Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to live in the city limits of Delray Beach in order to register?
Is the Delray Beach Soccer Club a city-run organization?
When will construction of the new Seacrest Soccer Complex be completed?
When is the season?
My child is registering for the first time...?
Where and how often will my child practice and play in the recreation league?
Where and how often will my child practice and play in the competitive program?
How can I get involved with the Delray Beach Athletic Club?
How do I get a refund?
What do I need to know to coach?
Where can I get help coaching soccer?
"Do I have to live in the city limits of Delray Beach in order to register?"
No, we have no geographical restrictions on registration. The club is divided into two programs. The Developmental/Recreational Program is dedicated to providing fun, safe, and healthy games for boys and girls age 4 to 18. Our Competitive Program offers greater challenges for the player with more advanced skills. But both programs take both residents and non-residents.
"Is the Delray Beach Soccer Club (and Delray Beach Riptide Lacrosse) a city-run organization?"
No, the Delray Beach Soccer Club and Delray Beach Riptide Lacrosse are non-profit volunteer-driven entities. We depend on our volunteers to keep the organization going. If interested in volunteering, please see below.
"When will construction of the new Seacrest Soccer Complex be completed?"
Seacrest Soccer Complex is open.
"When is the season?"
Online registration for the Delray Beach Soccer Club's Soccer Season starts in the summer. Historically, we have scheduled two in-person registrations. The season starts on September 7th and ends on December 13th.
"My child is registering for the first time, what soccer equipment do I need to buy?"
Shin guards are required for all practices and games. They must be of appropriate size (not too small), to provide a "reasonable degree of protection."
Each player must provide his/her own ball for practice as individual ball skill is CRITICAL to player development. The ball must be of appropriate size (size 3 from Under 5 through Under 7; size 4 from Under 9 through Under 11, and size 5 for Under 13 and above).
Soccer (cleated) shoes are not required, but are strongly encouraged at all levels. However, baseball or football cleats or street shoes are NOT permitted.
Sports retailers such as Sports Authority may offer a "Soccer Package" (shin guards, ball, and shoes) for one low price.
"Where and how often will my child practice and play in the rec (developmental) league?"
Teams in our Developmental program train one night per week for one hour. Teams up to and including Under 11 train during an early session (6:00pm-7:00pm), while older teams (above Under 9) often train in the later session (7:00pm-8:00pm). Some under 11 teams may train earlier, and some may train later. But whatever time is used, that will be your team's time for the whole season. Games will be played once a week, primarily on Saturdays and Sundays, based on field availability. Our home base will be the NEW Seacrest Soccer Complex (see our maps page). While the complex is fully operational this season, we may have select practices and we will have some games at Caloosa Park (see our maps page).
"Where and how often will my child practice and play in the competitive program?"
Please see information on our competitive program by using the navigation on the left to visit the Competitive Soccer pages.
"How can I get involved with the Delray Beach Athletic Club?"
Thanks for asking. We can always use help! Most volunteers become involved through their children, often starting with coaching or being a team manager, realizing there was more they could do to make the experience a positive one for all children. Some of the areas where we always need help are: volunteer coach, team manager, committee member, referee (additional training required), and sponsor. Contact our administrator Nina Thompson at (561) 251-7566 to find out how you can get involved (look for her e-mail information on the Contact info page.
"How do I get a refund?"
If you play for the Competitive Soccer Program, please see information on our competitive pages; for Lacrosse, visit the lacrosse pages. In the Recreational (developmental) Soccer Program, our refund policy is quite liberal compared to other clubs: we provide a full refund upon request, until the season begins. During the first half of the season, we normally refund half of the registration fee for withdrawals for cause, that is, when there is a soccer-related injury or is otherwise physically unable to play. In the first half of the season we do NOT typically provide refunds for "convenience withdrawals" - those where the child doesn't want to play/has other activities/etc. In the second half of the season, no refunds are made.
"What do I need to know to coach soccer?"
If you bring enthusiasm and a desire to help your child and others enjoy soccer, we'll provide you with coaching resources and opportunties to improve as a coach. Many youth soccer coaches started with a vague knowledge of the game (perhaps from middle school gym days), and through helping their children have fun, they have deepened their own knowledge and enjoyment of the "beautiful game."
"Where can I get help coaching soccer?"We offer coaches clinics early in the season to provide training for the coaches. Details will be provided to the coach when dates and times are finalized.
With the rise of internet technology, the availability of coaching resources is greater than ever. Some excellent resources can be found linked below. Closer to home, start by contacting your Director of Coaching Tony Stevens at SoccerSupr@aol.com or our Vice-president of Developmental/Recreation, Paul Stanley at VP_Recreation@delraysoccer.com. Once you're into the DBSC fold, take advantage of the coaching clinics and printed materials we provide before and during the season.
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