Soccer 101 - Information for New Soccer Parents

At NBSC, we follow a 'community-first' philosophy. We offer Recreational teams for our younger players to older players alike (as player quantities allow) to ensure a fun, low-pressure introduction to the game. As players grow, they can transition into our Select program (U11+), which provides a competitive, tryout-based environment for those ready for the next level. Players can remain in the rec league until age U15, the select program is just an additional option available.

Soccer play in Wisconsin is structured into tiers based on competitive intensity, skill level, and travel requirements, governed primarily by the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA). 

  1. Recreational Soccer (Grassroots) - The most accessible level, often managed by local community clubs.  The focus is fun, participation, and learning fundamentals.  Coaching is typically led by parent volunteers.  Family/Player commitment is lower cost and minimal travel compared to competitive tiers.

  2. Youth Academy (Developmental) - Specifically for players in the U8–U10 age range. The focus is emphasized on skill development and high-quality coaching over standings.  The format is matches often organized to minimize travel for young families.

  3. Classic Leagues (Competitive) - These leagues serve as the "bridge" to the State League and focus on regional travel.  Our league is the Southeast Classic League (SECL).  It’s structured into multiple divisions (A, B, C) to match skill levels.  High-performing teams in Classic leagues can earn promotion to the State League.

  4. Wisconsin State League (Competitive) - This is the premier level for teams competing specifically within Wisconsin. The purpose is to provide high-level competition for 12U–19U age groups.  The format includes Premier and First Divisions.  The requirements are that teams must qualify through "Classic" or district league performance. Coaches at this level are required to hold specific licenses (including USSF 'D' & 'E' Licenses).

  5. National & Regional Elite (Highest Level) - These levels are for the most elite players seeking national exposure and a path to college or professional play. Elite teams participate in the USYS National League or specialized elite leagues like MLS NEXT (Boys) and Girls Academy (GA).  The Midwest Conference (MWC) is a multi-state regional league featuring top teams from Wisconsin and surrounding states. 

  6. High School Soccer (WIAA) - parallel to club soccer, schools compete in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA).  Divisions exist so teams are split into four divisions (1–4) based primarily on school enrollment size.  Boys play in the fall, while girls play in the spring. Because of this, high school age players typically only play 1 season in "club" soccer, opposite the high school soccer season (Spring for Boys, Fall for Girls).


NBSC offers Recreational Soccer (Grassroots) & Classic Leagues (Competitive or Select)

  • Starting with the 2026-2027 season, US Youth Soccer (USYS), along with US Club Soccer and WYSA, is transitioning from the current calendar year (January 1–December 31) age grouping back to a school-year/seasonal-year model (August 1–July 31).
  • Effective Date: Rules take effect for 2026-2027 soccer season, which practices begin in August 2026 for.
  • New Cut-off Date: Age groups align closer with the school year (August 1st-July 31st). 
  • Purpose of the change: To better align with academic years, keeping classmates together and reducing "trapped players at the high school level. 
  • For Rec players, registration begins in May and closes in July. See website and social media for specifics each year. Players are randomly assigned to teams when first joining the club and coaches are volunteers. Teams formed together will often stay together for consecutive years.
  • For Select players, tryouts are required to make a select team. Tryout registration usually opens in May each spring for early-June tryouts dates. Tryout dates are set by the state WYSA schedule. (This gives players who try out for several clubs the chance to compare offers before deciding. Meanwhile, many others choose to focus on just one team/club).
  • If the player makes a select team, the coach will send offers by the pre-determined date for the family to accept or reject. Registration begins following the accepted offer. If a player does not make a select team, registration is still open for recreation teams at that time.
  • After registration takes place, our uniform partner will send a uniform ordering link to the email address used for registration. 
  • Club soccer includes both fall and spring seasons. When you register for the club, you are registering for the year which covers both seasons. Coaches and teams stay together both fall and spring.
  • The fall season has practices begin in early-mid August and games wrap up by End of October, sometimes rescheduled games go into early November.
  • The spring season has practices begin in early-mid April (pending fields are ready for use) and games wrap up by early-mid June.
  • For soccer practices, each player will need the following equipment: soccer ball (U6-U8 size 3 ball, U9-U12 size 4 ball, U13+ size 5 ball), shin guard + soccer socks, water, & soccer cleats.
  • For soccer games, all the same equipment is needed from practice + appropriate home or away full uniform.
  • If your kid plays keeper, a pair of keeper gloves may be helpful.
  • The U6-U8 games have 4v4 players on the field, don't use goal keepers, have 4'x6' goals size, (4) 10 minute quarters, & no off sides.
  • The U9-U10 games have 7v7 players on the field, do use goal keepers, have 6.5'x18.5' goals size, (2) 25 minutes halves, & enforce off sides.
  • The U11-U12 games have 9v9 players on the field, do use goal keepers, have 7'x21' goals size, (2) 30 minutes halves, & enforce off sides.
  • The U13+ games have 11v11 players on the field, do use goal keepers, have 8'x24' goals size, (2) 30-45 minutes halves, & enforce off sides.
  • Select team registration INCLUDES (2) tournaments per season (2 in fall and 2 in spring).
  • Recreational team registration DOES NOT INCLUDE tournaments, however many coaches aim to get their teams into 1 tournament per season. These are extra costs, typically $25-$40/player depending on tournament charges.

