FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
UPWARD SOCCER
When are practices held?
One practice a week beginning in early July at the same place and same time each week. Players will always practice at the same time and same location all season long. Practice Location is at Lodi Upward Sports and Fitness Facility at Gracepoint Church (801 S. Lower Sacramento Rd Lot CA 95242). Practice times are Usually on Weeknights. Again only one practice a week lasting 1 hr.
We have other commitments in the evenings, can we request a practice time?
When you register you can choose one night of the week that does not work for your child to practice – we cannot guarantee any other practice night request after that.
When are the games played?
One 1 hr game every Friday night or Saturday Morning (Starting Late-July through Early September). Friday evening Games are for Older grades and Saturday morning games are of the younger grade. All gamedays are at Lodi Upward Sports and Fitness Facility at Gracepoint Church.
I noticed most of the practices and games are at churches, do I need to be a member for my kids to be able to play?
No. Biblical truths are shared at every practice and game, but you do not need to attend a church to play Upward.
Who will coach my child’s team?
Most volunteer coaches are parents of a player on the team. If you as a parent sign up to coach you can pick the night and time you wish to practice. Coaches are given first priority when assigning practice nights and times. How about that for an incentive?! Yes, your child and any other player they are linked with through the registration carpool link will be placed on that coaches team.
Can beginners play?
Yes! Many players have never played organized soccer before. We are a DEVELOPMENT league!
Will my child actually get to play?
Everyone makes a team, and every player plays the same amount of time (K-4th grade).
What ages play together?
The divisions are:
Kindergarten (Co-ed),
1st & 2nd Grade (boys and girls division)
3rd & 4th Grade (boys and girls division)
5th & 6th (Co-ed)
What do the players wear for the games?
High quality reversible game day jersey & shorts are provided with your registration fee. Most players wear their jersey and shorts for both practice and games. All players need to wear shin guards for Games too.
How are teams decided?
After evaluation scores are entered, our computer software assembles teams using each players evaluation scores in an attempt to have all the teams be balanced so games are not lopsided. We average 400+ players each season, so there are a lot of moving parts with formulating teams.
When can I find out my child’s team/practice night?
Practice Schedules and Team Rosters will be emailed out after our last evaluation and player draft.
Do I have to attend all of the evaluations?
No – Just ONE. Once your child is evaluated you are done, you will be notified of your team and practice schedules by email.
How can I coach my child’s team?
When you register, you can mark the box that indicates you would like to volunteer to coach your child’s team. That’s all there is to it! We have a coaches meeting in late November or early December. You will also be given an app that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to run a practice and coach a game.