MOUNTAINS REcreational

Mountains Recreational Program Overview

The Recreation Program is designed for beginners and youths interested in playing soccer in a less competitive environment. Basic soccer skills are taught and reinforced. United Futbol Academy supports US Youth Soccer’s teaching philosophy with respect to small-sided soccer. This philosophy allows the game to be the teacher by maximizing each player’s touches on the ball and encourages all the players to develop their skills in all positions. Further, the philosophy discourages intense competition until the older age groups.

Our Recreational Program currently consists of players from the age of 3 through the age of 18. Please take note that there is no skill level requirement at any age, I.E. we will have children of all levels participating on each team in our program. We have developed a system that provides both a fun and productive environment for players at all levels. Although our focus is predominantly on the enjoyment of playing the game, we would also like to utilize our time effectively with the children by teaching them as much as possible about the game and the skills needed to excel in the sport.

  • Youth ages 3-18 (U4-U19)
  • NO tryouts and NO skill level requirements!!
  • Assessments for the U6, U8 and U10 age groups are held each season and are necessary for team formation and to help balance teams.
  • Each team requires a volunteer parent coach.
  • Questions for new players?  Contact Stephanie Buquoi, UFA Mountains Recreational Director, at stephanie@unitedfa.org.

Rec Seasonal Info

PRACTICE SCHEDULE BY FIELD 

Practices will be held at the park that you selected during your registration - Rock Creek Park, Yahoola creek Park, Roper Park, Fannin County Park, Elan Soccer Park or Gilmer County Soccer Complex. Players at all parks may wear either turf shoes or cleats (no metal cleats) for practices and games.  Please note, no special shoes are required for Mini League players. Sneakers can be worn. New for Fall 2024: Dawson U5/U6 teams will practice on Friday evenings. Due to field availability, if a practice is rained out during the week there will be no make up practice scheduled. The rainout line is 844-468-6832 x720. This will be updated by 3:30 PM on inclement weather days. Another option is to check the website at mountains.unitedfa.org, and look for Field Status in the lower right corner of middle of the page.


VOLUNTEERS

Throughout the season parent volunteers will be in great demand. We will need coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers for each team. If you are interested in volunteering for any of these positions, please let us know via email as soon as possible or by registering as a volunteer when you register your child. 


SPECIAL REQUESTS

All special requests regarding either playing on a specific team, or playing on the same team as another player will be considered but are not guaranteed. All special requests must be received by January 20th for the spring season and July 20th for the Fall season in order to be considered.

Any player wishing to play up to the next age group must first be approved by the Recreational Director. 


FIELD LOCATIONS

All practices and Home games will be held at at the park that you selected during your registration - Rock Creek Park, Yahoola creek Park, Roper Park, Fannin County Park, Elan Soccer Park or Gilmer County Soccer Complex.

Most U5 & U6 games will be played at your practice park location (an occasional game may be scheduled at the other park). U8 - U12 games will be played at Rock Creek Sports Complex, Yahoola Creek Park, Roper Park, Fannin County Park, Elan Soccer Park or Gilmer County Soccer Complex (with potential for an occassional game at Matt Community Park). U14 & Up will play home games at your practice park location. Please note, the U14, U16 and U19 age groups are Inter-league between neighboring clubs, so please anticipate some traveling on the weekends for some games. 


UNIFORMS 

The uniform ordering process and uniform fee will be completely separate from the program registration and fee. Our recreational uniforms are intended to be used for three seasonal years. Our 3 seasonal years will run from Fall 2023 to Spring 2026. Parents will be required to purchase the kit through the Lloyds online Uniform Store. You will be sent an Invite to the store after registration.


Please note, you need to order your player’s uniform as soon as you receive an email from Lloyds Soccer (orders@LloydsSoccer.com) with ordering instructions. Delaying the order may result in your player not having a uniform in time for the first game of the season.

