What equipment do players need?
Shinguards are required. Cleats are recommended but are not required.
Local sports stores sell value packages including cleats, shinguards and a ball for $30 to $40.

What does the league provide?
Jerseys and socks

Do players receive participation trophies?
In the Spring - we do not distribute medals or trophies, as we host an end-of-season Family Fun Day Picnic on the final game day.
In the Summer - we do not distribute medals or trophies.
In the Fall - younger divisions receive participation medals. Older divisions receive medals based upon placement in the end-of-season playoffs.
 
Are earrings permitted?
No. For safety reasons, earrings must be removed prior to practices and games.
They cannot be taped or otherwise covered. They must be removed.


Does your league have any township residency requirements or school district boundaries?
No. We accept players from any location in the area.

Is heading the ball permitted?
No.  Heading is not permitted in any division, BOYS or GIRLS, from our youngest COED 4 division through our oldest Senior COED division.
Heading the ball will result in a penalty. 
Rule regarding heading reads as follows:
Players shall not engage in heading, either in practices or in games.

In adherence to these new requirements, referees have been instructed of the following rule addition: 
When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. 
If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.

When will I first be contacted by my child's coach?
Summer - 
We do not have official  coaches in the Summer pickup league. We have volunteer division coordinators. You will receive a league communication during the week of July 5 to prepare you for the pickup league's start the week of July 12.

Spring & Fall Seasons - 
Players are assigned to teams after registration closes and after a division has sufficient volunteer coaches.
We encourage parents to volunteer to coach their child's team because it expedites this process in addition to the other benefits you recognize by volunteering.
Ordinarily you will hear from you child's coach prior to the first week of Official Practices.

Where are games and practices held?
All games and practices are held at East Brandywine Community Park.
See the About Us section of ebya.org.

When are games and practices?
Summer - 
Summer sessions are at 6:30pm on a fixed weeknight.

Spring and Fall - 
Practices are on a single weeknight at 6PM.
Older divisions may have 2 practices per week. Practice start time may vary based upon an individual coach's schedule needs.
You will receive your child's practice night assignment after he/she has been assigned to a team, approximately 1 week prior to the first game.
Games are on Saturdays beginning at 8AM through the afternoon. The game schedule is published one week prior to the first game.

When should my child arrive for games and practices?
For all games and practices your child should be at the field, ready to play, at least 15 minutes before the scheduled event.
This permits time to warmup which prevents injuries. This also gives your coach time to organize the team and start the game or practice on time.

Do parents need to stay at the field during practices and games?
For parents of children age 4 to 8, it is recommended that you remain at the field.
Injuries and issues may occur and coaches need the parent at the field to care for their child.
In addition, coaches are instructed by League Rules to practice 2-Deep leadership. Coaches cannot remain at the field without another coach or parent present. Parent cooperation is essential to this safety practice.

Can a 3 year old play in the COED 4 & 5 Year Old Pre-K division?
Children must be 4 years old by March 31, 2021 (Spring season) and August 31, 2021 (Fall season) to play in the COED 4 division.

Can I register extended family members to receive the family discount?
All children registered together must live in the same household.

Do you offer financial assistance?
*EBYA offers partial scholarships to any families in need of financial assistance.
*EBYA offers partial scholarships to any active military families.
Please send any requests to [email protected]. Please note that availability of scholarships is limited. Please request a scholarship and register as soon as possible after registration opens.

Refund
No refunds will be issued after August 31, 2021.
If you cancel your child's registration or withdrawal from the league prior to uniforms being ordered, we will reimburse you minus a $8 credit card processing fee.

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