WYSA (Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association): The "boss" of soccer in our state. They set the rules for leagues, coaching licenses, and player safety.
In-House: Games played only against other NBSC teams. This is common for the youngest recreational players.
Travel/Inter-league: Games played against teams from nearby clubs (like Muskego, Brookfield, or Waukesha).
U-Age (e.g., U8, U11): Stands for "Under." If your child is "U10," they are under 10 years old as of the birth-year cutoff (Jan 1st).

Game Day Essentials
The Pitch: Just a fancy word for the soccer field.
Kit: The full uniform (jersey, shorts, and socks).
Shin Guards: Mandatory protective gear worn under the socks.
Cleats: Shoes with plastic studs for traction. (Note: Metal cleats are usually banned in youth soccer).
The Technical Area: The restricted zone on the sideline where coaches and subs must stay. Parents should stay on the opposite sideline.

Common Phrases You'll Hear
"Check-in": Before a game, the referee looks at player passes (IDs) and checks equipment to ensure everyone is eligible to play.
"Direct" vs. "Indirect" Kick: After a foul, a Direct kick can go straight into the goal. An Indirect kick must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
"Offside": The most confusing rule! Essentially, an attacking player cannot be behind the last defender before the ball is played to them. (Don't worry—most parents are still learning this one).
"Build-out Line": A line used in younger age groups (U7–U10) to encourage teams to pass the ball out of the back rather than just punting it long.

The People
DOC (Director of Coaching): The person in charge of the club’s curriculum and coaching standards.
Team Manager: A parent volunteer who handles the "admin" side—emails, tournament check-ins, and snacks.
AR (Assistant Referee): Formerly called "linesmen." They run the sidelines with flags to signal out-of-bounds and offside

The "Golden Rule": Let the Coaches Coach
Our goal at NBSC is to develop independent thinkers on the field. When parents shout instructions, it creates "background noise" that prevents players from making their own decisions.
Avoid "Joystick Coaching": Phrases like "Kick it!", "Pass to Sam!", or "Run!" tell the child what to do before they can figure it out themselves.
The "Three-Second Rule": By the time you shout an instruction, the play has already changed. It’s better to let them play through the mistake and learn from it.

Positive Cheering vs. Instructions
Do Cheer: "Great hustle!", "Nice try!", or "Go NBSC!"
Don't Instruct: "Shoot it!", "Get back on defense!", or "Spread out!"

Respect the "Third Team" (The Referees)
In youth soccer, many referees are teenagers from our own community learning the job.
Zero Tolerance: Never yell at a referee. Even if a call is clearly wrong, showing frustration teaches players to blame officials instead of focusing on their own play.
The 24-Hour Rule: If you are upset about a game-day situation (playing time, coaching decisions, etc.), please wait 24 hours before contacting the coach or club. This allows emotions to settle so a productive conversation can happen.

Parent Placement
Stay on the "Parent Side": Per WYSA rules, parents and spectators must sit on the opposite sideline from the coaches and players. *Remember to stay at least 5' off the field line for both the Assistant Referees to move freely and give players room needed to kick & throw the ball in!
Give the Goalie Space: Please do not stand behind the goals. It is distracting to the goalkeepers and can be dangerous if a hard shot goes wide.

Car Ride Home Pro-tip:
The car ride home should be for support, not a post-game analysis." The best thing a parent can say after a game is: "I loved watching you play today!"

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