Rec Leagues

Mini League U4

  • No set teams
  • Central trainers
  • 6 – 45 minutes clinics serving as practices/games
  • Parents serve as assistant trainers


MINI LEAGUE

The Mini League is a FUN introductory program designed for boys and girls three years old. See the Age Group Chart here. This is a success-based program designed to develop a player’s confidence and a life-long love of the game of soccer. The Mini League program is run as a parent/child clinic format. We will have a trainer assisted by the parent/s of each player. We will work on soccer skills each week through a variety of games and activities. There are no set teams. The 6-week long season takes place on Friday evenings (Fannin takes place on Mondays), typically 5:30-6:15pm. The participation fee per season is $95 which includes a t-shirt and ball per seasonal year (both fall and spring seasons = one seasonal year). I.E. - If you participated in the fall Mini League, you will not receive a new ball and t-shirt. Players may wear sneakers. 


Mighty League: U5, U6 & U8

  • U5 & U6 teams are coed, U8 teams are gender based,  unless there are not enough participants in a specific age group.
  • One – one (1) hour practice/week
  • Dawson U5/U6 teams will practice on Friday evenings.
  • Volunteer Parent Coach
  • Volunteer Parent Team Manager


 Champions League:  U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19

  • Teams are gender based, unless there are not enough participants in a specific age group.
  • Two - One (1) hour practices/week total
  • Volunteer Parent Coach
  • Volunteer Parent Team Manager


Game Format

  • At least 8 games a season for U5 and up, usually on Saturdays.
  • Intra-league games for U6-U12 are scheduled by UFA.
  • Inter-league games for U14 may be scheduled by UFA.
  • U5 & U6 teams play 3v3 sided games
  • U8 teams play 5v5 sided games
  • U10 teams play 7v7 sided games
  • U12 teams play 9v9 sided games
  • U14 & up teams play 11v11 sided games. The games are usually scheduled by our US Club Alliance, not UFA.


Each player will play a minimum of one half of each game. As with all other commitments, it is expected that players attend practices on a regular basis,

inform the coach of anticipated absences, and arrive at the field on game day at the time designated by the coach.

Participation Fees & What's Included

Rec Uniforms

Beginning in the Fall 2023 season, UFA will be moving to an online uniform ordering system with Lloyd's Soccer for our Recreational uniforms. Lloyd's Soccer has been our UFA uniform provider for over a decade and has provided exceptional quality and service to our UFA families in that time. We will also be transitioning to a two-jersey uniform kit. This will allow us to have Home and Away jerseys on game days.


Why Change the Process Now?

Due to supply chain issues and shipping delays that we’ve experienced in the past, our Recreational Staff has been continually evaluating our uniform ordering processes for the past several years. We believe that the time is right to transition to online ordering so that our UFA Recreational families can order their child’s size as opposed to receiving the manufacturer’s recommended size for their age group. 


Lloyd's Soccer will be taking all uniform orders directly from every UFA family through a uniform ordering store and will ship your uniform directly to your doorstep!


Will the Uniforms Still Change Every Seasonal Year?

No, UFA uniforms will also transition to a multi-year uniform cycle. Our recreational uniforms are intended to be used for three seasonal years. Our three seasonal years will run from Fall 2023 through Spring 2026.


What Will the Uniform Kit Include and What is the Cost?

The mandatory Rec uniform kit will consist of a Home and Away Adidas jersey – Blue jersey (Home), Black jersey (Away), black Adidas shorts and black Adidas socks. The full kit must be initially purchased, and the cost will be $60 for youth sizes and $62 for adult sizes plus shipping and handling.


One of the benefits of the new uniforms we have selected will be that we can extend the time between style changes to help families save money. Because Lloyd's Soccer has the ability to provide individual replacement items, it will be easier than ever to order a new jersey, shorts or socks should your player lose or outgrow their current uniform individual pieces. 


How Does this Impact My Registration Fee?

The uniform ordering process and uniform fee will be completely separate from the program registration and fee starting in the Fall 2023 season. Parents will be required to purchase the kit through the Lloyd's Online Uniform Store once they’ve received an invite after completing their player’s registration. Please note, the uniform kit should be ordered as soon as possible after the email from Lloyd's Soccer (orders@LloydsSoccer.com) with ordering instructions has been received. Delaying the order may result in your player not having a uniform in time for the first game of the season.

Rec Uniform Sizing Chart

Mountains Recreational FAQ

  • Do you need prior experience to sign up for recreational soccer?

    No skill level requirement at any age, i.e. we will have children of all levels participating on each team in our Recreational program. We have developed a system that provides both a fun and productive eyour player to play with another player. nvironment for players at all levels.

