The House Program runs an outdoor league in both the Spring and Fall and two Winter indoor sessions. Ages run from 6 to 17, depending on date of birth (please see the Age Matrix at our Registration Center). We will have a group for boys and girls in each of these divisions, except Under 17 which is coed, based on the number of registrants. We also run an Instructional Under 6 Program during the year.
The emphasis of the House Program is on development of basic soccer skills, social interaction, teamwork and most importantly, having fun! Previous knowledge of soccer is not necessary. All children play at least 50% of every game.
Below is an overview for the Under 8 to Under 17 House Program (please refer to the U6 Instructional link to the left for more information relating to the Under 6 Instructional Program):
Eligibility: Amherst Soccer is open to children who reside within the boundaries of Williamsville, Amherst Central and Sweet Home School Districts.
Registration Process: You should register online for any House Program by clicking here and going to our Registration Center. Mail-in registration forms are available, but should ONLY be used if you cannot use the On-Line Registration. Copies of those forms are available via this link. The forms are ONLY needed if you cannot use the online registration.
Age Requirements: Our House programs use combined age groupings as follows: Under 8 (U7 and U8), Under 10 (U9 and U10), Under 12 (U11 and U12), Under 14 (U13 and U14) and Under 17 (coed) [U15, U16, U17, U18, U19 (High School)]. An Under 11 division may be added based on the number of registrants. Please see the Age Matrix at our Registration Center for further clarification. Please note that these dates are strictly adhered. No exceptions will be made. A birth certificate must accompany all new players.
Fees:
Established for each program. Cost to register for only the Fall 2008 Outdoor season is $50. If you sign up for both the Fall and Spring 2009 program, the cost is only $80, a $20 saving! There will be a $20 charge imposed for all returned checks.
Refund Policy: Please be sure your child is certain he/she wants to play. There are no refunds.
Equipment: Players that purchased uniforms for the 2007 fall session or later (red and black uniforms) do not need to purchase new uniforms this year. Uniform Kits include 2 jerseys, shorts and socks. Cost for the kit is $35. Uniforms must be purchased at the time of registration.
Uniforms must be worn at games. Children must also have shin guards, a water bottle and a #4 soccer ball (U8, U10, U11, U12) or a #5 soccer ball (U14, U17). Soccer cleats are recommended, but not required.
Team Assignments: Our volunteer coordinators do the best job they can to place the children on teams. Due to the complexity of this task, no special requests will be honored. Siblings are kept together on a team within the same age division. We will, however, make an effort to keep players who register in the Spring with teammates from the Fall Season. Please remember we can only have as many teams as we have volunteers to coach. The number of participants may be limited by the availability of coaches. Therefore, those who register on time, but were last to be received, unfortunately may not be able to participate in the season (in these cases, refunds will be made).
Games: Eight games are planned for each session and are held on Saturdays with an occasional Sunday at various fields throughout the Town of Amherst. Game times vary week-to-week anywhere between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Games are approximately 1 hour in length.
Practices: There is generally one practice per week for outdoor programs, as set by the coach. There are no practices for the indoor leagues.
Parental Commitment: The Amherst Soccer Association is a volunteer organization. Any time/talent contribution you can give is greatly appreciated. House League parents are also asked to take a turn bringing a post-game snack and drink for the outdoor leagues.
Additional Information: Please visit our other pages on this website for more information and about other exciting programs such as our Summer Camps and our Travel Soccer Program, or email us at info@amherstsoccer.com or leave a message on our voice mailbox (559-3013).
