FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Registration

If I missed registration, can I still sign my child up for a soccer program?

Registrations may be accepted online past the deadline. Please contact the DOPD with questions. For more information on late registration and assessments, contact us.

What age groups are eligible to participate?

DASC sponsors teams for boys and girls, starting at age 3 and up to age 19, depending upon interest.

My child turns 3 years old this year, are they eligible to play?

Likely, but please check your child’s eligibility by age using the current EPYSA Age Group Chart or contact us.

Tryouts - U9 >

What is the cost of tryouts?

The 2023 cost for tryouts is free before April 8th, but there is a $20 late registration fee after this point.

What is the tryout practice like?

On the day of tryouts, athletes will be assigned numbers and given a shirt/pinnie. Once everyone is checked in, players will go through various drills and be graded on their soccer skills. Athletes will be graded on ball manipulation, passing, receiving, finishing, athleticism and gameplay. Our grading system then ranks players based on each of those elements.

How are teams selected?

Within one week, a selection committee will examine athlete performance and rank to determine the best fit to create competitive teams.

When will I know what team my child makes?

Team acceptance will be communicated to each participant after the selection meeting. You will receive an email no later than 2 weeks after the tryout date. Players and parents will receive an email with acceptance instructions.

Players may be put on a waiting list for a team if not initially selected. If a selected player does not accept the spot on the team, we will select another player from the waiting list at that time.

Players who do not make the team will also receive a notification.

Will you offer a makeup tryout date?

No. However, if players are unable to make the tryout, they can request an excused absence from the DASC board. Excused absence requests must be presented to the Director of Player Development (Simon Skudder) in writing as soon as possible, and approved by the Executive Board. Excused absence requests should be made at least 30 days in advance.

How to request an excused absence:

Pre-register online before tryouts, and
Request an excused absence by emailing the club Director of Player Development, Simon Skudder - dopd@dascsoccer.org.

Travel program

When are practices?

More details will be released closer to the season start. The exact day/time is dependent on the number of teams and coaches’ availability. Teams typically practice twice per week, for 1.5 hours each, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

What is the cost to play?

For the 2022-23 Fall season, the club fee is $200. The Winter fee is $100 and the Spring 2022 fee is $200. For tournament play, teams will charge each athlete individually. We anticipate that the tournament fee will be between $30-$50 per tournament. More information will become available once teams are assigned.

Coaching fees are included in the registration cost.

Not included in the registration cost: Uniform fees, state cup play, food, transportation, and lodging for stay-away tournaments.

When do I have to pay?

Season program costs: The Fall season fee is charged when you accept your child's position on the team.

Can my child play up in age group?

Yes, players are permitted to tryout to play up one (1) age group. To be considered for both their true age group and the play-up group, players must attend both tryouts. To earn a roster position on the play-up age group team, the player must assess within the top three of all players assessing or receiving a DOPD exemption.

DASC programs

What is the difference between "travel teams" and "recreational teams"?

DASC is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Soccer League (CPYSL), and within CPYSL there are several Divisions—Premier, I, II and III. Premier, Division I and II teams are defined as competitive travel divisions with Premier being the most competitive. Division III is considered a recreational division, but does play against other local clubs and will travel to other clubs' sites.

DASC also runs a recreational league. This league practices and plays games in Dillsburg.

How far do travel teams travel?

All regular season games are against CPYSL clubs, most of which are located in the south central Pennsylvania area.

My child is not interested in playing on a travel team, why do they have to participate in the skill assessments?

It is not uncommon for age groups to have multiple recreational teams that could eventually play against one another. Thus, in an effort to balance the skill levels between these teams, we ask all players to participate in the skill assessments held in the spring.

When do the seasons start?

In the Spring season, the U9 and older travel programs will begin practice in early March with games scheduled for the first weekend of April. The Polar Bear Elite Academy U6/U8 program and Recreational programs typically begin near the beginning of April. Specific dates will be communicated to participants.

In the Fall, U9 and older programs begin practice in early August, while the Polar Bear Elite Academy programs typically begin the first week of school. Specific dates will be announced later.

Uniforms and equipment

How do players get a uniform?

For U9 and older travel teams, DASC negotiates uniform pricing, selects the styles, assigns the numbers, and then connects parents directly to the vendor to place the order and pay for the uniform. For the Fall season, this will occur in June. For the Spring season, this will occur in February. DASC currently uses soccer.com. The approximate cost of the uniform is $110.

For the Polar Bear Elite Academy, DASC provides each player with a uniform and the fee is included with the registration fee.

Other than the uniform, what equipment is needed?

Shin guards are mandatory. In addition, players should bring their own ball to practice (see next question for appropriate ball size). Soccer cleats are not required, but they are recommended and most players prefer them over sneakers. Also, players are encouraged to bring a water bottle or other drink to practices and games.

Does it matter what size soccer ball we bring?

Yes. U6-U8 programs use a size 3 ball. U9-U12 use a size 4 ball. U13 and up use a size 5 ball.