Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about our organization, soccer schedule, and expectations. Don't see your question listed on this page? Feel free to submit an inquiry.
General Questions
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How much are your club fees?
Each of our teams maintains their own budget/fee schedule and the typical cost for Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons total approximately $975, excluding uniforms. RFC sets a minimum amount that each team may charge for fees, for a consistent experience across the club. Mandatory uniform items run around $200, and optional items around $150. We aim to get at least two years out of our uniform purchases, so parents don’t have to buy new uniforms every year.
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What leagues do you compete in?
Each of our teams currently decide on which leagues they want to compete in, all which are sanctioned by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA). The Inter-County Soccer League (ICSL), Central League, and Rock Spring Leagues are local/regional leagues that our teams have historically competed in. We encourage our coaches to place our teams in Divisions within these leagues that match or stretch our level of competition. We do our best to limit drive times to under an hour for away games. We are also always monitoring alternate options that EPYSA may offer including Elite Development Program (EDP) for our teams.
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How many tournaments do you compete in?
Most of our teams complete in at least two tournaments in the Fall and Spring Seasons. In the Fall, Jack Walsh in October and Hempfield Classic in November have been popular with our teams. In the Spring, FC Delco in April and Alliance Cup in June have been popular. Many of our teams also compete in EPYSA State Cups in the Spring. Most of our tournaments we select are approximately an hour or less drive time, with no overnight travel required, however some of our teams have collectively decided to register for some stay and play events. Check with the team coaches for specific plans. Note that we are not hardware chasers – we don’t seek out or drop down to easier tournaments or flights, just to win trophies.
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Do you train and compete over winter and, if so, is a winter session required?
Many of our teams do train and play in indoor soccer leagues and/or Futsal leagues. Please check with your coaches on specific plans.
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Do you videotape your games and share them with parents?
Many of our teams have video recording as part of their budget and plan. These teams use Veo cameras to record games. Check with your team for specifics.
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What are your age ranges / grade levels on the squads?
Our teams are organized by birth year.
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Does your team hold social events?
Each team organizes their own social events, and we try to hold at least one club wide event annually. Previous club wide events have included open play nights, or attending a Union Game.
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Are parents expected or encouraged to hire personal trainers or clinics for their children?
It’s not required to hire private trainers. All of our coaches have been trained or an in training through US Soccer and will do their best to bring fun, skills training and team play to our practice sessions. Training sessions at RFC, like most other clubs, are limited in duration, so any additional training or time spent can be beneficial to your child’s soccer development. Additionally, maintaining fitness is a significant factor in training. Because of these factors, all our coaches encourage our players to work on skills and maintain fitness outside of practice sessions times.
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Can players also play for their Middle school team?
Historically our boys and girls have been able to play for their middle school and continue play for our club teams. Some of our teams have been able to continue playing through their High School years too. Parents and players should communicate any concerns about health and schedule with their coaches, so that they can manage expectations through these seasons.
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Will the team practice during the school season?
Many of our teams have historically adjusted their training and league schedules to accommodate the riggers of school soccer seasons. For example, some of our older boys and girls teams will register for a late fall season, which typically starts after HS soccer has ended. Parents and players should coordinate with their coach so that they can manage expectations through these seasons.
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Does the team or club carry insurance?
Players, coaches, and the club are all covered by the EPYSA registration fees with Liability insurance, and extends to all team-sanctioned events. This is the same insurance policy that covers all travel soccer clubs in PA. For Winter and Indoor competition, the club carries secondary insurance for activities not covered under EPYSA policy. Note for parent volunteers: they are typically also covered by their homeowner's policy (check with your agent).
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Can you tell me about the Coach's communication with parents and players?
The team will be led by parent coaches licensed by US Soccer, who adhere to Positive Coaching Alliance ideals, and who embrace coaching development. Parents and players will have an opportunity to provide feedback each season. Coaches will have an "open-door" communication with parents during the season.
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What is the commitment and training like?
Each season (Fall, Winter, Spring) involves a separate registration process, which means the roster can flex at different times of the year as some kids focus on other activities besides soccer. There are no restrictions on extracurricular activities. However, we realize that some sports don't mix well with soccer in the same season. We expect to train 2 times per week, with possibly an offseason mini-camp/preseason prep in the summer if it can be arranged and kids are available. Please provide coaches as much notice as possible on the upcoming season availability, if not playing soccer. Officially, the Fall season starts in July.
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Do you hold tryouts? Will my son have to compete to keep his roster spot every year?
In general, Rebels FC prefers to avoid cutting players, but each team generally holds tryouts each Spring in order to replace players that have left and to maintain commitment and roster longevity. A roster spot is a privilege, and we expect all players to put effort in on their own time to improve their skills and conditioning. Our coaches are expected to communicate to any player who falls behind the group in terms of skills and or conditioning, and offered a reasonable time frame to get up to speed before losing a roster spot on the team.
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When does each season start and end?
Most of our teams start Fall training in late July, with 2 practices per week. Season goes to early November with games and tournaments on weekends. Winter sessions vary by team and can include indoor games on the weekends and some indoor training during the week. Spring season starts around late March, Leagues typically provide 5-8 games, and the season wraps up by early June, with games on weekends. Some teams will be scheduled for a June tournament, but all of our teams break for the summer.