My child has never played before. Can they join?+
Absolutely. Soccer Shootout is rec soccer for ages 4 to 12, built for first-timers and rec regulars alike. There are no tryouts and every kid plays. Sessions are built for each age group, so a child who has never played fits right in.
Do we try out?+
No. There are no tryouts, ever. Every child who registers plays. Draft Day is not a tryout: it is a free, fun day where kids play and every child is drafted to one of our 16 clubs, each with its own crest and kit.
What is Draft Day?+
Draft Day opens every season, and it is free. Kids play together, meet the coaches and every child is drafted to one of our 16 clubs. Your local program shares the date and place before the season.
How much does it cost?+
Winter 2027 Saturday rec in Bradenton is $169.99 early bird through Sun, Nov 29; $199.99 from Mon, Nov 30 to Sun, Dec 27; and $239.99 for late registration from Mon, Dec 28 to Wed, Jan 6. Spring 2027 sign-up opens Nov 1, at $20 more at each step because spring has more games. There is no sibling discount.
What is included in the registration fee?+
Your child's full game kit in their club's colors: one jersey, shorts and game socks. State association registration and insurance are included, and every player is recognized at the end of the season. Fan wear is optional and sold separately.
When and where do they play?+
Winter 2027 runs six Saturdays, Jan 9 to Feb 13, at GT Bray Park in Bradenton. Sessions are Saturday mornings, about 9:00 to 11:30, with each age group's time set before the season.
How long does it take each week?+
Preseason is 4 practices over 2 weeks, so the team learns to play together. Once the season starts it is one day a week: practice and play on the same day, about 90 minutes in all, with no extra practices during the season.
How much will my child play?+
Every available player plays at least three quarters of every game. Coaches plan rotations before kickoff and track minutes during the game. The only exceptions are injury, voluntary rest or arriving partway through.
Who coaches my child?+
Every coach completes our Gold Standard coaching course before the season and follows a weekly session plan for their age group. Each coach is observed twice a season and gets feedback to keep improving.
Can my child play with a friend?+
You can request it. Add your friend's full name when you register, and both families should request each other. Placement depends on age group and available space, so a request is not a guarantee.
What do we need to bring?+
Shin guards, which are required for every session and game; soccer cleats or athletic sneakers; a filled water bottle; and a good attitude. Your child's jersey, shorts and game socks are included with registration. Everything on this list is also available in the Soccer Shootout store.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Player safety comes first. Play stops for lightning or unsafe field conditions. When a game is canceled, we reschedule it whenever the calendar allows, and your coach and team updates tell you about any change as early as possible.
What is your refund policy?+
Registration fees are non-refundable. For peace of mind, you can add refund protection when you register. It gives you a 100% refund for any reason, at any time through the end of your child's first game.
How will we get updates?+
Team reminders, schedule and weather changes, and coach messages all come through our app. You get access instructions with your team welcome.
Can I coach or help?+
We would love to hear from you. Apply to coach and tell us about your experience and availability. Every coach completes our Gold Standard coaching course before the season.
Who do I contact with questions?+
Your coach for team questions, the site lead on game day, and our team through the contact page for everything else. Every nonurgent question gets a reply within two business days.