  • When is registration?

    Regular Registration for the Fall season begins May 1st and is open until July 20th. On July 21st, a late fee of $20 applies and team placement depends upon availability. Regular Registration for the Spring season begins November 1st and is open until January 20th. On January 21st, a late fee of $20 applies and team placement depends upon availability.

  • Can we make SPECIAL REQUESTS?

    You may request for your player to play with another player. All special requests regarding playing on the same team as another player will be considered but are not guaranteed. We also strive for parity among the teams to maximize the enjoyment of all players involved. All special requests must be received by July 20th for the Fall season and January 20th for the Spring season in order to be considered. Registering early will aid in our attempt to grant your requests.

  • When will someone contact us after registration?

    We have coaches meetings scheduled about two weeks prior to the start of practices each season. Coaches will begin contacting their teams immediately following the Recreational Coaches Meetings. If you have not heard from a coach before your team practice starts, please contact Recreational Director, Stephanie Buquoi at Stephanie@unitedfa.org.

  • When does the season start/end?

    The first game of the Fall season is the weekend after Labor Day. The final game will be mid-November. The first game of the Spring season is the first weend in March. The final game will be mid-May.

  • When do the teams start practicing?

    Practices typically begin two weeks before the first game. Practices begin late-August for the Fall season and mid-February for the Spring season.

  • What age group will my player participate in?

    Our registration system will automatically place your child in their appropriate age group based on the Age Group Chart. The birthday cutoff is January 1st. The “U” associated with an age group means “under”, i.e. a U10 team consists of players who were 8 or 9 years old as of January 1st.

  • Can my player play up an age group?

    Generally, players will play in their own age group, but occasionally players will want to play up an age group. Any player wishing to play up to the next age group must first be assessed and approved by the Recreational Director. If approved, the player will be moved to the division they will be playing up to.

  • Can my player play down an age group?

    No, we are governed by US Club and they will not allow any players to play down, regardless of size, skill or handicaps. Even if a doctor’s excuse is received requesting that the player play down an age group, we still cannot do it.

  • What are assessments and why are they necessary?

    Assessments, if applicable, are held prior to each season. Assessments are not tryouts. We make every attempt to form balanced teams to ensure every team is able to compete.  The Assessment process aids us in identifying each registrant's play level, so that we will have accurate information during team formation. This information is particularly important in helping us grant special requests.  Also, we do not break up existing teams, but use the information identified in the assessments to fill open spots on teams with the appropriate level player to help balance the teams. If you’re not able to participate in assessments, please email your Recreational Director, Stephanie Buquoi at Stephanie@unitedfa.org.

  • Are the teams coed?

    Teams are coed for the U6 division. Beginning with U8 and up, the teams are generally gender specific. UFA may put together a coed team, if there are not enough participants in a specific age group.

  • What is included in the participation fee?

    US Club registration and insurance, referee fees, coaching education, field use and maintenance and league administration.

  • What equipment will my player need?

    Each player should have:


    ·       Shin guards


    ·       Players at all parks may wear either turf shoes or cleats (no metal cleats) for practices and games.  Please note, no special shoes are required for Mini League players. Sneakers can be worn.


    ·       Age appropriate soccer ball – U6 and U8 divisions use a size 3 soccer ball, U10 & U12 use a size 4 soccer ball, U14, U16 and U19 use a size 5 soccer ball.


    ·       Water and/or sports drink


    ·       Sunscreen is recommended for warm months


    .       Jewelry is not permitted



  • What are turf shoes versus soccer cleats?

    Soccer cleats generally have about 9 or so large studs for traction. Turf shoes generally have 20 – 30 (or more) tiny rubber nubs for traction. Turf shoes are intended for hard ground but are much easier on grass fields than cleats.

  • What is the uniform process?

    The uniform ordering process and uniform fee will be completely separate from the program registration and fee. Our recreational uniforms are intended to be used for three seasonal years. Our 3 seasonal years will run from Fall 2023 to Spring 2026. Parents will be required to purchase the kit through the Lloyds online Uniform Store. You will be sent an Invite to the store after registration.

  • How do I get my uniform?

    The uniforms will be sent directly to parents form Lloyd's soccer. (Families in Fannin will recieve thier uniform kits from the coach after the Coaches Meeting in August)



  • What is included in the recreational uniform package?

