Question 1

What age groups does Brunswick United offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer competitive soccer programs for players from U8 through U19, both boys and girls. Our focus is on Classic and Academy levels of play, providing structured, skill-based development and competitive opportunities for these age groups.

Question 2

How are players selected to join Brunswick United?

Accepted Answer

Players are selected to join Brunswick United through a tryout process. Selection is based on several factors, including a player’s skill level, positional needs, attitude, commitment, and availability.

Our coaching staff evaluates players during tryouts to build balanced teams that can compete at the appropriate level while fostering player development. While skill is important, coaches also consider a player’s work ethic, coachability, and fit within the team.

Please note that roster spots are limited and selection is competitive.

Question 3

How do I register for tryouts?

Accepted Answer

To register for tryouts, you must complete your registration in advance through the TeamSnap app. If tryouts are currently open, please see our "Tryouts" page for a TeamSnap link to sign up.

There is a $25 tryout registration fee that must be paid at the time of sign-up.

If you don’t already have a TeamSnap account, you can easily sign up for free—TeamSnap does not require a fee to use or join. Simply log in or create an account on the app or website, then follow the instructions to register for tryouts.

Be sure to register early to secure your spot, as tryouts may have limited availability.

Question 4

What documents are needed for tryouts?

Accepted Answer

To participate in tryouts with Brunswick United, players and families will need to provide several documents as required by the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) and our club policies.

These typically include:

Player Registration Form: Completed online through TeamSnap.
Proof of Age: A copy of the player’s birth certificate to verify eligibility for the appropriate age group.
Medical Release Form: This allows coaches and medical personnel to provide care in case of injury or emergency.
Signed Waiver/Consent Form: Acknowledging the risks associated with soccer and agreeing to club policies.
Tryout Fee Payment Confirmation: Proof that the $25 tryout registration fee has been paid via TeamSnap.

Question 5

What if my child was not born in the United States?

Accepted Answer

If your child was born outside of the United States, regardless of citizenship status, they must be cleared through the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) process in accordance with FIFA and U.S. Soccer regulations.

For players under 9 years old, the process is relatively simple and requires only a basic form submission. It’s typically a quick and straightforward approval.

For players age 10 and older, the process is more involved and requires a number of supporting documents. These documents vary depending on:

Whether the player moved to the U.S. with their parents or guardians
The reason for the move (e.g., work, education, asylum, etc.)
Whether the player has previously registered with a foreign soccer club

The goal of the ITC process is to ensure compliance with international player movement rules and protect the safety and eligibility of all youth athletes.

If this applies to your child, we recommend starting the ITC process as early as possible. Brunswick United will guide you through the requirements and help you navigate each step.

Question 6

What is Classic League?

Accepted Answer

Classic Soccer represents the highest level of league competition available in North Carolina through the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA), which governs Classic play in the state. Players at the Classic level are expected to show strong dedication, a commitment to growth, and a consistent display of sportsmanship and leadership both on and off the field.

Within each age group, there are multiple divisions of play: Classic First Division, Second Division, and Third Division. Teams move between these divisions through a promotion and relegation system managed by NCYSA, based on performance.

Question 7

What is Academy League?

Accepted Answer

Academy Soccer is a developmental program offered through the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA), designed for young players seeking a more competitive and structured environment than recreational soccer. The Academy model focuses on individual player development, emphasizing technical skills, tactical awareness, and a love for the game.

Academy teams compete against other clubs across the state in age-appropriate matchups, with a strong focus on learning over results. Players in the Academy program are expected to demonstrate commitment, coachability, and a positive attitude on and off the field. While there are no formal divisions or promotion/relegation within Academy play, the emphasis is placed on preparing players for future competitive levels, including Classic soccer.

Question 8

What type of financial commitment will I be expected to make?

Accepted Answer

The financial commitment for participation in our program is approximately $1,000 per season, which includes the cost of training, league fees, and a uniform kit. The uniform is a one-time purchase and typically only needs to be replaced once per year or less. If you already own the current uniform kit, this reduces the seasonal cost by about $205.

In addition to the base cost, families should plan for travel expenses:

Each season includes 8–10 weekend games, most within a 2-hour drive. These games typically do not require overnight stays, though occasional early or late games may lead families to choose otherwise.
Teams usually attend 2–3 tournaments per season, many of which require 1–2 overnight stays. Some tournaments are "stay-to-play", meaning you’ll be required to book lodging through designated hotels. Others allow for flexible accommodations, such as hotels, Airbnb, or other options of your choice.

Costs for travel, lodging, meals, and other personal expenses will vary by family and tournament location.

