FAQ
Q: Why did Kouts Youth Soccer League change their name to Kouts Soccer Club, and what does this mean?
A: We are a small town and times are changing. To play against other teams there are certain insurances that must align. All our neighbors in NWI have evolved to a club status. Being independent like we have been for many years means due to insurance reasons we wouldn't be able to provide games for our kids to play unless we embraced the change surrounding us. We would only be able to play games against our own team within our own league. Being a small town, the number of teams (especially in our older divisions) would not provide for enough variation of teams to play. Change is good! Our kids are going to learn, have fun, and grow!
Q: What is Rec+ and the NWISL?
A: Recreation Plus (Rec+) assumes the Recreation Program philosophy of participation and fun, but also provides the opportunity for players to compete against other clubs in Rec+ games and invitational tournaments. The Northwest Indiana Soccer League, not the Kouts Soccer Club, sets the schedule and controls travel distances. Rec+ is a possible transition step to competitive play, but also allows for new/beginner players. The Rec+ Program features the flexibility and control of recreation soccer but with a few more rules and procedures administered by SAY Soccer (NWISL parent organization and administrating body) and followed by the NWISL.
Q: How will games work, and where will they be?
A: The teams in the Kouts Soccer Club will compete against teams from other clubs throughout the Northwest Indiana Soccer League (NWISL). A list of NWISL clubs can be found here. Our 8 game season will consist of 4 games at home and 4 games away. Away games can be played at any of the clubs that are part of the NWISL in Lake and/or Porter County. The game schedule will be created by the NWISL. Age divisions are broken down into age, skill level, and gender. Building of the teams will reflect this criteria. This allows for the NWISL to appropriately match teams for fair games. They do require proof of age via birth certificate to ensure this. The picture you are required to upload will be used for your child’s player's card. They use this as proof that your child is the age you say he/she is and belongs on that team. It is a quick reference check for the referees officiating your child’s game. We don't know when the schedule will be out as it is out of our control, however, we will share as soon as we get it! Yes there is a possibility if you have more than one player, that on away game days they may have different locations. Same location is preferred, however, depending on many things that is out of our control you may have to divide and conquer. Home games will all be played in Kouts. The schedule is fluid and your flexibility is required. If your player has a double header they try to schedule them with a game in-between for a break for the kids. If you have 2 games one weekend you may not have 1 the following because it is 8 games total not 1 EVERY Sunday.
*Please Note: All U6 (PreK/K) games will be played every Saturday at home in Kouts. The games will be between 10 and 11 am at the Kouts Soccer Club Fields located by the Pleasant Township Pool.
Q: When/where are practices?
A: Practices start approximately 2 weeks before the first season starts. They are held 1-2 times a week, Monday-Saturday. Days and times will be decided by your child’s coach. Coaches will reach out to their teams to discuss this information. U6-U12 practices will be at the Kouts Soccer Fields on their specific division field. U14 will be held at the Kouts High School track field AND at Kouts Soccer Field. U14 coaches will decide on the locations and the days. When using the high school, days available to practice there will vary. Remember, we are guests at the school so clean up after yourself or we will lose the privilege of using this space!
Q: When are the games?
A: Teams will play games mainly on SUNDAY afternoons. There could be some occasional Saturday games depending on the NWISL and referee needs. Some games canceled due to weather or other circumstances may be made up on weekday nights, we will do our very best to keep those game times to weekends when possible but all scheduling is done at NWISL discretion not us. Make up games have primarily been put on for Saturdays. So you may have a make up game on Saturday and your regular game on Sunday of the same weekend.
Q: Does my child get a medal?
A: As of 2025 only U6 will get participation medals from KSC. U8 will get participation medals from NWISL that will come in after the season is over and we will get them to you. U10, U12, and U14 will earn their medals through competition. 1st and 2nd place in their NWISL division will get medals for the place they earned. Medals come in after season and we will get them to you as soon as we get them.
Q: Where do spectators sit for games?
A: The layout is different now. Because we all know there are some fans that may be a little much NWISL is separating them (crazy we know, but we get it) Home team fans will sit on SAME SIDE as players but not past the halfway line and may not cross that line so no distractions from the players and coaches. Visitors will be the same but on the visitor team’s side. Please see picture for reference under “fields” on our website.
