Frequently Asked Questions
about Akron Area Futbol Club

Why are AAFC’s rates less than other organizations?
We at Akron performed extensive research and analysis on what all the costs are associated with playing youth soccer and set our rates to cover those expenses. We have a very strong core belief not to charge more than what is necessary to play the game. We have no mission to purchase fields or build a large bank account of the parents monies. Our goal each fiscal year is to end that fiscal year with $200-$300 and provide our financials online for you to see where the money goes. We build long term relationships with our vendors and field hosts which provides cost savings. In addition, our community involvement with organizations where they support our organization is also a large component in keeping the rates low. The game is all about making it affordable to all families so that every child that wants to play can afford to play this wonderful youth sport.

Why do you offer so many clinics?
Akron strongly believes in development of the player and coach. With the professional clinics it provides the tools to the players and coaches for them to develop their skills in the game. For those children and coaches whom wish to participate in a school program as they become older, the clinics provide them the opportunity to excel and extend their playing at those levels if they choose.

How did you come up with your Code of Ethics & Conduct?
All of our volunteers within Akron are parents ourselves. During practices and games you entrust us with your children and we feel it is our duty and responsibility act with high morals and ethics. We hold the organization and the coaches to a high standard to lead by example. The players are tomorrow’s future leaders and we believe in having our coaches and organization lead by example to be a positive role model for the children. We want you as the parents to be proud of volunteers that they are providing a safe and positive environment for your children.

What is the difference between the three ways to Sign-Up?
Akron aims to keep registration as easy as possible for the parents. We have three ways to register which are your personal choice and provide the best convenience for you.

Traditional (Paper)
We have our paper registrations distributed through the local area schools as well as on the non-profit bulletin board at the Ephrata Public Library. The paper form is also available online to download. Easily complete the form, sign and mail in with a check / money order to our mailing address.

Online (Mail in Check)
We have a very simple online registration directly on our website which you enter your information into the fields. Once complete, submit and mail in your check / money order to our mailing address:
Have SS number, insurance info and birthday available
Click sign up on line
Fill in all information, include the best email address to reach the family.
Hit submit.
A copy of the data and form should appear.
Hit the Print hyperlink at the bottom of the page, which sends the form to your printer.
Sign and Mail a copy of the form to the address provided.
Signing up on line, reserves your space. Final registration is only complete when payment is received.

Online (Master Card / Visa / Debit Card)
Similar to the online registration, no monies are mailed to the Akron Area Soccer League. Once you complete the registration and provide your master card, visa or debit card, there is no other item to complete. With this method of registration there is a $3.00 fee charged by the credit card companies which we do not receive, we only receive the actual registration amount.

Signing up on line, reserves your space. Final registration is only complete when payment is received. Online signup sets the date of registration. You may sign up online through the deadline without a late charge. As long as payment is received within 10 days of online sign up, no late fee will apply.


Who may play with the Akron Area Futbol Club?
Intramural, Recreational & Travel registration is open to ALL players from all areas. We do not limit them to players who reside in specific school district. Any parent and player whom wishes to play in Akron is always welcome.

How do I know what age to sign up for?
Teams are normally assigned base on a Soccer Year, which runs from August first of one year to July 31of the following year. As a rule of thumb, take the players age as of July 31 prior to the fall season, add one year and the player plays at that "Under age" for the full soccer year.

Example: The player is 6 as of July 31. Age 6 + 1 = "Under 7" player for the Fall and Spring Season.

Note: At some time during the season the player will turn 7; however, he or she remains a U-7 player until Aug 1 of the following year.

To make things even more confusing to the newcomer, out club normally groups 2 age groups together for intramural and recreational players. That grouping is done on the even year. Hence while the player’s age is U-9 they are playing U-10 age grouping, as are the U-10 players.

August Birthdays – Players with August Birthdays will not be playing with their grade based on age assignments. We will permit Aug birthday players to play up. The parent should declare their intentions to have the player play up at the time of registration
Playing grade option – An older player may play down with their grade on Intramural and Recreational Teams. Again this should be declared at the time of registration.
EPYSA publishes the age breaks at http://www.epysa.org/agegroup.shtml.

What if I have a special reqest?
We at Akron, do everything possible to accommodate every special request no matter what the request may be. Please just remember to indicate on your registration form any special requests you may have such as specific coach, practice nights, fields.

