Download Our Handbook:

The Milwaukee Torrent Wales Soccer Club Parent & Player Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to our Club’s mission, values, and expectations. It outlines our commitment to age-appropriate player development across all levels, from grassroots to competitive play, while emphasizing safety, sportsmanship, and positive participation.

Inside the handbook, families will find important information on player development pathways, registration and team formation, player and parent guidelines, referee support, concussion safety, playing time expectations, and conflict resolution. The handbook also covers key Club policies, including moving up and guest playing guidelines, Club Pass players, player pick-up procedures, inclement weather and field conditions, uniform requirements, and administrative policies such as media release, force majeure, and failure to meet expectations.

This handbook is designed to promote transparency, consistency, and shared understanding so that players, parents, and coaches can work together to create a positive, respectful, and development-focused soccer experience for everyone involved.

Parent and Player Handbook

WYSA Recommendations and Guidelines for Sideline Behavior

Referee Abuse Prevention

Report Referee Abuse

Media Release Policy:

 

In alignment with national youth soccer rules and Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association school-year placement guidelines:

• Players are not permitted to play down an age group.
• WYSA follows school-year placement using an August 1st cutoff, so players at the grassroots level (U6–U10) will remain within their assigned age group.

---

TEAM FORMATION

Our Grassroots U6–U10 recreational teams will follow the WYSA policy regarding grassroots play. Our U6-U10 teams are newly formed each year to promote fairness, balance, and equal playing opportunities for every child. 

WYSA Policies Regarding Grassroots Play – Policy 310-001: 

• A grassroots player is one who is assigned to a team that plays in a grassroots league.
• All teams under the age of 10 are considered grassroots teams.
• Grassroots teams are newly formed each year using a publicly stated method intended to create balance, such as a draft, random assignment, or grouping by neighborhood or school area.

Wales Soccer Club – U9 Player Policy

• U9 and U10 players are combined into a single age group for team formation.
• U9 players will be evenly distributed among teams with U10 players to maintain fair and balanced teams.
• Friend requests for U9 players are not guaranteed if honoring them would create unbalanced teams.
• U9 players will generally play at the U9/U10 level for two consecutive seasons, depending on their skill level and development.
• All team placements are at the discretion of WSC staff to ensure a positive, fair, and safe playing experience.

TEAM REQUEST POLICY

• No coach requests will be accepted at the U6–U10 level. Coaches may change from year to year, and this helps us maintain fairness across all teams.
• One mutual friend request is allowed per player (both players must list each other).
• Friend requests are not guaranteed.
• No friend requests will be accepted with late registrations. 
• During registration, please list your child’s school name to help us group players socially when possible.
• Early registration gives you the best chance for any friend request or school-based placements to be fulfilled.

PRACTICE DAY REQUESTS

• We do not accept preferred practice day requests, as our program relies on volunteer coaches whose availability ultimately determines each team’s practice schedule.
• Because practice schedules are established after volunteer coaches have selected their availability, we are unable to accommodate requests for specific practice days.
• We encourage families to register with the understanding that practices may be scheduled on any available weekday based on the assigned coach’s availability.
• We appreciate your understanding as this policy allows us to build balanced teams and provide the best experience for all players and families.

---

UNIFORMS

• Uniform kits are included with registration cost and consist of a jersey, shorts, and socks.
• Families are responsible for providing shin guards, cleats, and a soccer ball.
• Late registrations do not include a late fee
• Important Note: Late player registrations will be responsible for ordering their own uniform kits (jersey, shorts, socks) at their own expense.
• We use Hummel for all Milwaukee Torrent gear.
  • Size guide: https://www.hummel.net/size-guide
  • Helpful Youth Sizing Reference:
    • YS → typically 8–9Y
    • YM → typically 12–13Y
    • YL  → typically 16Y

---

REFUND POLICY

WSC does not offer registration refunds.

Why is youth soccer changing age groups?

As directed by the governing bodies of youth soccer, including U.S. Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association, all member clubs will transition from birth-year registration to school-year age grouping using an August 1st cutoff date.

All clubs statewide will follow this same structure to ensure consistency across leagues and competitions. As a member club, Wales Soccer Club is required to follow this model.

We understand this change can be challenging, especially when it impacts friendships and team continuity, and we truly appreciate your patience as everyone adjusts.

What does this mean for my player?

• Players are now grouped based on their age as of August 1st
• Players born August 1 – July 31 are placed in the same age group
• This aligns soccer with school-year (grade-level) peers

Important:

• Players are not being “held back” or “moved up”
• The label may change, but players are still grouped with their same birth-year peers

Who moves and who stays?

• January 1 – July 31 birthdays: move to the next age group as expected
• August 1 – December 31 birthdays: remain in the same age group for Fall 2026

Players remaining in the same age group are not playing down—they are now aligned with their school-year peers under the new system.

Why isn’t my child with the same team or friends?

At younger ages, especially U6–U8, teams may naturally split during this transition. This may result in players being placed on different teams than in previous seasons.

This is a normal and expected part of the nationwide shift.

That said, Wales Soccer Club makes every effort to roster players with:

• Player Friend Request
• Schoolmates (when school attending is provided at time of registration)

As long as they are within the same age designation

While we cannot guarantee all requests, this remains an important priority during team formation.

