The age groups for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 are as follows based upon the player's birthday in a specific calendar year:

• 06U (January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2019)
  
• 08U (January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2017)
  
• 10U (January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2015)
• 12U (January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2013)
• 15U (January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2011)

The Shenandoah County Soccer League follows the birth year registration mandate from U.S. Soccer (click here for the age matrix), which is our national governing body (click here for more information). 

A player's age group can be determined by subtracting the birth year from the year the soccer year ends. (In Virginia a soccer year is Fall and Spring). 

Ending Year – Birth Year = Age Group

Example: a player born in 2015 plays in the 8U age group. 

2022-2023 – 2015 = 8U  (2023 minus 2015 equals 8) 

SHENANDOAH COUNTY SOCCER LEAGUE HOUSE RULES

Seasons

Fall season games begin the weekend after Labor Day. Spring season games begin either the last week in March or the first week in April. There are no games on Easter weekend, Memorial Day weekend, or Labor Day weekend. 

All 6U-12U games are played in the small-sided format with fewer players on the team and field during a game on a sized down field.

Practices

The 06U division serves as an introduction to soccer, with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. 06U teams practice/play for one hour on Saturdays, using the first half of the hour for practice and the second half hour to scrimmage. 06U teams may practice one night during the week at the coach’s discretion (but most do not). 

8U-18U teams practice one evening during the week and compete in one game per weekend (usually Saturdays with an occasional Sunday afternoon game). 10U, 12U, 15U and 18U teams may practice up to two times per week at the coach’s discretion, based on practice field availability. 

Required Equipment  

Soccer shin guards and tennis shoes or soccer cleats are required to play. Players may not use baseball or football cleats. Please provide your child with a water bottle at practices and games and a soccer ball for practices. Parents take turns providing snacks/drinks for after the games, if desired by the coach.

Each player needs a complete uniform set for every season (two shirts and two sets of socks). Click here for information about uniforms.

Important Information (Please note)

• Registration forms are dated and numbered in the order they are received for team placement purposes.
• Due to the varying number of registrants in each age group and availability of coaches, some teams may be made up of players from different areas of the county.
• You may request NOT to have a certain coach. Additionally, a coach may request not to have a specific player. Other special requests can no longer be considered due to the large number of players registering each season. 
• No jewelry (watches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) shall be worn during games. This is one of the Laws of the Game (#4, The Player's Equipment) as established by the International Football Association Board. 

Miscellaneous

1. For 8U and above, spectators must watch games on the opposite side of the field from the side the coaches and teams are on.
2. Soccer socks are required and will be provided by the league. They are to be worn over shin guards.
   
3. No baseball or football cleats allowed.
4. Hard casts are permitted only with a doctor’s written permission.