ABYSA Recreation Program FAQs

Click here for Henderson County Specific FAQ's

Q: When will I know about my child’s practice schedule?
A: About one week after the coaches meeting

ABYSA team coaches will contact their teams approximately one week after our coaches meeting so teams have the opportunity to practice for two weeks prior to their first game. Practice start dates vary, depending on when a volunteer team coach is named and practice is scheduled through the District Coordinator. The Recreation program uses volunteer coaches for every one of its 350+ teams. In some situations, we are still recruiting coaches during the first week of practice, but this is rare and usually few participants are affected. Most players should be notified of their practice schedules within one week of the Coaches Meeting for your age group.

Since our 4U,5U, and 6U teams play on Saturday only, there is no practice before the first playdate, so they start a little later then the 7U and older teams. Each playdate consists of a 30-minute practice followed by a 30 minute game during the one-hour time slot. Schedules will be posted 7-10 days before the first playdate.

Q: Where will my child practice?
A: Your team coach will decide that shortly after the pre-season coaches meeting

When registering your child, you will choose the high school district that most convenient for your family; your child’s team will practice at a school or facility within that high school district. Each coach is will select practice space based on equipment needs, field sizes, and the coach’s schedule after the coaches meeting at the start of each season. The U4, U5, and U6 Programs are Saturday-only programs. For this age, players have their practices and games on the same day during their time slot.

Q: How do I find my player's game schedule?
A: Go to your PlayMetrics account and click on your team name, then go to the team calendar.

 Once you log into your account above you'll click on your child's team link to view the team page.  Once on the team page, you can access the schedule by clicking on the Calendar tab. Please check back each Friday before games during the season to make sure there hasn't been a change in the schedule for your child's team. There are times when games need to be moved; therefore, checking back each Friday will make sure you end up at your proper game location. When games are canceled due to weather we will update the schedule by the following Wednesday.

At the beginning of each season, the entire season's schedule will be posted approximately 10 days before the 1st scheduled game date. Due to the number of late player registrations and availability of our volunteer coaches for teams each year, we are unable to provide an accurate full-season schedule any earlier.

- Instructions on using the PlayMetrics system (desktop or mobile version) to navigate your account and team calendar
- How to add and remove contacts for your player's PlayMetrics account

Q: Can I become a coach in the Recreation program?
A: Absolutely! If you are interested in coaching, we are happy to help you along your journey!

Yes! Coaching in our program is needed and as fun and rewarding as playing, and a soccer background is unnecessary. We will provide you with all the information you need to make recreation soccer a fun and rewarding experience for every child; all you need to do is volunteer! Please check the box in the registration process that you would like to coach your child's team and someone will be in touch with you about coaching before the coaches meeting or contact  director, Shane Weems at [email protected].

Click here for the full ABYSA Coaches Corner resource page

Q: What equipment does my child need?

The only equipment needed is shin guards and a soccer ball for each player. Shin guards can be purchased at Arsenal Athletics in the Asheville Mall, Dick's Sporting Goods, or anywhere sporting equipment is sold. Each player should bring an age appropriate soccer ball to all activities.

Q: How often will my child practice?

A: Our 7U and older recreation teams practice once during the week. Practice times vary depending on coach availability, available sunlight, and location. Practice sessions run from 1 to 1.5 hours.

Q: What days are games played?

A: The majority of games are held on Saturdays. Occasionally, Sundays or weeknights may be used depending on complex availability throughout the season.

Q: What age group is my child in?

A: Your child's age group for Recreation play is determined by his birth year (with the "#U" meaning "Under"). The Division name is simply the year the season ends minus the birth year of your player:

Example:
Fall 2022 season & Spring 2023 season = 1 Full season year (2022-23 season)
2023 (year the season ends) - 2010 birth year = 13 - Under division in ABYSA

Q: May my child play with a different age group than theirs?

A: To allow children to participate with their classmates or to facilitate those who may be more physically mature for their age, ABYSA allows any player who desires to play up one age group to do so by entering that request in the 'Special Request' section of registration. For the safety and enjoyment of all of our participants, players are not allowed to play up more than one year without approval from the director of our Recreation program. Please be aware, the United States Youth Soccer Association regulations prohibit children from playing down in age groups younger than their true age.

Q: Can my daughter play in the Boy's division?

A: Yes, female players may play in the boy's division if they choose, just be sure your special request to be placed in the "Boys" division when registering.

Q: Must I live in Asheville/Buncombe County to participate? 

A: No.  In fact, many players participate from Henderson, Transylvania, Haywood, Yancey, Madison and McDowell Counties. Select the district closest to where you live on your child's registration. You'll be assigned to a team that practices close to where you live in Buncombe County.  Please email Gary Tittle at [email protected] if you have questions.

Q: How will I know if games are canceled due to weather?

A: ABYSA makes every effort to post weather announcements on game day by 7 a.m. for morning games and by 11 a.m. for afternoon games. If Saturday games need to be canceled on Friday, we will make the announcement then. Notices are posted on the  Play Smarter Weather Hotline Page, which is the best way to get the most up-to-date cancellation information. Please be aware that the referee always has the final say as to whether a game will be played once teams are on the field in the event severe weather occurs.