Q. What size ball does my child need?
A: Please notice these recommendations are based on field size. These recommendations may have changed since last season, so double check your child’s ball size!
U6-U8: Size 3
U10-12: Size 4
U14: Size 5
Q: What gear does my child need?
A: The Registration fee does include the player’s game jersey. The player is responsible for a ball (see sizing above), soccer cleats (NO FRONT CLEAT), and shin guards (must be worn under socks). If a player does not have socks covering shin guards completely they can not play. Always send your child to practice and games with plenty of water to drink. No jewelry including earrings are allowed per Say Soccer and NWISL rules.
Q: When does the Fall Season start and end?
A: The Fall Season begins mid August and ends early October. Yes, we are considering possibly starting a spring season in the future, so stay tuned! The game schedule is made by the NWISL, so when it will be released is not in our control. You will be notified when it is available.
Q: What age group/division will my player be placed?
A: To keep play fair and competitive players are divided by age group. Your child's correct age division will auto-populate based on their birth date during the online registration process. Eligibility for age groups shall be determined by a player’s age on August 1 of the seasonal year. A seasonal year is Fall followed by Spring. U14 can not have any high schoolers at this time due to IHSAA by laws. However, if your 14 year old is in 8th grade for the new school year you may reach out to us with proof of grade level for registration. Please see our age Matrix here.
Q: What is the birth year and season matrix, and why is it recommended?
A: Recommendations were changed in 2017 to go by the birth year AND seasonal year (not calendar year). Since the season starts in fall and ends in spring you can compare this to the school year. For example, this fall season 2024 is considered the 2024-2025 season year (just like the school year). This is why even though some kids are in the same grade they may still be in different divisions. Per US soccer, the change in age group registration aims to support player development, and goes hand-in-hand with the new standards for small-sided games. Using the birth year registration ensures that players are training and playing in the proper age group, each with their own developmental needs. The new standard also strives to lessen relative age effect (RAE). RAE is a selection bias towards players born earlier in the calendar year. Players born in early months are naturally older and more mature, but not necessarily better players. While the change to birth year registration won’t completely solve the problem, it will make it easier to identify and understand.
Q: What if my child has other sports and commitments and may miss a lot?
A: We are focusing on small sided games which means teams will be much smaller to be able to provide more ball touches for each player so if your player is planning on missing a lot we do not recommend this because it effects the whole team. It will leave their team mates short and jeopardize their ability to even be able to play their game if they don’t have enough players. When your sign up your child you are committing to your team to make every effort possible to be a reliable teammate. We understand illness and special circumstances happen but repeated or unreliable attendance issues will be kept in consideration for the following season.
Q: How much is the Registration fee?
A: The registration fee, including the jersey, is $125. In-house U6 is $75. Siblings that live in the SAME household may have a sibling discount of $10 each additional child (the first child is full price). There is a $3 processing fee at checkout covered by the parents. The merchant fee of 3.99% will be covered by the club as a courtesy.
Q: What if I ordered the wrong size jersey, wanted to change something on it, or lost it?
A: All single order jerseys or late orders after our bulk order has fees we can not accommodate. If you need a new jersey please contact the board and we will provide you the store information so you can order and purchase a new one on your own.
Q: Can I register if I don't live in Kouts?
A: Yes! Anyone can register. The Kouts Soccer Club does not have any residency restrictions or out-of-district fees.
Q: If I have a special request, where do I notify the club about it?
A: When registering your child you can type this in the boxes that ask questions such as allergies or medical conditions. Due to the overwhelming amount of requests and for the purpose of appropriately placing players where they will thrive, we are no longer taking requests on teams, coaches, practice dates, etc. Requests for siblings living in the same household who are in the same age and gender divisions will be accommodated. You may email the club with any special conditions/situations, however, this does not mean we will accommodate. Wanting to be on a friends team, car pooling, and convenience are not special conditions.
Q: I missed the registration deadline, can you make an exception?
A: Unfortunately, no. The preparation and process is lengthy and we have strict deadlines to meet with the NWISL. Our club is a non-profit organization run by volunteer board members and needs time to do all the background work before the season begins. We will advertise a lot so keep an eye on our Facebook page and website!
Q: Why is there a waitlist?
