Frequently Asked Questions

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1. First time users click on “Register” to create your username and password, then click “Create Account”.
2. Click “Register Now!” at the top of the page and enter in your contact info, then click “Update”.
3. Click “Register Now!” again to enter your child’s information, then click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
4. Select your child’s age group under “Developmental Academy” and click “Continue”.
5. Fill in the information on the next page and click “Continue”.
6. If you are only registering one child, click “Continue” and then “Submit Order”.
7. If you are registering more than one child, scroll to the top of the page and click “Add Participants” and follow the directions again. You will see your previous child’s registration but will still be able to add your new child too!
8. Once finished registering, click “Continue” and “Submit Order”.

Each of our programs have different season lengths. Season start and end dates can vary each year but usually follow this format:

Development (In-House): 

• Fall - Practices begin in mid-August with the last game occurring mid-October. This is a 6-game season.
• Spring - Practices begin in around April with the last game occurring early-June. This is a 6-game season.

Competitive (Travel):

• Fall - Practices begin in mid-late August. It is a 7-8 game season. The last game is typically the first week of November. 
• Spring - Practices begin in late March. It is a 7-8 game season. The last game is typically mid-June. 

Winter Training:

• Training sessions usually begin in December and end late February.

Each of our programs have different practice schedules:

Developmental (In-House): Practices are once a week, and games are held on Saturdays. Specific practice days for your child's age group are determined prior to start of the season and are not released until after registration is closed. If you have questions regarding specific days and times of practice, please reach out for further asssistance.

Competitive (Travel): Practices are typically twice a week, and games are played on Sunday afternoons. Days, times, and weekly occurrences are determined by the Head Coach prior to start of the season.

Winter Training: Sessions are once a week and do not include games. Exact day and times are determined once registration is closed.

• Shin Guards: Required for safety (worn under socks).
• Soccer Cleats: Recommended for traction (or comfortable athletic sneakers for younger ages/indoor practice).
• Water Bottle: Marked clearly with your child's name.
• Comfortable Athletic Wear: Shorts/sweatpants and a t-shirt (dress in layers for cooler weather).

We offer two program pathways designed to match your child's experience level, age group, and commitment level:

DEVELOPMENTAL LEAGUE (IN-HOUSE)

Pre-K through 6th Grade

This is where the love of the game begins! Our Developmental League is designed for young players who are new to soccer or building their foundational skills in a fun, low-pressure, supportive environment.

• Focus: Fundamentals, skill development, and fun
• Format: Small-sided games (3v3 to 7v7) using an age-appropriate curriculum
• Schedule: One training session per week + weekend games
• Location: Clarion County Park (close to home with no long travel)
• Seasons: Fall and Spring seasons (Low cost)

COMPETITIVE CLUB TEAMS (TRAVEL)

U10 through U19

Train hard and compete at the highest level! Our competitive club teams represent the Clarion River Valley Strikers in the PA West League for players seeking advanced technical and tactical development, and intense training.

• Focus: High-level competition and tactical/technical growth
• Selection: Players are selected through our in-house program based on effort, experience, attitude, and skill
• Coaching: Led by licensed and experienced head coaches
• Schedule: Multiple weekly training sessions + weekend matches
• Location: Matches held locally and traveling across Western PA
• Affiliation: PA West League Competition (US Youth Soccer affiliated)
• Seasons: Fall and Spring seasons

Travel teams play in the PA West soccer league. It is an 8-game season. Travel can be broken down 2 ways:

• You can expect 4 away games and 4 home games, however - this can change based on scheduling demands and competition level.
• Locations can vary - but can be as far North as Meadville and as far south as Washington (Pittsburgh). This can mean travel time as low as 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. *As competition level increases - so does travel time!*

As involved as you want to be—or not at all! We recognize that every family’s schedule, preferences, and capacity are different, so we offer flexible options designed to meet you where you are.

Whether you want to be hands-on every step of the way or prefer a completely hands-off experience, we’ve got you covered:

• Fully Involved (Hands-On): Coach or manage a developmental team! We supply everything you need to make a lasting impact.
• Moderately Involved (Flexible): Assist with field maintenance, concessions and other club events.
• Low / No Involvement (Hands-Off): Drop off your child with total peace of mind. Our team takes care of everything, keeping you informed via email, text, or socials.

No matter which level of involvement you choose, your child will receive the exact same high-quality support and attention.

Eligibility & Age Requirements

• Must      be at least 13 years old to begin US Soccer Grassroots Referee      training.
• Youth      referees (ages 13–17) may use a parent-signed affidavit instead of FBI      fingerprint clearance.
• Referees      age 18+ must complete full background checks and SafeSport certification.

Required Clearances & Training

All referees (age 14+) are required to complete the following:

• PA      State Police Criminal Record Check
• PA      Child Abuse History Clearance
• FBI      Criminal Background Check (or affidavit for minors)
• SafeSport      Training (mandatory for ages 18+
• Annual      refresher courses are required at no charge
• Clearances      are valid for 5 years. 

For more information on obtaining your clearances, visit How to Become a Referee. 

Registration & Coursework

1. Create      an account on the US      Soccer Learning Center.
2. Register      in the PA West      Online Management System (OMS).
3. Pay      the course fee (typically around $65) and upload all clearance documents.
4. Complete      online modules and exam through the Learning Center.
5. Register      for and attend an in-person field training session.

Uniform & Equipment Requirements

• Upon      certification, referees should acquire and maintain:
• Clothing:
• Yellow      USSF-approved referee shirt
• Black      referee shorts (with pockets)
• Black      socks (with two-stripes)
• Black      shoes (cleats or turf shoes)
• Equipment:
• Whistle      (Mini Fox 40 recommended)
• Wrist/finger      lanyard
• Stopwatch
• Yellow/red      cards (this is called the card "wallet" and is not required),      flipping coin

Certification & Recertification

• Once      certified, referees receive an official USSF badge and ID number.
• Annual      recertification is required (approx. $50) and includes:
• Updated      SafeSport certification (20)
• Online      refresher modules and exam
• Updated      background clearances if expired

Advancement & Referee Pathway

• Grassroots      Referee: Eligible for youth and amateur adult matches
• Regional      Referee: Requires assessment and fitness tests