Lastly, players are responsible for providing their own equipment not included in the uniform kit, such as cleats, shin guards, water bottles, and other gear.
While we understand this is a significant commitment, we strive to keep families informed so they can plan accordingly. Please see "Programs & Fees" for more information.

Question 9

What equipment does my child need?

Accepted Answer

All players need:

Shin guards (mandatory)
Soccer cleats
Water bottle
Ball

Ball sizes:

Size 3 (U5–U8)
Size 4 (U9–U12)
Size 5 (U13+)

Question 10

How much playing time will my child see?

Accepted Answer

Classic Soccer:

Classic soccer is the highest and most competitive level of youth soccer in North Carolina. It emphasizes player development across the four pillars outlined by U.S. Soccer: technical, tactical, physical, and psychological. Given the competitive nature of this level, playing time is not guaranteed and is left to the discretion of the coaching staff.

Coaches will make playing time decisions based on a combination of factors, including attendance, effort in training, attitude, tactical understanding, and in-game performance. Players are expected to earn their minutes through hard work, commitment, and continued development.

Academy Soccer:

Academy soccer is designed as a developmental program focused on building foundational skills and preparing players for future competitive play. While games are competitive, the primary goal is learning and development, not just results.

In line with Brunswick United’s developmental philosophy, coaches aim to provide all players with meaningful playing time over the course of the season. However, playing time may still vary from game to game based on factors like attendance, effort in training, and player readiness. While it’s not strictly equal in every match, the overall goal is to ensure all players have regular opportunities to grow through game experience.

Question 11

How many practices per week will my child need to attend?

Accepted Answer

Each team will have at least two practices per week during the season.

The specific days, times, and locations for practices will vary based on factors such as coach availability, field scheduling, and team needs. Additional training opportunities—such as skills clinics, goalkeeper sessions, or fitness training—may also be offered depending on the club’s resources and coaching staff.

Families will receive a schedule ahead of the season, and we do our best to maintain consistency while accommodating any necessary changes. Schedules and updates can be found in the TeamSnap app.

Question 12

What if my child cannot attend a practice, game, or tournament?

Accepted Answer

Participation in competitive-level soccer—whether in the Academy or Classic program—requires a strong commitment to the team. Players are rostered, and fees are paid with the expectation that they will consistently attend practices, games, and tournaments throughout the season.

Attendance at games is mandatory under NCYSA rules. If a team cannot field the required number of players for a scheduled match, the team must forfeit, which can lead to fines and potentially relegation to a lower division. Beyond the rules, consistent attendance is vital for team cohesion, as having a fully functioning team is essential to compete effectively and win games.

Tournaments are also a key part of the season and require advance planning to ensure player availability.

We recognize that occasional absences may happen due to illness, school, or family emergencies. If your child cannot attend a practice, game, or tournament, please notify the coach as early as possible to help the team adjust accordingly.

Keep in mind that repeated or unexcused absences—especially from games—may affect playing time and team placement, particularly at the Classic level where commitment and consistency are crucial for both individual and team success.

Question 13

What if my child needs to leave a team?

Accepted Answer

For players 14U and below, once a player has been selected and placed on a team, there is a commitment to both the fall and spring seasons for that year. If a player wishes to leave the team to join another, they must first be officially released by their current coach.

Please be aware that there are financial and gameplay penalties associated with leaving a team mid-season, and refunds are generally not provided unless a defined hardship applies.

According to current NCYSA registration rules:

If a player is released from a Classic level team and wishes to join another Classic team during the same seasonal year, they will be required to sit out 2 games, unless a defined hardship exists.
A hardship is specifically defined as either:

The player’s family has moved their primary residence 50 or more miles during the seasonal year, or
The player’s team has folded, and the player passes have been returned to NCYSA.

We encourage families to carefully consider their commitment at the time of team placement and to communicate openly with coaches and club staff if circumstances change.

Question 14

How are players grouped?

Accepted Answer

Players are grouped by their birth year to ensure fair and age-appropriate competition across all teams.

Players are grouped by their birth year to ensure fair and age-appropriate competition across all teams. This method aligns with the guidelines set by NCYSA and is consistent with practices across the United States.

For the 2025–2026 season, the following age groupings apply:

Birth YearAge Group:

Note: The “U” in age groups stands for “Under,” indicating the maximum age a player can be to participate in that group. For example, a U10 player is 10 years old or younger during the seasonal year.

Question 15

What is your weather and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Player safety is our top priority. Practices and games may be canceled, delayed, or rescheduled due to inclement weather or unsafe field conditions.