A: We cap at a certain number (based on averages) to ensure we have the right amount of players per team. A waitlist will allow you to not pay at the time of registration. When we get enough players to fill another team, that waitlist will be notified and will then proceed with your registration.
Q:What is the refund policy?
A: There are no refunds after the registration closes. If you need a refund before it closes, there will be a $10 processing fee. No exceptions!
Q: The site says there are no available programs for my child, what do I do now?
A: This means that registration has closed or that your son/daughter is not eligible to participate based on birth date or gender requirements set by the organization. This will also happen if your cart has a program in it from a previous attempt. You can look at your account page and check your cart to see if there are any items in it. *Please Note: Sometimes this will happen if the child's birth date is set incorrectly. You can always check this by going to your account screen and clicking on “My Account”. Click on “Edit Player Info” next to your child's name. See "How can I edit any of my account or participant information?" for more info.
Q: How do I register my player for Kouts Soccer Club?
A: Kouts Soccer Club registration is completed through an online registration process where you must make an account. You will need a copy of your child's birth certificate and a current photo of your child from the shoulders up, to where you can clearly see them. Please do not use photos with multiple people or pets in them. Do not use photos of players that have sunglasses or hats on. This should be a driver's license/passport style photo. A traditional school photo can work if it meets these requirements.
Q: How much time is involved with volunteering?
A: The time commitment related to volunteering for our club is entirely up to you and the tasks you take on. Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches are always needed. You do not need experience in coaching as we have resources to help teach you. This sort of volunteering would require a few hours each week during the normal soccer season. However, volunteering to serve on our board can require several hours each week, even during the off season.
Q: Can my child play up a division?
A: *Please Note: Per SAY Soccer and NWISL rules, a child may play UP only for certain reasons as outlined by the NWISL and skill is not necessarily a reason that will be approved. Players may not play DOWN unless a physician note documenting a developmental delay. In general, it is not recommended that a child play up unless it is due to combining teams or if there is no room in the division the child would fall in. You may fill out a request form, but we can not guarantee it as NWISL has the final say on all players playing up. Any request for a player to be moved up from any age division must come in writing from the coach as well as the parent and must be approved by the NWISL Reps via email. The final decision for any player requesting to play up will be the sole decision of the NWISL Reps, not the coaches.
Q: What is The Ball Chasing Program?
A: Ball chasers are players from our club that volunteer to go to the Kouts High School soccer HOME GAMES to help their soccer teams by replacing balls that go out of bounds during a game. As a community, we support our schools, and our schools support us. As members of our community, our town athletic fields will support our school athletic department in the same manner that they also support us. This is a fun experience for our players getting to help the high school teams during their games. Players can learn from the high school kids, build excitement, and help all at the same time! Our school provides our youth league night, allows us to use one of their fields for our U14 teams, and provides support and advice as we grow their future athletes. This will be a requirement and coaches will assign ball chasers per their availability when the high school schedule is released. We have many eager kids and not many high school games so not everyone will get a chance, but when your coach asks please consider the impact this truly makes and pick a day you can take your child for fun. A ball chaser and 1 parent will receive free admission since they are volunteering.
Q: How do I sign up to coach a team?
A: Register as a volunteer. Kouts Soccer Club is always in need of both head and assistant coaches. Our club is run by volunteers! Coaching is a rewarding and positive experience. The goal is to create lasting memories with your child!
*Everyone is a volunteer and does not get paid for putting in many hours behind the scenes to keep this organization operating for your child to play soccer. If you have questions, suggestions, or are interested in getting involved with the club please do not hesitate to contact us! We are all parents just trying to help our kids play soccer!
Weather Policy
If ANY lightning is sighted, thunder is heard, or sirens go off then the fields must be cleared immediately!
If the game stopped in the first half: We will start the timer for a 30 minute wait period. Even if the all clear siren goes off you must still wait 30 minutes. Each time thunder is heard or lightning is sighted during this first wait period, we will restart the 30 minute timer. The total time of a weather delay must not exceed 60 minutes. If conditions exist whereby the delay would exceed 60 minutes, then the game is abandoned immediately. Rescheduling games is a NWISL responsibility, not the referee.
If a game is stopped after the first half, during half time, or during the second half: The game ends, the score is final, and will not be replayed. The home club representatives can close a field due to field conditions. If that happens the field is closed for the rest of the day and no games shall be played on the field.