City SC Carlsbad Fall Rec Season FAQs

When does registration open?

Registration opens March 2, 2026. All registration is completed online through our secure registration system.

When does registration close?

Registration closes on June 28, 2026.

After June 28, players will be placed on a waitlist and will only be added if space is available. Buddy requests are not guaranteed for waitlisted players.

Divisions do fill quickly, so we strongly encourage families to register early.

Registration Windows:

  • Early Bird: March 2 – March 15
  • Regular Registration: March 16 – May 31
  • Last Chance Registration: June 1 – June 28

When will I find out which team my child is on?

Coaches will receive their rosters at the Coaches Meeting in late July. Coaches will begin contacting families in early August. You can expect to hear from your coach no later than the first week of August.


When does the season start?

  • Practices Begin: Week of August 17, 2026
  • Games Begin: September 14, (You will receive your entire game schedule with your TeamSnap invite early August)
  • Season Ends: November 14, 2026

Game schedules will be released in August once teams are finalized and you receive your TeamSnap invitation.


How often are practices and games?

Each team will practice once per week for approximately one hour.

Games are played on Saturdays.

U16 and U19 teams compete in the SoCal Super Rec League, which may schedule games on Saturdays or Sundays.


What do I need to purchase for practice?

Players will need:

  • Shin guards
  • Soccer socks (to cover shin guards)
  • Soccer cleats
  • Soccer ball
    • U5–U7: Size 3
    • U8–U12: Size 4
    • U13 and up: Size 5

Uniforms are included in your registration.


What is included in registration?

  • Home and away City SC Carlsbad uniforms
  • Personalized trophy (U14 & below)
  • Picture package
  • Certified USSF referees (U8 & up)
  • Field setup and takedown
  • Cal South trained and licensed volunteer coaches

Who coaches the teams?

Our Fall Recreational teams are led by dedicated volunteer coaches who are:

  • Live Scanned (fingerprinted)
  • Risk Management approved
  • Trained by City SC professional staff
  • Provided with age-specific curriculum
  • Given the proper gear and coaching resources

No experience is necessary to coach — we provide training and support to set you up for success.


I would like to be a coach, assistant coach, or team parent. What should I do?

Thank you — our program runs because of our amazing volunteers.

When registering your child, you can indicate your interest in volunteering. You may also visit our website under the Volunteers tab to sign up. Training and resources are provided.

Click HERE to Register as a Coach


What is required to be a coach?

All Head and Assistant Coaches must:

  • Complete US Soccer Risk Management (Live Scan/fingerprinting)
  • Attend our preseason coaches meeting
  • Participate in required training sessions

If you have already completed fingerprinting through City SC, you do not need to repeat the process.


What is required to be a team parent?

The team parent supports communication between the coach and families. Responsibilities typically include:

  • Helping with snack schedules
  • Assisting with picture day and special events
  • Organizing end-of-season celebrations
  • Communicating schedule updates

Team parents will be invited to attend a short informational meeting before the season begins.


How are teams formed?

We make every effort to create balanced teams to ensure a fun and competitive experience for all players. Team placement considers:

  • Age group balance
  • School/location when possible
  • One reciprocal buddy request

How do buddy requests work?

  • One reciprocal buddy request per player
  • Both players must request each other
  • Requests must be entered at the time of registration
  • No email buddy requests will be accepted
  • Buddy requests are not guaranteed for waitlisted players

Why can’t I request multiple friends?

Allowing multiple requests often creates unbalanced teams. Our top priority is providing a positive and competitive experience for all players, which requires balanced rosters.


Age Brackets & Game Formats

  • U5 (4v4): August 1, 2021 – July 31, 2022
  • U7 (4v4): August 1, 2019 – July 31, 2021
  • U8 (5v5): August 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019
  • U10 (7v7): August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2018
  • U12 (9v9): August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2016
  • U14 (11v11): August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2014
  • U16 (11v11):August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2012
  • U19 (11v11): August 1, 2007 – July 31, 2009

U16 and U19 teams compete in the SoCal Super Rec League, with games scheduled on Saturdays or Sundays.


Do you have an All Star program?

Yes. All Stars for ages U8 through U14 are selected in early November and represent City SC Carlsbad at local tournaments in December and January.


I would like to sponsor a team

Team sponsorships help offset league costs and support our community-based program. If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please contact us at [email protected].


What are my responsibilities as a parent?

Parents are responsible for ensuring their child:

  • Arrives on time for practices and games
  • Is properly equipped
  • Is picked up promptly after team activities
  • Displays positive sportsmanship

How can I help?

City SC Carlsbad is powered by volunteers. Whether coaching, team parenting, helping with events, or supporting behind the scenes, there are many ways to get involved. If interested, please contact [email protected].


More questions?

Email: [email protected]