Cancellations may occur due to:

Thunderstorms and lightning (a mandatory 30-minute delay from the last lightning strike)
Heavy rain causing unsafe or unplayable field conditions
Extreme heat or cold, following NCYSA and club-specific weather guidelines

Notifications:

Families will be notified via TeamSnap as soon as a decision is made.
Please make sure your contact information is up to date in TeamSnap to receive alerts in real time.

Make-Up Sessions:

We do our best to reschedule canceled practices and games, but makeup dates are not guaranteed and are subject to field and coach availability.
We encourage families to check TeamSnap and club communications regularly, especially on days when weather may be a factor.

League Game Cancellations (NCYSA-sanctioned games):

Weather-Related Cancellations:
If a league game is canceled due to weather or unsafe field conditions, the game will be rescheduled by the coaches and club schedulers according to NCYSA guidelines.
Both teams are expected to work together to find a mutually agreeable make-up date.
If a game is not rescheduled, it may be recorded as a forfeit or a no-contest depending on the circumstances.

Team-Related Cancellations:
If a team cannot attend a scheduled game, it is expected to notify the opponent and club officials as early as possible.
No-shows or late cancellations may result in fines from NCYSA and potential disciplinary action, including forfeits and relegation.

Tournament Cancellations:

Weather-Related or Event Organizer Cancellations:
Each tournament sets its own cancellation and refund policy, which is usually provided during registration.
Some tournaments may offer partial refunds or credits if the event is canceled before games begin.
If games are canceled after the tournament starts, refunds are typically not provided, as event costs have already been incurred by the host.

If you have specific questions about a scheduled tournament or game, we recommend checking with your team manager or coach through TeamSnap, who will be monitoring weather closely and posting updates as they come.

Question 16

Can parents volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Yes — parent volunteers are always welcome and greatly appreciated!

There are many ways parents can get involved, including:

Team Manager or Assistant Manager
Helping with fundraising or team events
Coordinating travel or snacks during tournaments
Serving as a club liaison or board member (as openings arise)
Assisting with field setup or breakdown on game days

Volunteering is a great way to support your child’s soccer experience, get to know other families, and contribute to the success of the team and club.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please let your coach or team manager know — or reach out to Brunswick United directly at brunswickunitednc@gmail.com. We’ll be happy to help you find a role that fits!

Question 17

What safety measures are in place?

Accepted Answer

At Brunswick United, the safety and well-being of our players is our top priority. We follow strict safety protocols in alignment with NCYSA, US Youth Soccer, and U.S. Soccer guidelines to create a secure and supportive environment for all participants.

Our safety measures include:

Risk Management & Background Checks :  All coaches, assistant coaches, and team volunteers must complete the NCYSA Risk Management Program, which includes a criminal background check and annual approval. This ensures that all adults working with players are properly vetted and cleared.

SafeSport Certification: Coaches and team officials are required to complete SafeSport training, which educates adults on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse, bullying, and harassment in youth sports.

Concussion Awareness: We follow strict concussion protocols, including removal-from-play guidelines and return-to-play requirements. Coaches are trained to recognize the signs of head injuries and respond appropriately.

Emergency Action Plans:  Our club maintains emergency protocols for practices, games, and tournaments, including access to first aid kits and communication with emergency services when needed.

Weather & Environmental Safety:  We monitor heat index, lightning, and field conditions to ensure safe play. Games or practices are delayed or canceled if weather poses a risk to players.

Player Supervision:  Players are never left unsupervised during club activities. We maintain proper adult-to-player ratios, especially for younger age groups.

We’re committed to providing a safe, respectful, and development-focused environment for every player. If you have questions or concerns about safety, please contact our club administrators at any time.

Question 18

What is SafeSport?

Accepted Answer

SafeSport is a nationwide program designed to protect young athletes from abuse, misconduct, and unsafe situationsin sports. It was created by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, in partnership with U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committeeand national sports organizations, including U.S. Soccer.

The goal of SafeSport is to ensure that all athletes, regardless of age or level, can participate in sports in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

Key components of SafeSport include:

Training for coaches, volunteers, and staff on preventing abuse, harassment, bullying, and misconduct
Clear reporting procedures for any concerns or violations
Policies to protect athletes, such as no one-on-one interactions without another adult present
Education for parents and athletes about recognizing and reporting unsafe behavior.

At Brunswick United (and under NCYSA), all coaches, team managers, and adult volunteers are required to complete SafeSport training and certification as part of our commitment to player safety and well-being.

For more information, you can visit the official SafeSport website: safesport.org

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