Players First FAQs

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Our registration programs will guide you to the correct age group, based on your child's grade year in school and/or date of birth.  Please do not alter your child's date of birth.  

Why is registration based on grade level and not birth year?

At Players First, we want players to have the opportunity to play with their classmates. When programs are organized by birth year, classmates can potentially be split into different age groups. Grouping players by grade level allows for the best possible experience at the recreational level. US Youth Soccer has also made the decision to move away from birth year and adopt the seasonal year age groups for team formation, so we will be aligned with USYS.

Can my child play up an age group?

We will consider requests for playing up based on a child's prior soccer experience or to potentially keep siblings together.

Can my child play down an age group?

We will consider requests for playing down in very limited situations.

(Example: medical or developmental concerns)

While we generally recommend that players stay with their age group, please contact admin@playersfirstrec.com with questions and requests.

How do I know which age group to choose?

Our programs are based on the grade level for the school year that correlates with the Fall thru Spring season.  Once you enter your child's information into PlayMetrics, our registration system will group your child with the other players in the same grade level. Your child remains in the same age group for the Fall and Spring seasons.

My child wants to play with his or her friend/sibling that is in a different age group. Can we change age groups?

Because of our sanctioning with USYS and IYSA, we must abide by their age group guidelines and policies.  We require that all players enter their correct date of birth, register in the correct age group, and then submit a request to play up or down.

Can I choose a practice day?

Practices for K-5 Kickers will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays between 4:30-5:30pm and 5:30-6:30pm.  During registration, you will have the opportunity to select your preferred day of the week to practice. Your day is not guaranteed, but it assists us in the team formation process as we consider preferences, buddy requests, and parent volunteer coach availability.

Can my child choose a friend as a teammate? (BUDDY REQUESTS)

We do allow players to request one buddy as a teammate in their age group/grade level. This can be a difficult request to fulfill due to conflicting preferences for practice nights, different buddy requests, and the organization of parent volunteer coaches. We ask that buddy requests and preference for practice day match each other when both players register in order to guarantee the placement of buddies on the same team.

How do I figure out which team I am on?

Prior to the start of each season, we will notify parents by email of their practice day, practice time, field, and coach assignment.  All of this information and more can be found on your PlayMetrics app once you receive your "Welcome to the Team" email as well.

When are the practices?

Teams in the K-5 Kickers program will practice on Wednesdays or Fridays from 4:30-5:30pm or 5:30-6:30pm. During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to select your preference for Wednesdays or Fridays. 

Teams in the Preschool First Kickers program will practice for the first 30 minutes of their session on Saturday mornings, followed by a 30 minute game.

When are the games?

All games are held at the Oak Brook Sports Core on Saturday mornings starting at 8am. Games are typically completed by 12pm. Game times will be scheduled during that window of time, and they can vary from one weekend to the next. Once schedules have been posted, you can view your team's schedule on PlayMetrics.

What if it is raining?

We will do everything in our power not to cancel due to rain at the Oak Brook Sports Core.  Unless conditions are unsafe because the fields are flooded or closed due to lightning, we will make every effort to hold practices and games. In the event we do have to cancel, notifications will be sent out through PlayMetrics.  

What does my child need to wear for Preschool First Kickers?

First Kickers will receive a Players First t-shirt on the first day of the season. They are required to wear their Players First t-shirt, shin guards, soccer socks, and soccer cleats each week. We recommend black soccer/athletic shorts and black soccer socks. Parents, please help us in teaching our First Kickers the proper placement of shin guards underneath their soccer socks. 

What does my child need to wear for K-5 Kickers?

K-5 Kickers are required to purchase a uniform package through our Players First Shop on Soccer.com. The package includes a Puma Team Rise Jersey, as well as black soccer shorts and black soccer socks. K-5 Kickers are required to wear their uniform to all practices and games, as well as shin guards and soccer cleats. Parents, please help us in teaching our K-5 Kickers the proper placement of shin guards underneath their soccer socks. 

Does my child need to bring a soccer ball?

Yes, we ask that all players bring their own soccer ball to every session. It is encouraged to have their ball labeled with their name.

Preschool First Kickers, K-1st Graders: Size 3 Ball

2nd-5th Graders: Size 4 Ball

Can we order any Players First Fan Wear?

Yes! We will have a Players First Fan Wear shop available to all parents, players, and their families on Soccer.com. 

Do you have a question that you didn't see in our FAQ's?

Email us at admin@playersfirstrec.com.