How Much Does It Cost?

For the 2007-2008 season registration costs are $250 per year (combined Fall and Spring) for U8-U14 and are subject to periodic adjustment. This includes all fees for referees, registration, team equipment, and fields (games and practices). 15 hours per team of professional coaching by UK Elite trainers is included in the registration fee for all teams. U15-U19 teams usually only play in the Spring since the fall season conflicts with high school soccer. For Spring only teams the registration cost is $125 for U16 and below, and $150 for U19 teams.

Initially a club uniform must be purchased. Jerseys cost $30. Shorts cost $20. Sweatshirts are optional for $35. Some teams buy alternate color jerseys for an additional $30. Shin guards and soccer cleats are also required – available at various price levels (but you can usually get them for a total of $55-60). Soccer socks are another $7-8. Once purchased a uniform can be worn for as long as it fits.

What Is Expected Of Me And My Child? When Do The Seasons Begin And End?

Commitment to a BHYSC travel team is expected for one (soccer) year, which begins with the Fall season, and ends with the Spring season. The Fall season usually begins the weekend after Labor Day, and ends the week before Thanksgiving. Optional Tournaments take place both Labor Day and Thanksgiving weekends. The Spring season begins in the middle of March and ends around the first week in June. No games are scheduled on Easter or Memorial weekend, although optional Tournaments may be played Memorial weekend.

When And At What Times Are The Games Played?

Each season has 10 games, 5 home games at fields in Berkeley Heights, and 5 away games played at your opponents' fields. U8 teams play on Saturdays. U9-U19 teams play on Sundays. Due to makeups and 11 teams flights, U8 teams may play some games on Sundays and U9-U19 teams may play some games on Saturdays.

Game times are set by the home club (as part of their home field advantage). Saturday games can commence anywhere between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM, Sunday games anytime between 11:30AM and 5:00 PM. The game times are usually made available with plenty of advance notice.

When And How Often Do Practices Take Place?

This is up to the coach of each team. Typically, teams will practice once or twice per week during the season, weeknights (daylight permitting) and, depending on the age/grade, Saturdays sometimes turn out to be convenient and popular. Some teams may practice between seasons during the summer months. Practice sessions will usually be about 90 minutes.

How Long Do The Games Last?

This also varies based on your child's age bracket. The youngest teams start out playing two (2) twenty-five (25) minute halves, with water breaks half-way through each half. As the child's age bracket increases, the length of each half gradually increases to 30, 35, 40 and 45 minutes.

How Far Should I Expect To Travel To Away Games?

This depends on the towns in your child's age bracket. Our League has almost 1000 teams (male and female) from 90 clubs spread all over Central NJ. You may be lucky and only have to travel to New Providence, Summit, Westfield, Millburn, Watching Hills, or Scotch Plains. Or you may have to travel as far as West Windsor, Princeton, South Brunswick, Monroe, or Aberdeen. An average travel time (one way) over the course of a season of 20-30 minutes per game is a fair estimate. Carpooling to away games is very commonplace.

Can my child play with earrings?

No. Referrees are instructed to not allow players to wear earrings as it is dangerous to both the player and their opponents. It is highly recommended that players DO NOT get their ears pierced during the socer season. If they do, they will have to make the unpleasant choice of either removing the studs, or not playing.