Question 1

When does the season start?

Accepted Answer

Training begins in August: CFC Juniors Academy sessions start mid-August, Recreational practices begin in early September, and Recreational games begin September 12. The Academy and Competitive fall seasons run August-November. The spring season runs January-April for Competitive and February-April for Academy.

Question 2

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Recreational: U6 $80 / U8 $90 / U10+ $100 (Fall) - uniforms sold separately. CFC Juniors Academy: ~$425 (Fall Only) - fee includes training, tournament, referee and equipment fees (uniforms sold separately). Covington FC Competitive: $855/year (Fall & Spring), plus uniforms and tournament fees. See each program page for full details.

Question 3

When are practices and games?

Accepted Answer

U6 & U8 typically practice once per week with Saturday games. U10, U12, and U14 recreational players practice twice weekly with a Saturday game. U15-U18 Coed recreational teams are small-sided and play on Saturdays. CFC Juniors Academy players train 3 sessions per week with 2 tournaments or jamborees per season. U11-U19 competitive players practice 2-3 times weekly with weekend games and possible travel.

Question 4

What equipment do players need?

Accepted Answer

Shin guards covered by socks are mandatory at all practices and games. Soccer cleats are recommended (especially for older ages). Each player should bring their own ball to practice. Jewelry is not permitted during play.

Question 5

Who decides if weather is too bad to play?

Accepted Answer

Field closures are the responsibility of the CYSA President, who notifies coaches when possible. Once a game is in progress, the referee has the authority to suspend or cancel due to unsafe conditions. Soccer may be played in the rain if conditions are safe.

Question 6

Who maintains the CYSA fields?

Accepted Answer

CYSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a volunteer Board of Directors - not part of the Covington Recreational Department. We are all responsible for keeping the fields clean and safe.

Question 7

How can I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers coach, run the board, maintain fields, schedule referees, manage tournaments, and operate the concession stand. Most roles require only a little time - get involved!

Question 8

How do I become a referee?

Accepted Answer

Anyone 13 or older can take an LSA-sponsored certification course. Courses are offered multiple times throughout the year. See our Referee Info page.

Question 9

How are age groups defined?

Accepted Answer

Age groups are defined by birth year. Note: for the 2026/27 season, age group formation is changing from birth year to school year.

Question 10

How are teams made up?

Accepted Answer

Recreational teams are formed by age group and are not determined for balance. Competitive (Covington FC) teams are formed based on player performance, skill level, and developmental needs through a tiered placement system - players are evaluated at tryouts each April-June.

Question 11

Most coaches are parents with a child on a CYSA team - what's involved?

Accepted Answer

CYSA and LSA policies require all coaches to take a certification class (offered by LSA) within their first year. CYSA reimburses the cost of the coaching course for those who coach a team that same year. Parents interested in coaching often start as an assistant with an experienced parent coach - playing experience is helpful but not required.

Question 12

What advice do you give volunteer coaches?

Accepted Answer

In addition to a Coaching Course, we recommend resources at LSA-soccer.org, USYouthSoccer.org, SoccerHelp.com, and CoachingSoccer101.com. Most importantly, register your Volunteer Disclosure Form at LSA-soccer.org so a background check can be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions, clearly answered

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions, clearly answered

01When does the season start?

02How much does it cost?

03When are practices and games?

04What equipment do players need?

05Who decides if weather is too bad to play?

06Who maintains the CYSA fields?

07How can I volunteer?

08How do I become a referee?

09How are age groups defined?

10Which field is which?

11Most coaches are parents with a child on a CYSA team — what's involved?

12What advice do you give volunteer coaches?

13How are teams made up?

Still have questions?