Youth Programs FAQ
General Questions
Can I join a class in the middle of the session?
You are more than welcome to sign up your child at any point during the session as long as the class has room. We would prorate the cost of the class, so you would only be paying for the remaining classes from when you signed up.
What should my Kids wear?
Afrim’s Sports provides a SoccerKidz or Go2Goal jersey with every $35 annual membership paid. We suggest that the children wear the jersey to class, but do not require it. We recommend any comfortable athletic clothes for children. Children of all ages can wear sneakers or turf shoes. We do recommend that shin guards be worn for children 5 and up.
How many children per class?
For most classes we cap the class at 12 children per coach. For the Peewee class, we cap the class at 8 children per coach to help with the transition from parent participation.
What is the difference between a Peewee and Tykes class?
The Peewee’s class is a smaller class to help focus on transitioning away from parent participation. If you are just joining the program, the Peewee’s class can be helpful if the child is often shy or has never done anything apart from their parents before.
What is the difference between a Super Heroes and a Go2Goal Rookies class?
No props are used for the Go2Goal classes, the focus is on learning the game of soccer. Go2Goal classes are still for rec level players to be introduced to soccer but with the soccer ball at their feet the whole time.
Can I sign up online?
Yes, you can sign up online with your Afrim’s Sports Daysmart Recreation Account. If you are unsure of your password, you can call (518)438-3131 and the host at the front desk can send you a password reset email. If you do not have a Daysmart Recreation account, you can click on the Lock icon at the top right of the screen and create an account.
Can my child wear cleats?
Yes. Your child is allowed to wear cleats if desired. Just no metal spikes.
What does my child need to bring to class?
We ask that you bring a water bottle for your child as well as proper shoes (sneakers or cleats) and athletic clothing. We will supply all necessary equipment (balls, cones, etc.)
Policy Questions
What if I can’t make it to one of my classes?
You can now schedule a make-up class right through you Daysmart account. Follow the instructions below to schedule a make-up class online.
Step 1: Log into your child’s Daysmart account, Click the button with the three dots, Click Make-up an event.
Step 2: Click the date of the class you are unable to attend.
Step 3: Click the date and time that works best for you to make up the class from the list of available classes.
THAT’S IT!
Once you select the class a message will pop up showing your make-up class has been scheduled. If you continue to your dashboard you should now see the make up class as part of your schedule.
Can I drop my child off for class?
No, we ask that parents remain on the premises during classes.
Can I register my child for just one class?
No, you must register for the remaining classes during the session. We do offer free trial classes.
How does the trial class work?
A parent calls to schedule a trial class with a class that has availability. If the child enjoys the class the parents can pay for that class and the remaining classes for the session. If the child is not ready to participate in class yet there is no commitment.
Can we come on any day?
No, you have to sign up for a specific day, and each week you attend that class, on the same day and time for the entirety of the session. You can sign up for a make-up class on a different day of the week if you can not make your specific class.
Is there a limit on how many make-up classes per session?
You are allowed 3 make-up classes. All make-up classes need to be scheduled during the session in which the original class was missed. It can not be scheduled during a new session.
What can credits be used for?
All credits that we issue are considered “family credits”, meaning that if credits are issued, you can use them for yourself or immediate family members. Credits can be used towards any Afrim’s Sports SoccerKids / Go2Goal classes, Afrim’s Sports Soccer and Action Camps, Youth League Teams, Adult League Teams, Tournaments, and more.
Program
What does a Mites (18 month-old) class look like?
During our Mites and Mighty Mites classes we introduce the sport of soccer, but our main focus is developing balance and fine motor skills to help grow the child into a soccer player. During the class, parents will participate in various activities that are guided by their coach, using props such as hoops, balloons, noodles, cones, and soccer balls to keep the children engaged.
If my child is struggling in a class without parents on the field, such as Peewees or Tykes, is it okay for me to be on the field to help my child?
We ask that parents not go on the field. We will allow parents to sit on the end line with their child and encourage them as they play the games on the field.
Classes
How long are the classes?
Each class is 50 minutes long.
How long are the sessions?
For our Winter, Spring, and Fall classes the sessions are 13 weeks long. The Summer Session is 10 weeks long.
There are a few days that will be only 12 weeks during the Winter, Spring, and Fall depending on when holidays fall.
What are the child-to-coach ratios for each class?
For most of our classes we try to max out the class at 10. If there are more kids than 10, we will add an additional coach to that class. For the Peewees (3 year old beginners) class we max it out at 8 to ensure that the children in this age group are listening and getting the attention they need to separate from their parents playing with them.
Progression
I think my child is advanced. Can I move him up to the next level even if he is not old enough?
For safety reasons we ask that all players stay in their correct level. We not only want to make sure that everyone is safe, but also don’t want the kids who are age appropriate for the class to feel like they have to hold back to prevent from injuring others in the class.
When is my child ready for a Go2Goal class?
If your child has expressed interest in playing soccer, seems to no longer be interested in playing with the hoops and noodles during class, is more interested in scrimmaging, and wants to use their feet, then your child is ready for Go2Goal classes.
When should my child move up to the next level?
There are a few determining factors of whether or not your child should move up to the next level. The first one is if they are old enough – if they are, then the second determining factor you should consider is if your child is bored or picking up on skills faster than the other kids in their class. If the answer is yes to both, then you should move your child up to the next age group. If you are unsure, you can always ask your coach and they will let you know what they suggest.
Even if my child is not old enough can he/she be put in the same class as their sibling?
For safety reasons, we ask that all players stay in their correct level. We not only want to make sure that everyone is safe, but also don’t want the kids who are age appropriate for the class to feel like they have to hold back to prevent from injuring others in the class.
My child’s coach last session was amazing! Can I request to have them again for next session?
Yes, you can request your coach from a previous session. It is not a guarantee that you will receive that coach for your class, but we will do our best!
