Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I volunteer to be a coach, assistant coach, snack shed help, help plan activities, etc.?
A: Please take a look at the Volunteer Opportunities page on our website, and then reach out to any of our Board Members to let us know what you are interested in doing.

Q: Who can play?
A: Pre K though Grade 8 can play in our Recreational Soccer program. Our Competitive District Soccer program starts at U9 (no younger than 7 years old). We field teams for this division based on registration turn-out. Our TOPSoccer program is for kids with special needs age 6-18. 

Q: What does my child need to play?
A: All players are required to provide soccer cleats (not baseball cleats), shin guards and a ball(size will depend on division). Team uniforms are provided by Thomaston Soccer Club. No jewelry can be worn.

Q: When do we play?
A: We play year around! TSC offers both a Fall and Spring season as well as Indoor Winter opportunities and Twilight Touches Summer Soccer Clinical along with Holistic Athletics Camp with our professional trainer Ryan McAdoo.

Q: When do the seasons start?
A: Fall season starts the weekend after Labor Day and runs for 8 weeks. We have an bye weekend over the Columbus Day weekend. Spring season typically starts in April but which weekend is heavily dependent on the weather and field conditions.

Q: When are games played?
A: Games are typically played on Saturdays. Both the Fall and Spring seasons run for 8 weeks. All of our teams (with the exception of our Bear Cubs and TOPS) have at least one team practice during the week and one professional training session during the week.

Q: Where are the games played?
A: TSC uses all three town fields (Nystroms Park, Highwood Field and Sanford Avenue Field) depending on the season (Fall or Spring) and our need.

Q: Can I request my child to be on the same team as a friend or make a coach request? 
A: Beginning in Spring 2017 we are no longer able to take any non-sibling requests or coach requests.  This will allow us to make the most evenly matched teams.

Q: How is my child’s playing age determined? 
A: Thomaston Soccer Club (TSC) uses the age matrix set by U.S. Youth Soccer Association; the age matrix is as follows: 

US Soccer Birth Year &Season Matrix

Q: When will I hear from my coach?
A: Our volunteer coaches know how important that first email is to you and your child. We ask our coaches to reach out the week we give them their rosters. Please make sure we have your correct and most current email address. Email will be the way your child’s coach makes his or her first introduction.

Q: Do we play in the rain?
A: Yes, we do so long as there is no risk to our players and the field is in a safe, playable condition. Parents are always free to make choices that best suit their families on any inclement weather day. See our Cancellation Policy for more information.

Q: How do I know if a game or practice has been cancelled?
A: Check our website, check your email and check our Facebook page. Please make sure your child’s coach has the best way to contact you (cell phone). See our Cancellation Policy for more information.

Q: Why do we have a mercy rule?
A: The mercy rule is a rule that is instituted by the Northwest District of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association.  It reads as follows: "The mercy rule states exceeding the maximum 6 goal differential (B league) will result in a forfeit, fines and loss of standings."

Q: When is the Jamboree?
A: The TSC Jamboree is typically held on the first Saturday of the season. Teams are to arrive at the filed to line up by 9:30 am. Teams will be introduced at 10 am, games will start within the divisions shortly after. Raffle prizes, hot dogs, hamburgers, water and sports drinks will be available for purchase. There is also a swap table for cleats and shin guards. If you have some to donate, just leave them with us. Need a pair? Come see if we have your size!