What is Pequannock Soccer Club?

Established in 1978, Pequannock Soccer Club is a nonprofit organization that provides a professional, competitive, safe, and positive soccer environment for youth soccer players ages 5 – 16. The focus is on player development while being competitive. The ultimate success of the program is not measured by wins and losses. It is determined by the willingness of the children to want to play again the next year because they had fun, improved their skills, and matured through teamwork, sportsmanship, commitment and self-confidence.

What is the Club’s Mission?

Pequannock Soccer Club strives to enable children to have fun playing soccer at the highest competitive level possible. We aim to provide training and competition based on the individual capabilities (all skill levels are welcome, but it is possible that not everyone makes a team). For players to reach their highest potential, we promote the importance of sportsmanship, self-confidence, social development and leadership abilities. In addition, we support important life (and soccer) skills such as responsibility, teamwork, discipline, commitment and fair play.

What is the Club’s Vision?

Pequannock Soccer Club is committed to skill development, personal growth, family, community, and creating memorable life experiences centered around a passion for the game of soccer!

What is the Club’s Program?

Pequannock Soccer Club offers two programs: 

• Mini Soccer for ages 5-7. Mini Soccer is an  8-week program in the Fall and Spring, with a 60-minute training session per week provided by The Sports Factory and usually 6-8 festivals/tournaments of 4v4 play per season hosted by the Morris County Youth Soccer Association. The training is combined for boys and girls but teams will be separated for 4v4 festivals if there are enough participants for the girls and boys. This is an introduction to the travel program. 
• Travel Soccer for ages 8-16. Pequannock Soccer Club is a member of Morris County Youth Soccer Association (MCYSA.org) and New Jersey Youth Soccer (njyouthsoccer.com). The teams are formed by birth year, not by grade, and are separated into girls and boys teams. There are 8 games played in the Fall and 8 games in the Spring, primarily on Sunday afternoons. The Fall season starts in early September and usually runs until mid November. The only weekend where there are no MCYSA games are on Columbus Day weekend. This is when Pequannock hosts its annual tournament (2 games each on Saturday and Sunday).  The Spring season starts in April and runs through June. There are no MCYSA games played on Easter or on Memorial Day Weekend. During the season, there are usually 2 practices during the week. Trainers practice is 60-90 minutes and is run by a professional trainer. There is also a Coaches practice.  For the 8 game season, 4 are home and 4 are away. Generally, away games are not more than 1 hour drive and often much less. Each team is flighted (i.e., each division) based on skill level. 

The club will form as many teams as possible given the number of players who tryout. The club will make every effort to make sure that kids who want to play soccer are able to play soccer, but there does need to be a minimum number of players and coaches.  

What are the roster sizes and games time?

The teams are determined by calendar birth year. For example, a child born in November 2011 would be classified as U13 for the 2023/2024 season.  U9&U10 teams play 7v7 with 25-minute halves and 10-minute halftime. This age group plays with a buildout line and the maximum roster size is 14 with a minimum roster size of 7.  U11&U12 teams play 9v9, 30-minute halves with 10-minute halftime.  The maximum roster size 16 with a minimum of 9. U13&U14 play 11v11 with 35-minute halves and 10-minute halftime. The maximum roster size is 18 with a minimum size of 11. 

What is the Club’s Philosophy?

We strive to put the kids first in everything that we do. This means that each child plays a minimum amount in every game. There is never a time a child goes to a game and does not play because of a coach’s choice. If healthy, the child will play a minimum amount in each half. Further information can be found in the club’s By-Laws. Coaches are encouraged to develop all of the players, not just the better skilled ones. While each team strives to be competitive, the focus is on player development.

What is in it for Players, Coaches, and Parents?

• Players. Players will develop as athletes, teammates, and friends. The program encourages, sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment and self-confidence. Players will learn how to appropriately win and lose with class.
• Coaches. Kids First Philosophy – it is about developing the player’s skills, it’s not about wins and losses. Of course, we strive for a competitive team, but winning by sacrificing playing time is not part of the program. The club provides coaches with training in addition to the licensing requirements. Professional trainers are there to help develop your team’s skills. Success is measured by how many kids continue with the program the following year – they want to continue because they had fun, improved their skills and matured as a person. The coach is a role model for the children.  
• Parents. Not only will your child see their skills improve, but parents will become part of the soccer community. This is a volunteer-based club and without volunteers the club does not exist. Parents have a big impact on how much the children enjoy the game. Emphasis on playing your best and commitment to making practices are encouraged. The drive home after the game can be difficult for a child – we encourage not talking about the game (win or lose) until 24 hours after completion. We would encourage you to ask questions like: Did you have fun? Did you try your best? Were you a good person on the field? What did you learn today? What can we improve upon for next time? Please do not comment on coaching decisions or turn a positive experience for your child into a negative one. The odds are very low that kids will play professional sports or even in college. Remember to focus on the positives.

How much does it cost and what do I get?     

The registration fee can vary annually but it is $500 player for the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 season of Travel Soccer. Roughly 40-50% of this goes to professional training, about 25-30% goes to registration and referee fees, and about 25-30% goes to equipment and administrative supplies. This includes all training for Fall and Spring and includes playing in our annual tournament, the Pequannock Fall Classic. The registration fee is very competitive compared to other clubs and other clubs do not host a tournament.  The cost of the uniform kit is roughly $110 and includes three jerseys (home, away and practice), shorts, reversible pinnie and socks. More options (like team backpack, team jacket, etc.) are also available. The club offers pre-season team training camp for one week in August and supplemental winter training, both for an additional charge. Participation in this training is encouraged but not required. 

What do you do as a Club?

In the past, we have gone to Red Bulls and Gotham FC games. Before the fall season starts, we have had a club kick-off party, which included a fun tournament. We are also active in our community by supporting our High School teams (not just soccer) and each of the school’s HSA. We have apparel sales and hold a team and individual picture day event. The Club also offers annual scholarships to graduating PTHS seniors. The Club contributes to the maintenance of the fields and soccer equipment in town. We are always open to ideas on what else we can do as a club.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of Pequannock Soccer Club?