Frequently Asked Questions

Registration typically opens 6-8 weeks before each season starts. For Spring season, registration opens in early March. For Fall season, registration opens in early August. We announce registration dates via email, social media, and on our website.

We offer programs for ages 4-18, divided into three main categories:

• • First Kicks (Ages 4-6): Introductory program focused on fun and basic skills
• • Developmental (Ages 7-10): Recreational league with skill development focus
• • Competitive (Ages 11-18): Travel teams competing in regional leagues

Yes! Mid-season registration is accepted for First Kicks and Developmental programs on a space-available basis. Registration fees are prorated based on remaining weeks. For Competitive programs, mid-season registration is evaluated case-by-case. Contact us at info@homenetmen.soccer to inquire.

No prior experience is required for First Kicks or Developmental programs. We welcome complete beginners! Our coaches are experienced in teaching fundamental skills and making soccer fun for all levels. For Competitive programs, tryouts are held to assess skill level and ensure appropriate team placement.

Registration fees vary by program and season length:

• • First Kicks: $325 per season (10 weeks)
• • Developmental: $475 per season (12 weeks)
• • Competitive: $1,250 per year (fall + spring seasons)

Early bird discounts available! Register by the early deadline to save $50 on registration.

Your registration fee includes:

• • Professional coaching by licensed instructors
• • Complete uniform (jersey, shorts, socks)
• • Field permits and facility fees
• • League registration (for competitive teams)
• • Training equipment and balls
• • End-of-season trophy and participation award

Yes! Financial aid is available for all families who need assistance. We believe every child should have the opportunity to play soccer, regardless of their family's financial situation. Our financial aid process is:

• • Confidential: Applications reviewed by small committee only
• • No documentation required: We trust families to request what they need
• • Sliding scale: Partial or full scholarships available
• • No child turned away: Financial need is never a barrier to participation

Apply online at /programs/financial-aid

Yes! We offer a 10% discount on the second child's registration and 15% discount on the third child and beyond. Discounts are automatically applied when you register multiple children under the same family account. The discount applies to the lower-priced registrations.

Our refund policy is as follows:

• • Before season starts: Full refund minus $25 processing fee
• • Within first 2 weeks: 50% refund
• • After 2 weeks: No refund, but credit toward future season
• • Medical withdrawals: Prorated refund with doctor's note

Practice schedules vary by age division:

• • First Kicks: Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• • Developmental: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• • Competitive: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

View complete schedule at /parent-hub/calendar

All practices are held at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, NY (specific fields vary by division). Games for Developmental and Competitive teams may be held at various fields throughout Westchester County, NY and surrounding areas. Game locations and directions are communicated weekly via email and WhatsApp.

Weather cancellations are communicated via email and WhatsApp by 3:00 PM on practice days (or 7:00 AM for morning practices). We play in light rain but cancel for heavy rain, lightning, or dangerous field conditions. Make-up practices may be scheduled if multiple sessions are cancelled. No refunds are given for weather cancellations.

Game frequency varies by program:

• • First Kicks: No formal games; emphasis on skill-building activities
• • Developmental: 1 game per week (approximately 10-12 games per season)
• • Competitive: 1-2 games per week plus 3-4 tournaments per season

Please notify your child's coach as early as possible if they will miss a practice or game. While we understand that conflicts arise, consistent attendance is important for skill development and team cohesion, especially for competitive teams. Players missing excessive practices or games may have reduced playing time.

Playing time policies vary by program level:

• • First Kicks & Developmental: All players receive equal playing time regardless of skill level
• • Competitive: Playing time based on practice attendance, effort, skill level, and game situation. However, every player is guaranteed to play in every game.

While volunteering is not mandatory, we strongly encourage parent involvement! Our program runs thanks to the dedication of parent volunteers who serve as team managers, help with field setup, coordinate events, and more. Families who volunteer 10+ hours per season receive recognition and priority registration for the following season. View opportunities at /support/volunteer

We expect all players, parents, and coaches to uphold our core values of respect, sportsmanship, and community. Our code of conduct includes:

• • Respectful treatment of referees, opponents, teammates, and coaches
• • No abusive language, bullying, or unsportsmanlike behavior
• • Parents must allow coaches to coach—no sideline coaching
• • Zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind

Violations may result in suspension or removal from the program.

Player safety is our top priority:

• • All coaches are SafeSport certified and background-checked
• • First aid kits and AED available at all practices and games
• • Concussion protocol following CDC guidelines
• • Medical release forms required for all players
• • Weather monitoring for lightning and dangerous conditions

Required equipment for all players:

• • Shin guards (mandatory for all practices and games)
• • Soccer cleats (sneakers acceptable for First Kicks)
• • Water bottle
• • Practice ball (size 3 for ages 4-7, size 4 for ages 8-12, size 5 for ages 13+)

Optional: soccer backpack, ball pump, extra socks. We have equipment available for families who need assistance.

Uniforms (jersey, shorts, socks) are distributed at the first practice or during uniform pickup day (announced via email). To ensure proper sizing and timely delivery, please submit your uniform size during registration. Late registrations may receive uniforms 2-3 weeks into the season.

Yes! Uniforms are yours to keep. We only ask that you return uniforms if your child grows out of them or no longer needs them—we recycle gently used uniforms to families who need them.

No! While our program is rooted in Armenian culture and values, we welcome families of all backgrounds. About 30% of our families have no Armenian heritage. We celebrate diversity and create an inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Learning about Armenian culture is part of the experience, but it's not a requirement!

Coach contact information and team WhatsApp group links are shared after teams are assigned (typically 1 week before the season starts). For general program questions, contact info@homenetmen.soccer or call (555) 123-4567.

Yes! Our competitive teams have dedicated goalkeeper training sessions led by our certified GK coach. Sessions are held Saturdays at 9:00 AM and are included in competitive registration. Developmental players interested in goalkeeping receive position-specific training during regular practices.

Playing up is evaluated case-by-case based on player skill, maturity, and space availability. Parents must submit a request in writing to the program director, and the player may be required to attend a tryout or evaluation. Final decision rests with coaching staff. We generally recommend players stay in their age-appropriate division for optimal development.