DSA

Danville Area Soccer relies on volunteer coaches, referees, concession help, and field help. Almost all of the help comes from our players' parents and families. We solicit and encourage your help to keep the kids playing. Please let us know that you would be willing to help to do one of these necessary tasks. Send an email to dsapay@yahoo.com, indicate your interest on the registration form, or phone a board member.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who is eligible to play in Danville Soccer Association Leagues?

Any child who meets the age requirement may play in DASA leagues. There are teams in most of the communities throughout the county. There is no residency requirement, and a child may choose to play in any community that has availability. It is our mission to be inclusive, not exclusive, in soccer opportunities for all children.

Q: When and where is registration?

You can register and pay online via the web. Walk-up registration will be at the soccer complex during the scheduled times.

Q: How can I obtain a registration form other than at registration?
You can register online. please see link on top of the page

You can pay online when you register. Online payment by credit card or debit card are safe and secure.

Q: What does it cost?

Fees are $45 for the first child in the family, $40 for each additional child within the family. There is a $15 late registration fee if register past the deadline.

Q: What does the fee include?

It includes jersey, socks, and year-end plaque or medal. We do not provide shin guards, which are mandatory. You can purchase shin guards inexpensively at most sporting goods or major discount department stores. It is usually a safe bet to buy black athletic shorts, which match most uniform colors. You may want to wait to talk to the coach first.

Q: What kind of shoes is required?

Under-6 players can wear regular tennis shoes or "turf" shoes, which have numerous very small cleats. Under-8 and Under-10 players usually wear turf shoes, though some might use "molded" shoes, which have about 12 larger cleats. Most Under-12 and older players wear molded shoes. You can buy turf shoes for young players for $20 or less at most sporting goods stores. As the players get older, the quality of the shoes becomes more important and the price goes up. Note that shoes made for baseball and football are unsafe for soccer and cannot be used, if they have a single cleat at the toe.

Q: Does my child need anything else?

We think every child should have a soccer ball. Success in soccer is directly related to how comfortable the child is with the ball at their feet. Some say it takes a million touches on the ball to truly be at home with it. Might as well get started. The more kids kick and dribble, the more fun they are going to have. Balls are fairly cheap and you might consider buying more than one-veteran parents will tell you this minimizes the amount of chasing that you will have to do. Be sure to use an indelible marker to put name and # on the ball. They all look alike after team practice. You might consider buying a few orange cones, which are great for making small goals and marking out fields.

Q: What size ball should my child have?

Balls come as size 3, 4, and 5. Size 3 is right until age 8 or so, then size 4 until about age 12, then the full-size size 5.

Q: What is the minimum age?

The child must be 4 years old by August 1st. unless you sign up for the Tiny Tot program.

Q: When is the fall season?

Fall season runs from early September to November,

Q: When are the games?

Saturdays at Danville Area Soccer Complex, East Winter Avenue in Danville.

Q: When and where are the practices?

This varies from team to team, though practice once or twice a week is typical. Some teams may practice twice a week for a while and then cut back to once a week later in the season. Practice locations vary. Community teams usually practice in their own area (e.g. Hoopeston), and come to Danville each Saturday for games.

Q: If my child ends up not playing for some reason, can I get a refund?

Yes, if they are unable to participate. Once we are two weeks into the season, there are no more refunds offered.

Q: What age groups and sexes will you have?

We have teams from age 4 to age 14. Girls can opt to play on girls' teams or mixed teams if they wish. Teams are named u6, u8, etc. This means that players on these teams at the league age date (August 1) are under the age stated. Children may well have a birthday during the year and hence be older. Age is determined as of August 1.

Q: How do I find out what team my child is on, and who is the coach?

Danville Soccer tries to achieve team parity so that the leagues will be competitive. After all of the registrations are in, teams are selected and coaches assigned. The rosters are then posted at the Soccer Complex (on the Concession bulletin board), and are posted on the Website.

Q: How can I learn more about soccer as a parent or new coach?

Watch games and practices. Buy a book or video on beginning soccer. Try "Coaching Youth Soccer: a Guide for the Baffled Parent" by Bobby Clark at amazon.com or a local bookstore. Look at the Links section of this Website for many references for youth soccer. Talk to parents and coaches who have been there. Play and practice soccer with your child, and learn together. Kick it around every evening. Grow in soccer knowledge with your child. You don't need the esoterica at the beginning; you just need to be a chapter ahead of them!

Q: What if I have additional questions?

You can e-mail us, or speak to a board member or registrar at registration. dsapay@yahoo.com