FAQ

Answers to commonly asked questions are below. If you have additional questions please reach out via email.

  • The soccer season runs from August through July on a calendar year. There is a fall session (August through October) and a spring session (April through early June). Teams play at least 8 games each session and those games are often (though not always) on Saturdays. CYRL Soccer U10-U15 plays in Lake and Geauga Counties. CYRL Soccer U6-U8 play inter-league here in Chardon locally against other Chardon teams. We also are introducing clinics in Winter and Summer. For information on our travel Club visit Geauga Federation Soccer Club

  • At the recreational level, specific days and times for practices or games are not fixed due to varying field availability and to accommodate our volunteer coaches' schedules. Participants can expect activities to take place Monday through Friday evenings, with start times at 5:30 PM or later, and on Saturdays. We generally avoid scheduling on Sundays.

  • Spring Season: For older divisions, weather permitting, practices are slated to begin in mid-March. For our younger players in the U6 and U8 divisions, practices typically kick off in early April.

    Fall Season: Practices usually begin in early August with games beginning in mid-to-late August. The season runs to mid-to-late October.

  • CYRL now participates in the US Club Soccer experience for parents and players, emphasizing the development of each individual to their full potential and helping parents make better choices about where their children should play. To help members adopt US Club Soccer, US Soccer provides a suite of best-in-class resources, adding value to clubs, coaches, parents, and players. CYRL and GFSC openly embrace and subscribe to the philosophies of US Club Soccer.

    Key Pillars of US Club Soccer:

    Club Development:

    Soccer clubs are the foundation for maximizing growth and long-term success in American soccer. US Soccer provides resources to aid in club growth and development.

    Coaching Development:

    Clubs are encouraged to support their coaches in seeking new educational opportunities. US Soccer offers resources to help coaches grow.

    Player Development:

    US Soccer provides tools to clubs and coaches to encourage players to invest in their own development.

    Parent Engagement & Education:

    US Soccer offers a framework for parents to understand the value of their child’s soccer experience, moving beyond reliance on match outcomes to support proper player development.

    Player Health & Safety:

    US Soccer provides resources to help clubs and coaches ensure the health and safety of their players.

    As a benefit of membership, soccer players, coaches, officials, and other registered members receive excess participant accident medical and liability insurance coverage for their Covered Activities of US Club Soccer. More information can be found here: US Club Soccer Insurance Overview.

  • Beginning with the Fall 2026 season, youth soccer age groups will use a new August 1–July 31 soccer-year format. This replaces the previous calendar-year birth-year system.

    This change is intended to better align players with their school-grade peers, but age groups are still based on a player’s birth date.

    Age Groups for Fall 2026

    DivisionBirth Date Range

    • U6 Aug. 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021

    • U8 Aug. 1, 2018 – July 31, 2020

    • U10 Aug. 1, 2016 – July 31, 2018

    • U12 Aug. 1, 2014 – July 31, 2016

    • U15 Aug. 1, 2011 – July 31, 2014

    Some players may be placed in a different division than they were in past seasons because of this change. Please review the chart carefully when registering.

    Questions?

    If you’re unsure which age group is the best fit for your player, please contact us or include a note during registration. We’re happy to help.

  • Spring Season

    The Spring season registration ends in early March. Practices will start in early April, games in mid-April, and the season will conclude in late May/early June.

    Fall Season

    Registration closes end of July. Teams will be finalized shortly after. Practices will begin in early August, with the first games scheduled for mid August.

  • The practice schedule is determined by our dedicated volunteer coaches. Most teams typically practice 1-2 times a week, depending on the age group. Coaches generally adopt a Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu practice schedule. If your player has specific needs for practice times, there is a section on the registration form for you to make requests.

    Practices usually begin two weeks before the season starts and continue through to the end of the season. These sessions are crucial for your player's development, providing them with opportunities to get touches on the soccer ball, learn the fundamentals of the game, improve their foot skills, and understand teamwork and fair play.

  • A typical season consists of 8 games. Depending on scheduling, some teams may play more. During the fall season, games are primarily played on Saturdays, with the occasional mid-week game.

  • Players need the following:

    Soccer Cleats: Soccer specific cleats must be worn.

    Shin Guards: Mandatory for all players to protect against injuries.

    Soccer Socks: These should be long enough to cover the shin guards completely.

    Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during practices and games.

    Soccer Ball: Each player should bring their own soccer ball for practices.

    -Size 3 for U6 and U8
    -Size 4 for U10 and U12
    -Size 5 for U15

    Jerseys: Chardon Soccer uses the same reversible jersey each season. New players or players needing a replacement jersey can order one separately from their season registration. This approach ensures consistency and helps keep costs down for families over multiple seasons.

    Please make sure to order a jersey if needed to ensure your player is ready for the games.

  • Chardon Soccer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. We are always in need of dedicated individuals to help each season. Whether you can assist as a coach, team manager, event organizer, or in any other capacity, your support is invaluable to our community.

    To see how you can contribute, please visit our contact page or email us at rec@chardonsoccer.com. Every bit of help makes a big difference!

    Volunteer Roles Available:

    -Coach
    -Assistant Coach
    -Team Manager
    -Scheduling
    -Field Painting
    -Event Planning
    -Equipment Coordination
    -Social Media
    -More

  • Click on the contact page for details.

  • If your player is unable to participate in the season, please reach out to us, and we will refund your registration fee.

    Coaches and Volunteer Benefits

    Coaches receive free registration for their player. You can either use a coach's code during registration or have your registration fee refunded once the season begins. This benefit also applies to main volunteers.

  • U6 and U8 age groups practice and play games at Chardon Township Park.

    U10/U12 teams practice and play home games at Mel Harder Park. Away games are against Lake and Geauga County teams.

    U15 teams practice and play home games at Mel Harder Park, Chardon High School, and Oberland Park. Away games are against Lake and Geauga County Teams.

  • In the fall, many of our teams participate in an end-of-the-season fall tournament. This is a really fun time for all players, and participation is optional. More details will be available once the season starts.

  • During the season, our league uses an app to share practice and game schedules, RSVP for practices and games, and communicate with your team. Before the season begins, you'll receive a link to download this app and be added to your team.

    We also communicate via email and Facebook. Follow us at Chardon Youth Recreation League Soccer on Facebook.

  • As part of our Spring season, we host an all-star invite only game called the U8 Rising Stars Game. This is a half day event with games and activities for all nominated to participate.