When will I be notified of what team my child is on?
We at Akron pride ourselves in providing the maximum notification to you as the parent. Due to work schedules and other activities, we provide notice to each parent through the coaches of what team your child is on and the practice dates and fields. This way if you require a change we can make the change as quickly as possible. For the Fall season, notifications are provided within the first two weeks of August. For the Spring season, notifications are provided within the first two weeks of March. You can also go onto the website to see what team your child is on. Our website has a search tool where you can easily place your child’s name in and it will return what team he or she is on and take you to their team page.

What do I need for my child to play?
Players need to bring to every practice and game. This is particularly important during hot weather. While many players wear spikes they are not necessary, as a pair of athletic shoes will do. The younger players get a numbered T-shirt. Most children wear athletic shorts (Nike, Adidas, Umbro etc) but any shorts will do. Our online store provides soccer shorts for a minimal charge. The players will need shin guards and a pair of cover socks. Full uniforms (Shirt shorts and socks) are provided the older players U-10 and above.

A ball is not required but would be of benefit for the child to practice at home. Many coaches encourage players to bring a personal ball to practice. Intramural players ages U-5 to U-8 use a size 3 soccer ball. U-10 and U-12 use a size 4 ball and all older groups play with a standard size 5 ball.

May my child play up or down from their grouping?
Normally the parent would initiate a request to play up or down at the Intramural or Recreational level. For travel this may be at the written request of the parent or by the club based on skills assessment. Due to the many variables that need to be considered, request to play up or down, is a decision between the organization and the parents. Travel request need to be directed to the Director or Travel.

Normally we discourage players from playing up, particularly at younger ages. Travel players may play up based on skill. Recreational or Intramural Players may play down, based on skill, physical or emotional needs. Players may not play down, if their size would intimate teammates or if doing so would result in a team having an unfair advantage. Travel players may never play down.

When does the season begin?
For spring, the games usually start the first weekend in April and run until either the last weekend of May or the first weekend of June. For Fall, the games begin the first weekend after Labor Day and the last games are the first weekend in November. Practices for all except U-6 start 1-2 weeks before the first game.

What is Travel Soccer?
Travel Soccer is soccer played at a higher level than Intramural soccer. Travel league games are generally played against the same clubs we play against at the intramural level. Players for Travel Soccer must tryout out on the designated tryout night for their age group (nights to be announced). Travel Teams will also play two or three additional weekend tournament per season, where traveling is required, hence the name (Travel Soccer). Tournament locations include: Campbelltown, Fleetwood, Downingtown, Gettysburg, Lancaster, York, Dillsburg. Lebanon. Some teams travel farther to locations like State College, Quakertown and Scranton. Older teams could travel out of state to play tournament.

Travel Soccer teams are a one-year commitment. Players who are selected from the pool of players who tryout are expected to play for two seasons Fall and Spring. Travel Soccer will start practice earlier in the season than regular soccer. Practice will be held 2 to 3 times a week and players are generally expected to attend all practices. Playing time during games will be determined by the coaches and is based on player ability and commitment. Playing time is not guaranteed in travel soccer. Tournament play increases a player’s financial obligation to his/her team. On average this could mean an additional cost of $75 or more in addition to registration.

In general, players must be U-9 or above. The youngest travel team is U-10. Only a few elite U-9 players are likely to make a U-10 travel team. For additional information contact the Director of Travel.

What is the relationship with the school program?
Akron has NO Affiliation with any school, school district or booster club. Area School district supports our club by providing space for our players to practice and play.

Where does the money go?
We are a Not for Profit organization registered with the Federal and State government. We are private receive no funding from the school district, municipalities or the rec center. All monies received whether through registrations, fundraising or sponsorships are spent directly on the players and community for any special events that we conduct such as the Play for a Cure event on Mothers Day. All monies are utilized for the following:

Professional Clinics / Uniforms / Equipment / Field Maintenance / Special Events / Administration. Administration is the smallest percentage which covers registration copies, advertising.

What to do if you have a problem?
Akron Area Futbol Club is an organization formed by the parents for the players and parents. We have an open door philosophy where you can speak to anyone within the organization at any time. If you have a problem with your teams coach, we do ask if you are comfortable and able to speak with the coach. If you are not comfortable, you are free to speak to anyone within the organization you are most comfortable. Your name is kept in strict confidence and we address each and every problem that may arise with due diligence and expedient resolve. We handle all issues with professionalism and fairness.

Contact information can be found on this web site.