Frequently Asked Questions

What is the club’s philosophy?

South Delta United Soccer Club’s primary focus is to provide a total, well-rounded and positive soccer experience for the player, coach, referee, and parent.

For players, the emphasis will be on the development of each and every player so that their experience with SDU will encourage them to continue their participation in soccer with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment.

For coaches and referees, the club will emphasize continual training and mentoring to ensure that they embody the philosophy of the club at all times, while helping foster a sense of community.

The South Delta United Soccer Club is a place to learn and enjoy the game of soccer, at all levels of play.

Details can be found in the club’s TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

When does the season start?

Children playing mini-soccer (U5 to U9) will begin play in mid September and end in March.  These ages will generally hear from a coach by late August / early September.

Select Teams – Div 1 (Gold) and Div 2 (Silver) – rosters are announced by the end of April.  These teams are chosen based on year long player observations – see more information HERE

These teams begin League play on the first weekend after Labour Day, and end in March.  For Div 1 teams only at U13 - U18, the season may extend later into the spring if the team progresses into District, Coastal, and Provincial Cup tournaments.

House team (Division 3 and 4) usually begin a week after the Select teams, and end in late March.

For all levels, there is usually a three – four week break from early December until early January.

Spring Soccer, which is completely separate from the primary (fall) season, both in house programs and Cascadia Spring League, run early April to mid June.

When can my child start playing soccer?

All children over the age of 4 and under 18 are welcome.

For the Fall 2019 season, that includes children born in the years 2002 (U18) to 2015 (U5).

Spring season is considered “secondary” season, and age groups are the same as the previous fall. ie, a child playing U8 for fall 2018, will play U8 in spring 2019.

We have recently introduced a 6 week  Preschool program as an introduction to soccer for 2015 & 16 born players.   Keen 2015 born players should sign up for the regular fall season.

How are the teams created?

For children 4 to 8 years old, the teams are divided into groups by age, with players of all abilities mixed together, with the goal being to have the teams balanced with regards to ability.  For these younger ages, the club tries to ensure that kids are grouped with their friends as much as possible, although those who register late cannot be guaranteed placement on a team with a friend.

This changes at 9 years old (U10).  At these ages, the teams are divided by both age and ability, with more competitive players grouped together in select Div 1 and Div 2 teams.  These teams are formed through year long player observations – READ MORE HERE

Players not selected for Select (Div 1 or 2) teams will play House (Div 3 or 4).

Is there a maximum amount of players per age group, and will registration close?

Yes, at the older age groups, beginning at U10, the club has a summer deadline to submit a list of teams to District and BC Soccer. At this time we must cap the number of players based on the maximum roster size allowed for those age groups. Once that number is reached, we may be forced to close specific age groups.

At the younger age groups, we are only limited by the number of coaches and available field space.

Can I register my child after the season starts?

Yes, the club will take late registrations after these dates. However, due to limited space, your child may be placed on a wait list if rosters are full. It is best to register early to ensure a spot.

What does U7, U8, etc mean?

The U is short for UNDER. Age groups are designated by year of birth; however, the soccer season does not parallel the calendar year. The soccer “year” runs from September through August.

For example, U7 means children that are under 7 years of age as of Dec. 31 in the year that the season starts. (6 year olds). For example, in the season beginning fall 2019, a U18 player would be born in 2002, while a U6 player would have a 2014 birth date.

How big is the time commitment?

It depends on the age and competitive level of the team. League games are scheduled on the weekends, with the boys playing Saturday, and girls on Sunday. U18 boys teams usually play on Sunday as well.

Up to U9, the games are all held at local South Delta fields, and usually last up to 50 minutes.

Older age groups play up to 90 minute games, and can travel throughout the Lower Mainland for away matches.

Select (Div 1 & Div 2) teams (U10 to U18) require a commitment to two practices a week, plus weekend games, and tournaments.

U10-U12 players on top tier (Div 1) teams are required to attend Monday night Academy training as well, which brings their commitment to 3 training sessions per week.

House (Div 3 & 4) teams train once per week, plus weekend games. The coach may choose to hold an optional second practice.

Mini / Micro teams practice once per week with games on Saturdays for the boys, Sunday for girls

When and Where are my child’s games?

Children playing mini-soccer (U5 to U9) play on several fields in Ladner/Tsawwassen.

Boys playing rep soccer at U10 to U18 play on fields throughout the 5 District region (Delta, Surrey, Alouette, Fraser Valley, and New Westminster)

Girls playing U10 and above play in South District, and can potentially travel throughout the Lower Mainland.

And yes, we do play in the rain! Cancellation of games will depend on field conditions, and sometimes at the discretion of the referee.

What nights do teams practice?

This depends on the age bracket and coaches schedule. Most teams will practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Monday night is reserved for the Academies. Most fields in Tsawwassen and Ladner will be used.

Our field times generally run from 5:00-9:00pm on weekdays, with youngest players training at the earlier times.

The younger groups all train together the same time for the entire year. This enables the maximum amount of support the staff coaches can provide.

The practice schedule can be found online on the Schedules tab.

What Equipment does my child need to play soccer?

All players will need properly fitted soccer boots and shin pads. No shin pads no game. All other items, including uniform shirts, shorts, and socks, are purchased as part of the registration fee.

Extras, such as track suits and other training gear, can be purchased on the club’s online store.