Frequently Asked Questions

Players are allowed to play up to the next division level if it is in the best interest of the player and their current division. Children are only able to play up one division – i.e., a U8 player may play up to U10, but not U12.

The registration system will only allow a child to register for their age-appropriate division. However, please state your child’s desire to play up in the Additional Comments of the registration form. The Registrar will place your child in their next highest division when forming teams for that season.

SWM Rec focuses on exercise, fun, and fundamentals, which means our officials do not keep score for games. Players will receive encouragement and instruction from their Coach, to develop their skills and allow for a more enjoyable experience on the soccer field.

Only U10, U12, and U14 decisions may play games away from the Lakeshore Youth Soccer Complex. These teams may travel as far as Edwardsburg for an away game.

Divisions U8 and younger will play all of their games at the Lakeshore Youth Soccer Complex.

Players can expect no less than eight games in a season.

A current fee schedule, along with other information about Registration, can be accessed on the Registration Information page.

Older divisions (U10 – U14) will typically practice once a week for 60 minutes. The Coach will decide days and times for practices.

Players in divisions U8 and below are still developing, and will typically practice right before their games. There will not likely be additional practices held during the season.

During the season, your child will likely play one game during the school week and every Saturday. The schedule will before the season begins, but after team formation.

Your child’s Coach will schedule practices at their discretion, with input from the team.

SWM Rec’s Uniform and Equipment policy, and other league policies, are available on the League Policies page.

Every coach should set their participation expectations. If the player and coach can agree to an arrangement, the player should be allowed to participate in other activities.

Please keep in mind: Soccer is a team sport, so your child’s teammates rely on one another for familiarity and camaraderie on the soccer field. A lack of participation can negatively impact a team. The expectation is that a player will attend all practices and games, if at all possible.

You may view the refund policy and other league policies by clicking here.

SWM Rec coaches are unpaid volunteers that provide their time to guide children through a soccer season. Coaches are expected to communicate, encourage, and instruct players.

Coaches receive the necessary tools to teach soccer fundamentals. This knowledge allows players to form a basic understanding of soccer.

For Spring

• Registration opens in late January and is open through mid-March.
• Practices begin early to mid-April.
• Games begin mid- to late April.
• Spring season ends in early June.

For Fall

• Registration opens in the middle of June.
• Practices begin in late August.
• Games begin mid-September.
• The fall season ends in late October / beginning of November.

A child’s birthyear determines the age group (also known as a “division”) for a player.

You can access the age-chart and more on the General Information page.

Please submit your question to the SWM Rec by clicking here.

A member of our Board will typically respond within 24 hours.