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Norwalk Soccer Club - Norwalk, Iowa

FAQ

Norwalk Soccer Club (NSC) Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What ages can play soccer with Norwalk Soccer Club?
The "age" of a soccer player is determined on the birth year of each player. This is a change that US Soccer mandated. Norwalk has kids as young as 6 playing on 7U teams. NSC has teams in 7U through 14U age groups.

2. Who runs the Norwalk Soccer Club?
The NSC is a volunteer-based community organization run by its members, using an annually elected board.

3. Who chooses the coaches? Parent coaches for the 7U-14U teams are chosen through a mix of volunteerism and the director of coaching seeking willing and qualified parents/responsible adults. Coaches are required to perform a background check via the Iowa Soccer Association. Coaches are provided ideas and resources for planning practices.

4. If I sign my child up, how much will s/he get to play? Typical seasons are 7-8 games long, usually spread over 9-10 weeks because of holidays or weather cancellations. Everybody plays at least half of the game.  Playing time is not guaranteed for tournaments.

5. What does Level 4, Level 5, and Level 6 mean? There are three levels of play for Rec teams, as designated by Iowa Soccer. For a full explanation of these levels please see the Iowa Soccer website.

6. I've heard through the grapevine that Norwalk Soccer Club is "competitive". What does that mean? Our 7U-8U program is a learning exercise. No scores are kept at games, and no standings are kept. Team formation is based random team assignment for new players and teams previously played. We emphasize individual player development over trying to win as a team at these ages. We emphasize teaching soccer skills in a fun, age-appropriate, game-based environment. We emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship with players, parents, and referees. There are no tryouts or player evaluations of any sort. You just sign up and we get you on a team!

For our older players (beginning with the 11U year), we do run a more competitive program, again with an emphasis on player development.

7. Where/When will the games be? The answer to this depends on the age of your player. The 7U-8U teams have games on weekends; schedules are set by their league. The 9U and older games are scheduled through Iowa Soccer for weekends. Home games are played at the Norwalk McAninch Sports Park with away games scheduled throughout central Iowa. 

8. Who coaches the teams? Most coaches for the NSC are volunteers; either parents or others interested in developing soccer skills and a love of the game in young people. The NSC provides training opportunities for our volunteer coaches so that they can enhance their skills. 

9. My child has signed up for soccer. When will I hear something? The electronic registration provides you a receipt. If you do not get an electronic receipt, contact us immediately. Practice times are provided to coaches prior to the start of the season. You should receive a phone call and or email from your coach well before each season starts. 

10. We're going to our first practice next week. What should we bring?
A water bottle
Shin guards with socks that cover them
A ball (7U-8U: size 3; 9U-12U: size 4; 13U+ size 5)
Sneakers or soccer shoes are ok, especially for the youngest ages. Cleats are strongly recommended for 9U and older players. Soccer cleats are different from baseball cleats in that they do not have a central cleat in the front toe area. No metal cleats are allowed.

11. Are there special rules for the younger kids or do they play the regular game? As part of the Iowa Soccer Association, we play "small-sided games" on smaller fields in our younger age divisions. Small-sided games give greater opportunities for every player to touch the ball and achieve success, something that is critically important for younger players. There are some other simplifying rules as well; here are the highlights: 7U-8U plays 4 v 4 with no keeper. No penalty kicks. 7U-10U play with no "offsides" rule. 9U-10U plays 7 v 7 with a keeper. 11U-12U plays 9 v 9 with full rules. 13U and above play on a large field with the full rules as set forth by FIFA and Iowa Soccer Association. 

12. What about tournaments? Teams make the decision whether to play in extra tournaments on their own. We encourage teams to play in local tournaments, such as the Iowa Games, but the decision is up to the teams. Teams are responsible for their own entry fees. 

 

Contact Us

Norwalk Soccer Club

PO Box 431 
Norwalk, Iowa 50211

Email Us: [email protected]
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