Can my child play up to stay with friends?

For U6–U10 players:

• Players will be rostered strictly by birthdate (August 1 cutoff)
• Play-up requests will not be approved

This decision was made after careful consideration and aligns with the strong recommendation from Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association.

This approach supports:

• Proper development
• Player safety
• Balanced and fair team formation

What about U9 players playing with U10 teams?

• There is no standalone U9 league
• U9 players are placed on U9/U10 teams competing in a U10 league
• Players typically play at this level for two seasons (U9 & U10 years)

This is not considered playing up, but part of the league structure.

Will teams stay together as players get older?

As players move into older age groups:

• Teams generally become more established
• There is typically more continuity from season to season

Some adjustments may still occur to ensure balanced and developmentally appropriate teams.

Can my child play down?

No. Playing down is not permitted per WYSA and national guidelines, except in documented medical or developmental circumstances. This ensures player safety and competitive balance.

What if my child is ahead or behind in school?

• If your player is young for their grade, we encourage them to play with their grade-level peers when possible
• If your player is older for their grade, they must still play in their designated age group

This helps maintain fairness, safety, and long-term development across all teams.

What are the benefits of school-year age grouping?

This change provides several long-term advantages:

• Stronger Team Cohesion – Players compete with classmates
• Fewer Scheduling Conflicts – Better alignment with school activities
• Improved Development – Age-appropriate competition
• Social Growth – Players build relationships with peers they see daily
• Prevents “Trapped” 8th Graders – Keeps players aligned with school teams
• Clearer College Pathway – Graduation year alignment helps with recruiting

Will my child be at a disadvantage?

No.

Players remain grouped with peers in the same age range—now aligned with school-year structure. Being with classmates often improves confidence, chemistry, and overall enjoyment of the game.

Our Commitment

Wales Soccer Club is committed to providing a structured, fair, and development-focused environment for all players.

Our focus remains on:

• Creating balanced teams
• Supporting player growth and confidence
• Providing a positive experience for every child

We are confident players will adjust quickly, form new friendships, and continue to thrive.

Diverse Opportunities for Every Season: 

At FCMT Wales Soccer Club, we offer more than just standard soccer matches. We provide a comprehensive range of opportunities to suit every player’s preferences and interests throughout the year.

League Games:

Immerse yourself in the thrill of competition with our organized league games. Whether you’re aiming for the championship or just want to enjoy the game in a structured format, our leagues cater to various skill levels and age groups.

Tournaments:

Test your skills and embrace the spirit of competition when participating in exciting tournaments. From friendly local showdowns to regional events, FCMT Wales Soccer Club provides meaningful opportunities for players to showcase their talents and create many memorable memories.

Winter Indoor Sessions:

Don’t let the cold weather keep you away from the game you love! Join our optional winter indoor sessions, where you can keep the momentum going, refine your skills, and stay connected with your teammates during the off-season. Associated extra costs TBD (based on interest and # of players).

Bayer Leverkusen Summer Soccer Camp:

For our older players, our summer camp is a perfect blend of fun and skill development sprinkled in with a little expansion of the cultural horizon. Led by first-class coaches from German Bundesliga top club Bayer Leverkusen, it’s an opportunity for kids to learn, play, and create lasting memories in a supportive and engaging environment. Associated extra costs TBD.

---

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more? Feel free to reach out to our friendly team at our email below.

Being a part of Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) offers several key benefits for the Milwaukee Torrent Wales Soccer Club:

Credibility and Recognition

• WYSA is affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the country.
• Membership enhances the club’s reputation as a legitimate, organized, and well-governed soccer program.

Access to Competitive Leagues and Tournaments

• WYSA provides pathways to participate in statewide leagues, regional competitions, and national tournaments, giving players opportunities to showcase their skills at higher levels.

Coaching Education and Development

• WYSA offers resources for coaching certifications and training programs to ensure that staff are equipped with the latest strategies and techniques to develop players effectively.

Player Development Pathways

• Through programs like Olympic Development Programs (ODP) and Select Teams, players gain exposure to higher-level training and competition, helping them reach their full potential.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

• Membership provides insurance coverage for players, coaches, and staff, ensuring the club is protected during practices, games, and travel.

Resources and Support

• WYSA offers administrative support, marketing assistance, and development tools to help the club operate more efficiently and professionally.

Community and Networking

• Being part of WYSA connects the club with a broader soccer community, enabling partnerships, shared resources, and collaboration with other clubs across the state.

Player Safety and Standards

• WYSA enforces safety protocols, including background checks and SafeSport compliance, promoting a secure and positive environment for all participants.

Scholarships and Grants

• WYSA provides access to financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and grants to make soccer more accessible and affordable for players and families. Pathways to Collegiate and Professional Soccer
• Participation in WYSA programs can help players gain visibility with college scouts and professional organizations, opening doors to scholarships and careers in soccer.

Being a part of WYSA not only strengthens the Milwaukee Torrent Wales Soccer Club’s foundation but also aligns with its mission to promote perseverance, inclusion, and opportunity through soccer.