    The U6 & Up uniform includes a jersey, short and socks. Each U4 Mini League participant is given a UFA Mini League t-shirt and ball.

  • Who will coach my player’s team?

    Each team requires a volunteer parent coach. Each season volunteer parent coaches are in great demand. Our intent is to provide as many players as possible the opportunity to play, therefore every season UFA has to search for additional people to coach because there are often not enough coaches to cover all of the teams.  Prior coaching and/or soccer experience is not required. We encourage our coaches to attend the coaching courses offered by Georgia Soccer.  Please click on the link below to view courses.


    http://gs.affinitysoccer.com/eventmanager/public/calendarlist.asp?calguid=&eventtab=current



  • Where will my player practice?

    Practices will be held at Rock Creek Sports Complex, Yahoola Creek Park, Roper Park, Fannin County Park, Elan Soccer Park (Union) or Gilmer Co Soccer Complex. Teams will have all of their practices at the park of their team's practice park preference. The practice park assignment and team assignment is based on location preference (Dawson, Lumpkin, Pickens, Fannin, Union or Gilmer) selected during your registration.

  • What day and/or time will my player’s team practice?

    The practice schedule by park location can be found on the website by going to our Mountains.UnitedFA.Org Home Page and selecitng the Schedules block. A link to the practice schedule for each location can be found there.


    New for Fall 2024: Dawson U5/U6 teams will practice on Friday evenings.

  • Where will the soccer games be played?

    U6 games will generally be played at your practice park location (a very occasional game may be scheduled at another park). U8 - U12 games will have a home/away schedule unless we have sufficient teams to schedule all home games. U14 & Up will play home games at your practice park location. Please note, the U14, U16 and U19 age groups are Inter-league between neighboring clubs, so please anticipate some traveling on the weekends for some games.

  • When will the soccer games be played?

    Most games are on Saturday’s. Saturday games start anytime from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Teams may have some games on Sunday’s, with all Sunday games starting at 1:00 pm or later when scheduled at UFA.

  • When will the game schedule be available?

    The full season game schedule should be available 1–2 weeks prior to the first game. The only exception may be the U14 and above divisions. Because we coordinate with neighboring clubs, the full game schedule may not be available until the week of the first game.

  • How many games will the teams have?

    All teams are guaranteed to have 8 games during the season.

  • How do I check field status for games/practices?

    UFA has a field status hotline (844) GoToUFA or (844) 468-6832 ext. 720 for Mountains; however, the most expedient way to learn of field closings will be to check our website by clicking on Field Status on the home page. The website is updated daily by 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on game days. For directions on how to receive text and/or email alerts about field status from rainedout.com, please visit our Home page and scroll to About Us>Fields.


    What is Fast Track?  Fast Track is an optional bridge program between the Recreational Program and the Academy Program. A demanding training program, “Fast Track Training Program” will not only challenge its participants during sessions, but will also specifically require players to keep perfecting their skills through extra work at home. The focus will be on acquiring and mastering proper basic soccer skills, crucial for the Academy level. In addition to the usual one practice a week on their recreational team, a more intense training will be held once every two weeks by a UFA staff trainer.


    This program is not a guarantee to move up to the Academy, but an opportunity to be exposed to a higher level of training.  Fast Track is for U7 & above UFA Recreational players who are interested in a more serious and intense training program. For more information, please contact Stephanie Buquoi at Stephanie@unitedfa.org.



  • What if I need a refund?

    UFA has a no refund policy with the following being the ONLY exceptions: the player becomes injured to the point that they are unable to participate for the remainder of the season and presents a doctor's note to the club. In which case, the refund will be prorated. The other exception is the season has begun and we are unable to place your child on a team.

  • What happens if my child is placed on the Waiting List?

    The number of teams in each age group is determined by the number of registrants in said age group. A waiting list occurs when we have enough registrants to fill the roster for each team in the age group. Upon registration, if a player is placed on the waiting list, every attempt is made to place that player by forming new teams if at all possible. The more players we have on the waiting list, the easier it is to form new teams. If upon registration you see that your player will be placed on the waiting list, we encourage you to please proceed with your registration. If for any reason we are unable to place your child on a team, you will receive a full refund of the registration fees.