Ladera Soccer's FAQ section addresses many questions as it relates to players, coaches, referees, and more. if your question is not listed or addressed below, please contact us at info@laderasoccer.com.
Please double click on any question and your answers is revealed.
How does Ladera Soccer's registration process work?
We have a dedicated page just for registration. Please click on the button location on the top right of our home page.
How are coaches chosen?
Coaches are developed from parents just like yourself. The vast majority of the time it is a parent that has no experience in soccer, but just wants to be more involved with their kids on the field rather than yelling from the sideline. We teach them the basics of what they need to know for the age group they will be coaching. Most coaches start out with U5 where there are very few rules and skills to teach. As the kids get better, so do the coaches. It is a natural progression for everyone. At the younger ages, the game is really about having fun and the coaches main job is to keep the games moving and the smiles abounding. If you are interested in being a coach, click on the volunteer icon.
How are teams formed?
All teams are formed based upon team balance, i.e. players of different skill levels and experience are divided among teams in an attempt to ensure that all teams have equal chances to win. In order to maintain team balance, we are unable to accommodate requests for placement on teams, or placement with friends.
Teams are not formed by neighborhood or school. Players may or may not be on teams with children that they already know. This is an opportunity for players to form new friendships and learn new skills.
Can my child be on their best friend's team?
Unfortunately, we are unable to grant player requests. The only way to ensure team placement is to volunteer as a Head Coach. Head coaches may request one Assistant Coach (and their child).
What equipment is needed for my child?
Ladera Soccer (AYSO 1455) provides a full uniform for all players (jersey, shorts, and socks). The uniform will be marked in accordance with AYSO guidelines. No uniform may bear the name of any registered player or sponsors and no uniform may be modified in any way.
Every player is required to have regulation soccer shoes for all practices and games (soccer cleats do not have a pegged toe). No metal cleats or toe cleats are allowed. Shin guards are REQUIRED in all AYSO competitions and practices at all levels.
Each player is asked to bring their own ball to practice: U5 to U8 requires a size 3 ball. U9 to U12 requires a size 4 ball. U14 and up requires a size 5 ball.
Does Ladera Soccer offer soccer camps and clinics?
YES! All camps and clinics can be found by visiting our SOCCER PROGRAMS page.
Can I coach my child's team?
Absolutely! We would have it no other way. You can also choose not to coach your own kid, but you need to specify that to us as we normally pair kids with their parents.
How old does my child have to be to play?
This is a tough one every year, we really hate turning away the young ones. Think about your kids age right now… how old will he/she be on July 31st? If she will be 4, she will be old enough to start playing in our youngest division U5 (U stands for Under). We do hold strictly to the line on this one, even if your child turns 4 on August 1st, they will have to wait till the next year to play.
For more information, please visit AYSO's age guide (click here).
Why didn’t my player get on a team?
There are many reasons for this all though they are rare. Perhaps you did not register early enough or you didn’t pay the registration fees. You must PAY when you apply in order for your player to be eligible to be placed on a team. Sometimes we have to turn away a few players because we just don’t have the right numbers to form an additional team or we don’t have a coach for a team. It is to your benefit to sign up early for priority (still no guarantee if a coach backs out last minute) and sign up to be a coach (that is a true guarantee your child will play).
How can I pay the registration fees?
You may pay by Check, Cashiers Check or Credit Card (there is a non-refundable $6 merchant fee for all credit card transactions) during early registration or Online by Credit Card Only during the Regular Registration Period.
When do I need to pay?
As soon as you fill out the Online application we need you to come to an In-Person Registration Event or Pay On-line (Online is only open during the Regular Registration Period). With over 2,000 kids signing up, the only way to know if you are serious about playing and to secure a potential spot is to pay the registration fee promptly.
How do I get a refund?
Visit our RESOURCES PAGE where our refund policy is stated and a form to request a refund. Please note that all refunds are time sensitive so please visit the RESOURCE PAGE and let us know of your request immediately.
When is the playing season?
3 main programs are offered at Ladera Soccer; Fall, Winter, and Competitive. Please refer to information provided on the SOCCER PROGRAMS page.
Can I pick the day of my practice?
No, the coach picks the day that works for him and we do not allow people to switch teams to get the right practice day and time that works for them. If you need the practice on a certain day or time, you will need to sign up to be a coach. With over 2,000 players we can simply not accommodate these requests.
Can I request a coach?
Absolutely Not! The only way to request a coach is if you are an assistant coach. We only allow one coach and one assistant coach to pair up. The remainder of the team is randomly selected to keep play as fair as possible.
When do the kids practice and play?
For the lower divisions (U8 and below), practices are an hour long, once a week at 3:30 or 4:30 on the day selected by the coach. Games are also an hour long on Saturdays between 8 am and 3 pm.
Why has no one contacted me and who can I contact?
Every year people complain about not being contacted by their coach and it is usually because they don’t provide a valid e-mail address. Please note that the majority of our communication with you will be via e-mail. PLEASE use only one e-mail address where ever you are asked to provide one on all forms, even if it is for your kids. The e-mail should be one that you will check the most often. Please e-mail your child’s Program Manager. Their e-mail address and name is available under the 1455 DIRECTORY page.
My child has special needs; do you have something for him/her?
Yes! We now have a VIP league that provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams. Visit our SOCCER PROGRAM PAGE and choose VIP PROGRAM for more information.
Who do I contact if I have trouble with the registration process?