- When does registration start?
- Where can I register?
- Can I use my credit card?
- How much does it cost?
- When does the soccer seasons start and end?
- What do the "Us" mean?
- How are the players organized into teams?
- How are the teams created?
- How many players are on a team?
- How big is the time commitment?
- Do boys and girls play on the same soccer teams?
- Who coaches youth soccer?
- Does the Club offer soccer training programs?
- What is Coach-the-Coach?
- I don't know anything about coaching soccer. What are my other volunteer options?
How old do my kids need to be to play soccer?
Comox Valley United Soccer Club has teams for players 5 to 17 years old (U6 to U18). Children are welcome to start playing soccer at any age within that range.
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Where is the club located?
Our playing fields are located through out the Comox Valley. The club has four game fields located at our Clubhouse on Lerwick. Additional game fields are located in Courtenay at Woodcote Park and Vanier High School and in Comox at Highland High School. Practices are held at most school fields in Courtenay and Comox. Indoor practices are held in the School Districts 71 school gymnasiums. Your child's coach will book indoor practice through the club.
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What other amenities does the club offer?
The club maintains a large clubhouse at 1701 Lerwick Rd in Courtenay. The clubhouse has a concession, change rooms, washrooms and boardroom facilities. Club team wear (e.g. tracksuits, hoodies, sweatpants, t-shirts and toques) can be purchased at the clubhouse.
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What equipment is required?
The only equipment your child needs to play soccer is shorts, soccer socks, a pair of soccer cleats and shin guards. The club supplies the soccer balls, pennies and all other equipment.
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Do I need to buy a uniform?
No, the club supplies all uniforms. For U6-U7 players this consists of t-shirt. For all other age levels the club supplies a jersey. At the beginning of the season, each U8-U18 player provides a $50 uniform deposit cheque, which is cashed only if the jersey is not returned at the end of the season. This is strictly enforced.
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How do I register?
To join Comox Valley United Soccer Club, all you need to do is register your child and pay seasonal registration fees. We offer both Fall and Spring Youth House programs. Each season has its own registration.
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When does registration start?
Registration begins immediately after the close of the previous soccer season - typically this means November and June of each year. To ensure that your child is placed on a team we encourage all interested players to register early, and take advantage of the rates before they increase. Registrations are accepted up until mid-August (for Fall season) and mid-February (for Spring season), but cost more after those dates.
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Where can I register?
The club has four registration days per House season. Players can also register at the Courtenay Recreation Centre (CRA) during normal office hours. Check the Registration page for specific dates the CRA will accept registrations and the date for the next club registration day.
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How much does it cost?
The full soccer season costs are different for the different age groups of house players. For current registration fees see our Registration Page. Family Rate (three or more players): Fourth player is free.
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When does the soccer seasons start and end?
The Comox Valley United Soccer Club has two separate seasons, fall and spring. Players may play in one or both seasons. Each season has its own registration. The fall season starts mid September and runs through to the last week of Nov. There is a winter break and the spring season starts the last week of March or the first week of April and runs through to the middle of June.
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What do the "Us" mean?
The "U" stands for "under" and is always followed by a specific age. For example, "U11" means the player turns age 10 by the end of the year based on the Fall soccer season and remains in that same age group thru the following Spring Season. This system is used because the calendar year of a child's birth determines the age group in which he or she plays. Age categories for the teams can be found on our Registration Page.
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How are the players organized into teams?
Bambinos & Micros
Boys and girls play on mixed teams in our Micros division. For the playing season the children are placed on teams of 6 to 8 players. Each Saturday coaches will lead a short practice followed by a game. There are no weekly practices in Bambinos and Micros over the Saturday practice.
Fab 4s, Super 6s, Super 8s and 11 aside
Boys and girls play on teams made up of their own gender. Girls have the option of playing on a boys team. Games are played on Saturdays. Start time and locations depend on the season and age group your child is in. Games are usually an hour. Teams will practice once a week. Practice time and locations are your child's coach's choice.
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How are the teams created?
Players are placed on teams based on there ability and soccer experience. Organizers try and balance team overall strengths. Request to play on another player's team and with a particular coach will generally not be honoured.
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How many players are on a team?
Teams typically consist of sufficient numbers to have 3 spares over the number per side the division plays. In Super 6s for example the game is 6 aside so the preferred team size is 9. On occasion teams will have fewer or more spares depending on the number of players registered in the division.
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How big is the time commitment?
In the House division games are about an hour and are played once a week on Saturdays. Practices are 1 to 1½ hours depending on the age of player. Micro to U6 players play and practice only once a week on Saturdays.
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Do boys and girls play on the same soccer teams?
They do in Micros and the U16 to U18 division. In all other age groups girls have the option of playing with the boys. Girls wishing to play on a boys team must indicate so at registration.
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Who coaches youth soccer?
The vast majority of coaches and assistant coaches are volunteers and parents of one of the kids on their team. They all share enthusiasm for community sport, and have varying levels of experience with soccer. The club strongly recommends coaches attain the appropriate BCSA Community Coach certification for the age and skill level they coach. To this end, the club will pay club coaches to complete their Community Coach Children (CCC), Community Coach Youth (CCY) or Community Coach Senior (CCS) levels.
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Does the Club offer soccer training programs?
Yes, the club has a VP - of Development (Head Coach) whose job is to guide the development of the club's players and coaches. Along with the assistance of more experience coaches, the District Development Centre and BC Soccer the Head Coach will offer or organize training programs for both players and coaches.
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What is Coach-the-Coach?
Coach-the-Coach is training programs free to our coaches. Coach-the-Coach sessions offered by the Head Coach or an agency hired by the club.
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I don't know anything about coaching soccer. What are my other volunteer options?
Absolutely! All parents are required to help out the club by either coaching, or assisting with the numerous other tasks that come with organizing a soccer season for our youth players. A few of the positions include: Division Managers to organize age divisions and distribute information. Concession helpers are required once a week. Registration takers are required throughout the year as are helpers to hand out and re-collect equipment. Parents are always needed every weekend to help move goals, put up and take down goal nets and run the lines. Many more jobs have to be done in the club.
For more detailed Volunteering Information, please navigate to our Club Volunteer Page. If you can help out please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.
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