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Baldwin Whitehall Soccer Association

FAQs About In-House Soccer

What is in-house soccer?
BWSA’s in-house soccer is a fun, recreational soccer league for players ages 4 through 19. We emphasize skill development and sportsmanship over winning in friendly games played against other BWSA in-house teams at our home fields in Baldwin Borough and Whitehall Borough. BWSA in-house teams play on Saturdays.

What does an in-house coach do?
Your responsibilities as an in-house coach depend on the age group you are coaching. Our in-house teams typically practice one day each week, but older age groups may choose to practice more often.

Do I have to know about soccer to be a U-5 coach?
As a U-5 coach you do not need to be a soccer expert, but you do need to focus creating a fun and positive experience for your team. U5 teams practice for 20 minutes immediately before the start of their game each Saturday. Practice begins at the scheduled game time. We ask that distribute the schedule, notify parents of any chances, and arrange a half-time and treat schedule. On Saturdays, arrive 10 minutes before game time; meet quickly with your players, do some dribbling and shooting with them, and then determine who players and substitutions. Strive to give all players equal playing time.

When are the games played?
In-house games are scheduled from 8:00 AM through about 3:00 PM on Saturdays. 

When are the practices?
BWSA in-house team practices are scheduled Monday through Friday, typically one day a week, at the discretion of the coach. BWSA U5 teams only practice immediately before their games (starting at the scheduled game time) on Saturdays.

What if one of the players can't make the night that I picked for practice?
Depending on the  age group, this may or may not be an issue. The player may be able to attend practice on another night with a different team. Some players play on multiple teams (in-house, travel, and club). Those players will practice with their "highest level" team first and attend other practices as they are able. If the conflict is serious, contact the in-house coordinator for assistance.

What is a group practice?
Group practices allow all of the players from an age group to practice at the same time while rotating through various stations. Coaches run each station, and each station focuses on a different soccer skill. Depending on attendance, players may or may not practice with their team.

What qualifications do BWSA in-house coaches hold?
All BWSA coaches are required to complete the Pennsylvania background screening process. BWSA in-house coaches are typically volunteers who have committed to helping their child’s team. Many have experience playing or coaching soccer, but some do not, particularly at the younger age levels. Some BWSA in-house coaches also coach BWSA travel soccer, so those coaches also hold at least an “E” license.

 

FAQs About Travel Soccer

What is travel soccer?
BWSA’s travel soccer teams play in a competitive league where BWSA teams play games both at home and away against teams from other soccer clubs in the region. Travel games occur on Sundays. Players must try-out for and be selected for a travel team. Some players may be cut due to limits on the number of players allowed on each team’s roster. BWSA currently fields travel teams starting at U-9 for girls and boys. BWSA competes under the PA West Soccer travel rules. BWSA belongs to District 4 and teams play in Divisions 6 (least competitive), 5, and 4 (most competitive).
When are the games played?

Travel games are scheduled from about Noon through 5:00 PM on Sundays. Classic games typically occur on Saturdays.
When are the practices?
BWSA travel practices are scheduled Monday through Friday, one or two days a week, at the discretion of the coach.
What if one of the players can't make the night that I picked for practice?
Depending on the  age group, this may or may not be an issue. Some players play on multiple teams (travel, and club). Those players will practice with their "highest level" team first and attend other practices as they are able. If the conflict is serious, contact the travel coordinator for assistance.
What qualifications do BWSA travel coaches hold?
All BWSA coaches are required to complete the Pennsylvania background screening process. All BWSA travel head coaches are volunteers who hold at least a National “E” license which required them to perform pre-course work and then complete an 18-hour certification course on elementary principles of coaching in preparation for earning their National “D” license. The requirements of the “E” license course are established by the U.S. Soccer Association and the courses are administered by the state associations. To learn more about the components of the course, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/coaching-education/licenses/national-e

Field Status

Open Open

Harrison Middle (03:27 PM | 01/14/24)

Open Open

Gym (03:51 PM | 01/14/24)

Open Open

U7 - Green Flag (07:46 PM | 03/20/24)

Open Open

U8 - Orange Flag (07:46 PM | 03/20/24)