Suburban Friendship

Great Falls Soccer Club in the Suburban Friendship League: GFSC fields teams in all age groups for players aged 10-18 in the Suburban Friendship League (SFL). The majority of the players on the Great Falls SFL teams attend schools in the Langley pyramid. In addition, soccer fields for this League are located within the area (1-3) miles making travel to games and practice close and convenient. The teams compete against other local area clubs. SFL teams are recreational league teams and travel players may not participate. The SFL offers players a chance to continue with recreational soccer at a competitive level while also enjoying the camaraderie of participating in a fun team sport.

During a season a team will play approximately half of their games at home (on Great Falls fields) and half their games on away fields (at another Club – Reston, Chantilly, Sterling, Vienna, etc). The SFL does it best to keep travel time for away games to 20 to 30 minutes. Traditionally the SFL season begins and ends the same weekends as the Great Falls Soccer Club's U10 and younger season but there are sometimes scheduling differences. The SFL season ends with a tournament. All Great Falls SFL players are required to wear a Great Falls numbered soccer jersey which can be ordered during the registration process. (Please note U6 -U10 House League jerseys are NOT numbered – the jerseys are the same so Sterling Soccer can add a number but the number selection must be coordinated with the SFL Director).

Great Falls Soccer Club coaches for SFL teams are volunteers. Many teams stay together for several seasons and as a result the players establish strong friendships with a fun team atmosphere. GFSC provides a professional trainer for about half of the SFL practice sessions to assist the coaches in skills training. This cost and all SFL league fees and expenses are included in the registration fee.

More detailed information can be obtained by going to the SFL web site (www.sflsoccer.org) and clicking on the SFL Documents link. Questions on any aspects of GFSC participation in the SFL should be directed to the SFL Director. Please see Steering Committee page for contact information.

All players are required to wear a numbered jersey, cleats, shin guards, and soccer socks, and should bring a ball and water to all practices. No jewelry or hair ornaments are permitted for SFL games.

Age Group Dates for 2010 – 2011 Seasonal Year:

Birth Dates for Age Groups - Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 Seasons

Birth Date Between SFL Age Group SFL Division

August 1, 1999 and July 31, 2000 Under 12 Division 2 = Players are under the age of 11

August 1, 1998 and July 31, 1999 Under 12 Division 1 = Players are under the age of 12

August 1, 1997 and July 31, 1998 Under 14 Division 2 = Players are under the age of 13

August 1, 1996 and July 31, 1997 Under 14 Division 1 = Players are under the age of 14

August 1, 1994 and July 31, 1996 Under 15/16 combined age group

August 1, 1991 and July 31, 1994 Under 17/18 combined age group

Placement guidelines:

- Registration software places players by birthdate

- Players with July/August birthdays can opt to “play up” with their school grade classmates by checking a box on the registration system

- On an exception basis, other player may play up – needs Director of Recreation approval for exceptions

- Players cannot “play down” unless they have Director of Recreation approval and exceptional circumstances (ie – developmental delays, significant medical issues, etc)