Recreational

Recreational Overview

The general purpose of the EMSSC Recreational Program is to provide a coordinated soccer program for the children of the community, regardless of where they reside. Anyone is welcome to join us at EMSSC. The program is designed for the kids to have fun with an emphasis on sportsmanship as well as on the development of skills. Coaches are volunteer coaches with the assistance of our DOC staff.

Starting in 2025, registration will be separate for the Fall Season and Spring Season. Each season will still see 6 weeks of games, but registration for each season will be required. Practices will typically begin 2 weeks prior to the first game. Practice times and dates are scheduled by the coach.

Fall 2025 was our inaugural season as an Official MLS Go Partner Recreational League. We are excited to bring this positive change to our community. Click below to learn more!

MLS Go Information

Why Join our MLS GO Recreational program?

The MLS GO Recreational Program is for those players who enjoy the spirit of the game but do not desire the more intense competition or commitment required for participation on a competitive team. Emphasis of our recreational league is on providing a fun and structured activity for the player to enjoy while learning the game. Teams are organized using the information collected at registrations. All efforts are made to accommodate special requests and to group players with kids from their schools.

A full uniform is provided that includes a jersey, shorts and socks! It's the real deal!

Rules & Regulations

Game Day Etiquette

This is recreational soccer. The focus is for players, coaches, and referees to gain knowledge on the concepts of soccer, learn good sportsmanship, and to have fun! EMSSC will NOT tolerate any derogatory language or dissension from any participant, coach, referee, or spectator.

Park only in authorized parking areas.

The center drive going down the middle of the park is NOT for drop-off.

By city ordinance, dogs are not allowed at Jacobs Northeast Park.

Arrive 30 minutes prior to your game to ensure proper warm-up.

Spectators are not permitted to sit on the team sides of the field, nor at the ends of the fields as these are distractions to the players and coaches.

Keep in mind, referees are learning too.

Game Day Readiness

Absolutely NO jewelry, except for medical alert bracelets.

Hard casts are not permitted.

Shin guards are mandatory.

Cleats are not mandatory, but are strongly recommended. Cleats with a toe spike are not permitted.

Dress for the weather. The temperatures are always more extreme at Jacobs Northeast Park.

Bring your ball, a water and a great attitude! Game days are fun!

Coaches and/or parents can decide if treats for the team should be provided. Take turns providing. The kids love treats at the end of their games!

Trainings / Practices

Please communicate with your coach regarding practice location, dates and times. Trainings will vary by coach.

Always wear shin guards, even at practice...at all times!

Bring a ball if you have one. If you do not, the coaches will have a few.

Bring water. Water breaks are a must for all the littles!

Dress for the weather. The temperatures are always more extreme at Jacobs Park or any park.

Differences By Division

Age Group	Competition Size	Length	Breaks	Ball Size	Additional Rules
4-6	3v3	(4) 10 minute quarters	2-4-2	4	Build out line
7-8	4v4	(4) 10 minute quarters	2-4-2	4	Build out line
9-10	7v7	(2) 20 minute halves	5 min half	4	Build out, offsides
11-12	7v7	(2) 20 minute halves	5 min half	4	Build out, offsides
13-14	9v9	(2) 25 minute halve	5 min half	5	Build out, offsides

Additional faq

Volunteers

Equipment Exchange

EMSSC believes that all players should have a ball, shin guards and a pair or cleats. We have setup an Equipment Exchange where equipment can be donated and participants needed items can take them free of charge.

Needing Equipment?
If you are in need of cleats, shin guards or a soccer ball, stop by the garage (located next to the concession stand) on Saturdays during Rec season and take a look at the donated inventory.

Donations
Don't throw out those perfectly good items that no longer fit or are no longer needed. Drop them off at the garage on Saturday mornings during Rec season or anytime you see it open. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Registration Timeline

Registration typically ends about 3 weeks prior to the first games. EMSSC posts the open registration on the website, as well as sends out emails to prior participants. For the Fall 2025 season, registration ends on August 31. We make every effort to send fliers to most local schools and post on all of our social medias. In the weeks following the registration deadline we are creating the rosters, scheduling the games, ordering uniforms, meeting with the team coaches, and preparing the facilities.

Initial Contact

Approximately 2-3 weeks before the first scheduled games the coaches are given their team rosters and should begin contacting team members. The practice locations and times are determined by the coach.

If your team does not have a coach, this process may get delayed.

Please make sure that you download the LeagueApps Play app as soon you complete a registration for all team and club communication! & keep and eye on your email.

Difference Between Competitive and Rec Programs

The EMSSC Recreational program, more commonly referred to as Rec, provides the basic introduction to the sport of soccer. Rec is available to children ages 4 to 14. Rec games happen for 6 consecutive weeks, always on Saturdays, and always at Jacobs Northeast Park. There are typically 1-2 practices a week and 6 games per the fall and spring season. A weekend may be skipped if EMSSC is hosting a tournament during the season. Starting fall of 2025, EMSSC is transitioning to be an official MLS Go Partner Recreational League.

The EMSSC Competitive program, often referred to as travel, is a competitive program for children who have demonstrated more advanced soccer skills. Competitive participation comes at a higher involvement in both time and money. Competitive games occur Saturdays and Sundays and at many locations throughout the region. There are typically 2-3 practices a week and 6 games per spring/fall season, not including the tournaments per season. The number of tournaments vary by team.

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