When is the Soccer Season?

Erin Soccer (KMSL) has a split season Fall and Spring. Games are generally played on Saturday mornings. Some evening games may be needed.  The Fall season typically has 8 games and runs from the end of August through the end of October. The Spring season typically has 7 games and starts around the end of March and runs through the end of May. Practices start approximately 2 weeks before games start. The U6 players do not have games, but do have practice/internal scrimmages once per week during the seasons. Erin also hosts the Leah Fenney Tournament one Sunday in the Fall for ages U7 through U10, and Erin teams typically participate in the KMSL Tournament hosted by Richfield Soccer Club the first week of June.

Do I have to live in the Town of Erin or go to Erin Elementary to play for Erin Soccer Club?

No, Erin Soccer Club is open to everyone. Erin Soccer Club is an independent recreational club and is not affiliated with the Town of Erin or Erin Elementary.

How do I sign my child up for Erin Soccer?

Registration opens mid-May and closes in late July for the following Fall/Spring season. Registration can be done through our website, www.ErinSoccer.org. Erin Soccer Club will also attempt to accommodate late and mid-season registrations as much as possible, subject to availability of roster space.

What level will my child play?

Team levels are based on birthday as of August 1 for the upcoming Fall/Spring seasons, as follows:

U6 – Under the age of 6 as of 8/1

U7 – Under the age of 7 as of 8/1

U8 – Under the age of 8 as of 8/1

U9 – Under the age of 9 as of 8/1

U10 – Under the age of 10 as of 8/1

U12 – Under the age of 12 as of 8/1

U14 – Under the age of 14 as of 8/1 (not in High School)

Sometimes due to circumstances a child may be asked to play up a level to form a team, or because of skill.  Parents may also request that their child play up a level if they feel it is appropriate, and Erin Soccer Club will attempt to accommodate these requests, subject to roster availability. A child will not be permitted to play down unless there are special circumstances and it is approved by the KMSL board.

What equipment is needed and do they wear a uniform?

·         U6- Uniforms are not required (all players will receive a participation t-shirt).

·         All other division players will need to purchase an Erin Soccer Club jersey and solid dark green soccer socks. Jerseys and socks can be purchased at registration.  The jerseys and socks are yours to keep and can be re-used for multiple seasons (and handed down) as long as they fit.  

·         Solid black shorts (at least 90% black) are required as part of the uniform. You will need to purchase shorts separately. Shorts without pockets are preferred. If the weather is colder, black pants (at least 90% black) may be worn instead. Do not use pants that have side snaps.

·         Each player will need will need proper fitting shin guards and soccer cleats. No metal cleats, baseball cleats, or American football cleats are allowed.

·         Each player should bring their own soccer ball and water bottle to every practice and game.

                U6/U7/U8 – size 3 ball

                U9/U10/U12 – size 4 ball

                U14 – size 5 ball

How are teams structured?

U6 – No scheduled games are played.  Players practice 1 night per week during the seasons. Players  are taught fundamentals and usually scrimmage each practice.

U7 & U8 – Plays in a 4v4 format, with no goalies.

U9 & U10 – Plays in a 7v7 format. Goalies are introduced at the U9 level.

U12 – Plays in an 9v9 format. The offsides rule is introduced.

U14 – Plays in a 11v11 format.

When and where do they practice and play?

·         Practices and home games are played at the soccer fields at Erin Go Bragh Park located by the Erin Town Hall, 1846 Highway 83, Hartford, WI 53027. Parking is available both at the Town Hall and also behind Lucky Hills Storage (enter just south of 1782 Highway 83, Hartford, WI 53027).

·         Practice days and times are determined by the coach but generally U7-U10 practice once or twice per week for 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

·         U12 and U14 usually practice twice per week. The maximum practice time per KMSL guidelines is 3 hours per week.

·         Erin Soccer plays in the Kettle Moraine Soccer League (KMSL).  Most teams are located in Washington County and a couple of teams are located in Dodge County.  See Field Directions.

·         Approximately half of the games are played at home and half are played away. 

·         Tournaments:  Erin hosts the Leah Fenney Memorial each Fall, typically in late-September or early-October. Richfield hosts the KMSL tournament at the end of the Spring season, typically the first week of June.  (Tournament registrations may require an additional cost.) Participation in the tournaments is not mandatory.

How will I be notified of what team my child is on?

A coach or team manager will contact you in early August (usually by email).

Teams are chosen by age first.  If there are multiple teams for the same U level, teams will be split as evenly as possible. 

Sometimes due to circumstances a child may be asked to play up a level to form a team, or because of skill. Parents can also request that their child play up a level, but this is subject to roster availability. 

Weather and Cancellations

Please know that soccer will be played when it rains or if it is cold and windy outside. Our season is limited, and it is very tough to reschedule games. Be sure to dress appropriately. Additional clothing, such as a long sleeve (non-hooded) shirt, may be worn under jerseys. Hats and gloves may also be worn during practices and games. Felt gloves are particularly helpful when it is cold outside. Safety is still a top priority so the following guidelines are used in determining game cancellations:

·         If the weather goes bad just before game time it is up to the referee to call the game.  We want to keep players, referees, and spectators safe.

·         If lightning is seen in the immediate area, the fields should be evacuated and re-evaluated after 15 minutes by the referee and coaches to see if play can be resumed.

·         If we have a large amount of rain prior to the game and the fields are unable to shed that extra water, the game may be canceled.  Coaches or other Erin Soccer Club personnel can make this determination.

·         The home field coach is responsible to call the visiting coach to let them know the game is cancelled.  If a visiting team coach does not hear from the home team coach they should assume the game is on and proceed to the field on time.

·         Spring time snow on the field will result in a game cancellation.

Again, weather interpretation can vary.  Our players or parents should not make judgments at home and not show up.  Most notifications are done through the Game Changer app, or by phone or email.

How can I help?

Coaches, assistant coaches and other parent volunteers are always needed to keep the club running. Erin Soccer Club is run 100% by volunteers and depends on parents to be active participants in the club. Please refer to the Volunteer section of our website for current openings. If you have a special skill or service, please let the club know. Also, please remember Erin Soccer Club hosts the Leah Fenney Memorial tournament every fall, and all families are needed to volunteer to help keep it successful.