COMPETITIVE

+ How much more of a commitment is competitive than recreational soccer?

It costs more money, there is more travel involved, and occasionally there are both Saturday and Sunday games. Teams depend on serious commitments from each player, and they are expected to attend all practices and games. But coaches understand that families take vacations, illnesses occur, and other family events sometimes take precedence. Commitment levels will depend on age and level of play for the specific team.

+ When does the season stop and start?

The fall season is the same schedule as recreational soccer, with games running from after Labor Day at the beginning of September to the weekend before Thanksgiving in late November. Teams typically play 13 to 15 games during the fall season. Generally, teams practice two days per week throughout the year with about 6-8 weeks off, determined by the coach. Some teams may practice more than twice a week depending on the level and commitment of the team.

Teams will start training after tryouts depending on the age level of the team and State Cup schedule. Our younger teams may start training once a week by March and move to twice a week shortly thereafter if not sooner. Our high school-aged teams will start in late-spring, after the high school season and older State and National Cup tournaments have concluded. If you need to know timing for a particular team, please contact our Executive Director. Teams will also play tournaments before and after the fall season that are covered by a separate team fee. Teams sometimes opt to play arena soccer at the Ecke YMCA in Encinitas or futsal during the off-season as well.

+ Does the player have to live in Cardiff or Rancho Santa Fe?

No. We welcome interested players from all communities. Our training fields are local to the Cardiff, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe communities.

+ How far is the travel?

Travel for games depends on the tournaments and level of the team. Higher level teams should expect some further travel, especially for specialty tournaments or advanced competition in event such as league playoffs and State Cup.

+ What is included in the registration fee?

Club fees include coaching for the year, fall gaming league costs, Specialty Training Program sessions, and administrative costs. The fee also covers general league expenses such as insurance, field upkeep, and registration with both the governing bodies and fall gaming league.

Additional team fees cover the cost of tournaments and additional leagues that vary by team.

Our coaches are all licensed and have at least a "Grassroots” license. In addition, many have played soccer at college, semi-professional, or professional levels. Kraig Chiles and Nate Hetherington, our Executive Directors, supervise competitive teams, with support from our technical director, Mark O'Sullivan.

+ Where do teams practice?

Teams practice on several local fields including Encinitas Community Park, Cardiff Sports Park, Church of the Nativity, RSF Sports Field, and schools such as Ada Harris, Cardiff Elementary, Oak Crest Middle School, San Dieguito Academy, Earl Warren Middle School, and Roger Rowe Elementary School. Our Field Coordinator works with teams throughout the year to schedule practices.

+ In what leagues do teams play?

2025-26 teams played in the SoCal and NPL/Discovery Leagues. Seeding occurs early spring. Our Executive Directors work with the coaches to seed the teams appropriately to support development for all teams and players.

+ Does each member of a team have an equal amount of playing time?

No. While recreational soccer strives to make sure everyone plays half the time, competitive aims to have the strongest players on the field. That said, coaches only invite players to join a team who make it stronger, and they will make every effort to play everyone in each game unless there are injury or discipline issues.

+ What if a player is injured or quits?

For players in good standing, Cardiff Soccer League, the governing board for the San Diego Sockers Youth Club, will consider written requests for a refund up to 50% of the paid club fees before August 1. The circumstances for the player departure are taken into account when determining refunds.

+ How will I learn whether my child makes the team and what happens next?

A coach will phone each player who attends tryouts within one week. If your child is offered a slot, you will be emailed club paperwork to complete and you must complete online registration and attend a registration night to order uniform and complete paperwork. For players who do not make the competitive team, we strongly encourage them to join our recreational program, which begins registration in April.

+ If my child makes the team, I’d like to help. What do teams need?

Each team needs a manager to handle the finances and scheduling. The Cardiff Soccer League also is a volunteer, nonprofit organization, and we can always use extra help. Please reach out to us to inquire about opportunities to provide support.

+ Can my child “play up”, or play on a team that is older?

Directors and coaches look at each individual case and makes a decision that is best for the player’s development and safety. Players wishing to play up will also be required to try out for their birth year age group and request to play up. Playing up will be determined based on skills and maturity.

+ What is meant by “Birth Year” or "Grade Year" age group?

Prior to the 2026-27 season team formation, teams were formed based on birth year. Starting with the 2026-27 season, US Soccer has announced an age cutoff change to align more closely with grade year.