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WDMSC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Development Soccer Program?
Our Developmental Program is for players aged 3 to 7 that are interested in non-competitive, fun, and inclusive environment intended as an introduction to soccer through short-sided games, focusing on individual player development.
What is the Recreational Soccer Program?
Our Recreational Program is for ages 8 to 18 who are interested in playing soccer. We accept all skill levels and experience is not necessary.
What is the Academy Soccer Program?
Our Academy Program is for players ages 8 and 9 who are interested in playing in a more competitive environment than recreational soccer. It emphasizes improving skills and prepares players for Select soccer.
What is the select soccer program?
The Select program is a WDMSC and JUSC partnership that joins both clubs programs for boys and girls ages 10 and 11 under the new brand Sporting Iowa but keep the players assigned to their current club.
HOW MANY SOCCER SESSIONS PER YEAR?
We have two (2) soccer session per year: Spring & Fall
WHAT ARE THE APPROXIMATE SEASON START AND END DATES?
Spring season will start the end of March or beginning of April and finish the beginning to mid June. Fall season will start the end of August or beginning of September and finish at the end of October or beginning of November.
WHEN DOES THE SEASON START AND HOW LONG IS IT?
Each season will begin with practices approximately 2 weeks before games begin. Each age group will play 8 games on either Saturday or Sunday depending on age and division. Please click on Resources tab and select review each program and the age group for more information.
WHEN DO I REGISTER MY CHILD FOR SOCCER?
Our registration process begins up to four (4) months before our season starts. The process takes us up to two (2) months after registration closes to form teams and get schedules created.
HOW DO I REGISTER MY CHILD FOR SOCCER?
If you are new to West Des Moines Soccer Club then you’ll need to create a new account on our registration system. You will need an electronic copy of your child's birth certificate and player photo. Once you have an account and add your child as a participant, you will be able to see the available programs based on his or her date of birth. Choose the program you are interested in and follow the program through to payment. You will receive a confirmation email when registration is complete. Go to register.wdmsc.org to register.
WHAT IS COVERED IN THE COST OF MY REGISTRATION?
WDMSC is a non-profit organization. The registration fee includes Iowa Soccer Association (ISA) registration, medical insurance, referee fees, player cards, field maintenance and equipment, games shirts and soccer balls for U4- U6 players, and participation in eight (8) games.
DO YOU ACCEPT LATE REGISTRATIONS?
All late registrations will be accepted for two weeks after end of registration, will be on a first come first serve basis and will only be granted if we need to complete a roster. Any late registration not accepted will be refunded the full amount.
HOW ARE SOCCER TEAMS FORMED?
All teams are formed based on an age range within each age group. We do our best to keep younger players and older players together within each age group. Our soccer year begins with the fall season and we will do our best to keep teams together going into the spring season. If you choose to skip a season there is no guarantee you will end up with the same coach the following year.
CAN I REQUEST A CERTAIN COACH OR TEAMMATE?
We do our best to meet your requests, but there are limitations to the amount of players each team can have. We cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to a certain coach or be matched with a friend. We will make certain arrangements for siblings if they are registered in the same age group, or would like to play up an age division.
Can I register my child to play for a team in a higher age group?
Yes, requests can be made through the registration process. Please visit Play Guidelines on the Member Resources for more information. The final decision will be made by the Recreation Director.
WHO WILL COACHING MY CHILD?
All of our Recreational teams are coached by volunteer parent coaches. The U6 & U8 age groups will have a group practice with one of our professional coaches to help guide and inform our parent coaches on how to conduct a practice session and give them ideas on appropriate skill building drills. To keep costs down, we rely on our WDMSC parents to volunteer.
WHEN WILL I HEAR FROM MY COACH?
Once teams are formed and coaches have registered, they will need to complete the compliance training and a background check. During this time we will have a coaches meeting which the coach will receive his/her roster and instructions to contact their players. This process usually takes a month after registration has closed.
HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER TO BE A COACH OR AN ASSISTANT COACH?
During registration there is a section to sign up to volunteer. Choose which volunteer position you are interested in and you will be contacted. Volunteer coaches are vital to making our program a success. Please consider volunteering or finding out more about volunteer opportunities within our club.
IS THERE AN INCENTIVE FOR COACHING A TEAM?
Yes, we offer an incentive to head coach and assistant coach. Please see the details under the Volunteer Resources.
WHEN ARE GAMES AND PRACTICES?
Games are played on Saturday morning and afternoon, Sunday afternoon and evenings, and occasionally weeknights for makeup games. Practices are decided by the individual coach based on their availability.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD'S TEAM DOES NOT HAVE A COACH?
West Des Moines Soccer Club relies on volunteer coaches. In this unfortunate situation, we would ask parents to step forward to co-coach the team. We have coaching resources available and a coaching instructional guideline for assistance. Our Recreational Board Director is available for any questions and assistance coaches may need.
what if My child cannot play soccer in the fall? Can he/she play in the spring?
Yes, registration opens late spring for the Fall session and opens in the winter for Spring session. Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter for registration openings. Please note team/coach/player requests can not be guaranteed.
Can I drop my child off at the field to run errands during the practices and/or games?
We strongly recommend that a parent/guardian be present with their child during the time they are at the soccer field, in case there are any problems during the session. If there is a need to leave to pick up another child, please let the coach know when you will be leaving and when you will return. Be sure the coach has your contact information. Also, reach out to a team parent to help watch your player's activity.
Does my child need a uniform?
All players will need to purchase a jersey (except U4-U6 age group), shorts, and socks. You will need to supply shin guards, water bottle, and soccer ball (except U4-U6 age group). Soccer cleats are not mandatory although they are recommended especially on days when the fields may be wet. Please visit the Uniforms page for required uniform and equipment.
IS THERE AN ADDITIONAL COST FOR THE UNIFORM?
Yes. Please visit the Uniforms page for required uniform and equipment. Please note age groups U4-U6 jerseys/t-shirts are supplied by the club including a soccer ball.
What size soccer ball should my child have?
U4-U8 = Size 3
U9 - U12 = Size 4
U13 - U19 = Size 5
U9 - U12 = Size 4
U13 - U19 = Size 5
what is the refund policy?
Refund requests must be submitted through Contact page. Full refunds will be offered if we are unable to place your child on a team. Our refund policy can be found on our Governance Resource page which constitutes the fees and timeline restrictions.
Do Board members get paid?
The West Des Moines Board of Directors is made up of all volunteers. Our Registrar Administrator is the only staff member that is paid a very small fee for all of the manual data entry required to get all the players in the system, teams formed, and entered into the ISA system.
We develop the PERSON, and then the PLAYER. We act with RESPECT, HUMILITY, and INTEGRITY at all times. We are a TEAM that requires the BEST FOR, and BEST FROM one another. We demonstrate a RELENTLESS DRIVE TO MAXIMIZE OUR POTENTIAL. We are UNCOMPROMISING in our pursuit of EXCELLENT. We are more than a soccer club; WE ARE A FAMILY.