Q: I missed the registration deadline, can I still register my child?
A: Yes but being placed on a team is not guaranteed. Once registration closes we assess how many kids per age bracket registered and determine how many teams per division we can support. This quantity of teams is then submitted to the league and is locked at that point. If we receive registrations after the deadline, the child will be placed on a roster if there is room. If the rosters are full, unfortunately, the child will have to wait until the next season to play.

Q: I registered my child, when will I hear from my coach?
A: For the Fall season, teams are normally drafted by the middle of August and coaches notify their teams 2 to 3 weeks prior to the first scheduled game. For the Spring season, teams are drafted in late March and players are notified in early April If you know your coach and would like to contact him/her, there is a Coach contact list on the information page for the current season.

Q: How many practices will there be per week?
A: For both Spring and Fall, each coach is allocated field time for 2 practices per week. Depending on the coach, each team will have 1-2 practices during the week. Once the season starts, coaches may opt to reduce practices. In October, once the sun begins to set early, practices may be curtailed and eventually halted.  Clinic practices one time a week for 45 minutes to an hour and they do not play games.

Q: Where/when are the practices held?
A: Practices are held at either the school fields directly adjacent to Duffy/MacKinnon Schools or on the town fields directly behind the schools on Lafayette St. Depending on the age of the children and the coach, practices will run from 1-2 hours. Also, depending on the coach's schedule, practices will normally begin around 5 pm.

Q: Where are games played?
A: Home games are played on the same fields that we practice on (Duffy/MacKinnon). If your child is playing recreation (RVSL), away games may be played at Dover, Rockaway, Mt Arlington, Mine Hill, Roxbury, Long Valley, Parsippany, Jefferson, and Boonton/Mt. Lakes. If your child is playing travel soccer, the towns will change from season to season depending on flighting.

Q: How much does registration cost?
A: See Club Info tab for current prices. 

Q: What do I need to buy and what does the club provide?
A: The club will provide a jersey kit for rec players. Parents will need to buy their child soccer shin guards, soccer cleats (baseball/football cleats cannot be used), and a sports bottle to bring to practices & games. It is recommended that you buy your child a ball but not required. Ages 6-7 should use size 3, ages 8-11 should use size 4. 12 year old and above should use a size 5 ball. NOTE: No jewelry is allowed to be worn during practice or games (including ear rings)!

Q: How long is the season?
A: The Fall season begins with team practices around the end of August or beginning of September. The Fall Opening day is the first or second Saturday after Labor Day. Games are played for the next  8 consecutive Saturdays ending in early/mid November. The Spring season begins with practice in early April (weather/field condition permitting). The Opening Day for the Spring Season is usually in mid-April. Games are played on the next 8 Saturdays (season length is sometimes weather dependent).

Q: How old must my child be to start playing soccer?
A: A child must turn 6 years old by January first of that year in order to play for the Wharton Soccer Club. We run a clinic for 4 & 5 year olds concurrently with the season.

Q: What do I need to do to coach or volunteer?
A: First you should visit our Volunteer page and fill out the online form indicating how you would like to help the club. To coach you must first take the Rutgers SAFETY class (3hrs). The Rutgers class is non-sport specific and deals with coaching children, practice safety, etc. The Wharton Soccer Club also encourages soccer specific training, which is called the F License course. For complete coaching info, visit our Coaching Page. All volunteers must complete a NJYSA Kid's Safe Program Form.

Q: Can my child play soccer and another sport at the same time (baseball, softball, football, cheer-leading, etc.)?
A: Yes they can. The Wharton Soccer Club does not prohibit players from playing other sports during the same season. Playing two sports will undoubtedly cause conflicts. Resolution of those conflicts must be worked out between the parents, player and respective coaches on a case by case basis.

Q: How can I get the latest Wharton Soccer information?
A: Please join our Facebook page for all the latest details and our Club email distribution list. All the latest info is emailed to this list and it is the best and easiest way for parents, coaches and players involved with the Wharton Soccer Club to receive news. As always, all information will be posted on our website.

Q: What Division would my child play in? What's the difference?

A: The age/play breakout per division for recreation soccer is as follows:

AA Division is 15-17 years old
A Division is 13-14 years old
B Division is 11-12 years old
C Division is 9-10 years old 
D Division is 7-8 years old 
E Division is 6 years old
Clinic Program is 4-5 years old.  

AA, A& B Divisions play 11 player vs. 11 players, boys and girls play on separate teams and these games are played on a full size field.
C, D,& E Divisions play 8 players vs. 8 players, teams are comprised of both boys& girls and games are played on a small sided field.

Q: Can I request that my child be on a specific team? a specific coach? on the same team as a friend?
A: Yes, please email the club at [email protected] with any special requests and we will take them into consideration.

Q: My child is a very good player for his/her age, can I move him/her up a division?
A: Yes, that decision is up to the parents. However, this option should be pursued with caution. It is recommended that a player practice with the older team several times and then the coach and parents can decide appropriate final team placement.

Q: What's the difference between recreation soccer (RVSL) and travel soccer (MCYSA)?
A:
1. Travel is a more competitive level of soccer. Typically tryouts are held with only the best players selected.
2. Due to the increased level of competition, it is expected that all the players’ skills will improve accordingly. All WSC Travel Teams receive professional training at least one hour per week.
3. Travel soccer requires both a Fall and Spring commitment to play.
4. Travel soccer can be more expensive. Registration fees are for the entire year and, depending on your coach, players may be asked to split the cost of playing in additional tournaments.
5. Travel soccer generally requires further travel distances to away games. Each season teams are placed in 6 team flights. You play each team home and away. While we participate in a Morris County league, depending on what teams end up in your flight, you may need to travel to towns farther away than those in RVSL.
6. Recreation soccer games are played on Saturday, while Travel soccer games are played on Sunday afternoons.