League Sports • Soccer Q & A

1. Why isn't winning important? The philosophy of the Wheaton Park District provides for a "house league soccer program" where the emphasis is on the development of the child both as an individual and as an athlete. The goals of this program are to provide an enjoyable, safe atmosphere where children can learn respect, sportsmanship and specific soccer skills. All players shall play no less than one half of every game and be afforded the opportunity to play in every position at least once during the season.
   
   
2. When is the registration deadline? Registration for Indoor Soccer begins with fall registration. Registration for Spring Soccer begins with fall registration. Registration for Fall Soccer begins with summer registration. Please call 630-690-4880 for information about space availability.
   
   
3. How are teams formed? Teams are formed by school whenever possible. Only one friendship request per player or coach will be accepted due to the size of the program and because we attempt to establish equal teams. Please write a friendship request, if you have one, on the soccer form at the time of registration. The Wheaton Park District cannot guarantee honoring all requests. Please note: youth who play on travel teams may not register for in-house soccer.
   
   
4. Who is coaching our child? All house soccer coaches are volunteers, and are trained by the Park District using the Coaching Youth Sports Course. This program's emphasis is on the child, development, learning and having fun. Overall, the park district philosophy is "athletes first, winning second."
   
   
5. What equipment is needed? Wheaton Park District universal soccer shirt and shin guards are required for each participant, and must be purchased by the participants.
   
   FIFA regulation socks (socks to completely cover the shin guards)
   
   All purpose athletic soccer shoes with rubber cleats or gym shoes. Baseball spikes (single spike at the front of the toe), metal spikes, and rectangular-shaped spiked of any material are not permitted.
   
   While not required for your child to participate, it is strongly recommended that each player have his/her own soccer ball, clearly maked with name, address and phone number. PeeWee uses #3 soccer ball and grades K-5 use #4 soccer ball; 6-8th grades use #5 size ball.
   
   
6. Where do I purchase a Wheaton Park District Universal Soccer Shirt? You may purchase the universal soccer shirt either at the Administration office, 102 E. Wesley St., Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 am-4:30 pm, or at the Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard Rd., Mon.-Fri. from 6 am-10 pm, 7 am-7 pm Sat., & 8 am-6 pm on Sun. The cost for a Wheaton Park District Universal Soccer Shirt is $16.
   
   
7. Where and when are practices? The first two weeks are set aside for practice at various parks and school sites. Teams will meet no more than twice a week. Practice time and location are set by the coaches since they volunteer their time. Players wil be contacted by coaches after they have been assigned to a team.
   
   
8. When are games played? Kindergarten through 3rd grade will play games on Saturday morning; 4th through 8th graders will play games on Saturday afternoon.
   
   
9. Where are games played? Games will be played at various Wheaton Park District parks. The park location will vary from year to year so game fields can be rested and restored. Park sites include Briar Patch, Graf, Northside, Scottdale and Seven Gables.
   
   
10. When is the first practice? Coaches will inform players of their first practice. If you don't receive a phone call from your coach, please call our office at 630-690-4800.
    
    
11. To play or not to play? Traditionally, substantial amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been used to promote healthy turf. The park district wants to reduce our use of pesticides to benefit the public and the environment.
    
    Turf takes a beating when it's used; this is normal and accepted. However, when fields are used during or right after periods of rain, serious damage usually occurs. Plants are uprooted, holes and divits are formed, the soil becomes compacted, and large areas of mud are left behind. The turf will not recover by itself. Labor and chemicals are needed to restore the field, or the field may need to be closed for up to one year before it is usable. The park district asks coaches and parents please to reschedule or cancel games if the turf is too wet. For more information, please see Athletic Field Use Guidelines or contact the Wheaton Park District Maintenance Department at 630-653-5429.
    
    
12. Who will answer my questions? Ask your coach first. If he/she is unable to answer your question, please contact
    Mary Beth Cleary at 630-668-3371.