Frequently Asked Questions
about Donegal Youth Soccer

When does the Season begin? For spring, the games usually start the first weekend in April and run until either the last weekend of May or the first weekend of June. For Fall, the games begin the first weekend after Labor Day and the last games are the first weekend in November. Practices for all except Micro start 1-2 weeks before the first game.

When will I find out when practices are? Once the registrations are over, coaches will be selected and teams will be assigned to the coaches. The coach will call each player to inform the player of beginning dates and times.

When are the games and practices? For the spring, the practices are behind the Maytown Elementary School for the U-8s and Micros. The games for the U-10s and up are at the fields behind the Donegal Middle School. There may also be practices at Kraybill Mennonite School. For the fall, games and practices are mainly at Maytown Fuhrman Park. There may be practices held at Donegaal Middle School and Kraybill Mennonite School.

Are all of the games played at home? Micro and U8s play all of their games at the home fields. U10s and up play about 1/2 of their games at home and the rest would be at locations in Lancaster County.

What is a travel team? DYS assembles players to compete in a “travel team” division. Tryouts are held, and if a player makes the team, that player would be playing travel teams from other youth soccer clubs. An “intramural” player also plays teams from other youth soccer clubs, but the key difference is that no tryout is necessary.

The U10, U12 and U14 intramural levels play teams from other communities, such as Rheems, Hempfield and Ephrata. The fall league also has boys and girls tournaments for the intramural teams, held in the Hempfield and Manheim Township areas respectively. 

The travel teams play against the same community teams, but it is against their travel division teams.  There are one or two tournaments that the travel teams may play in, however, they are typically located in the greater Harrisburg, York and  Lancaster areas.

What does the fee go to? DYS has a very detailed summary of all expenses and anyone is welcome to review these. The basic costs would be referee fees, insurance for the players, trophies, shirts, socks, field maintenance, and dues.

What dues are paid and why? DYS belongs to EPYSA. This is the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association. This allows us to buy insurance at a cheaper rate, allows us to play in the Lancaster County League, and provides training programs, seminars, and help in the case of problems with the league.

What do I need to start playing? All players are required to wear shin guards. DYS supplies the players with shirts and socks. All players should have a soccer ball. Other recommended items are a water bottle, soccer cleats, and a mouth guard.

What size soccer ball do I need? Players that are in Micro or U8 divisions need a size 3 soccer ball. U-10 and U-12 need a size 4. All older groups need a size 5.

What is a team parent? This was intended to be a parent that would approach the coach and offer their help to make phone calls if necessary, bring snacks for the games, and help keep the other parents informed.

Why are the Micros cheaper than older players? There are no certified referees at Micro games and therefore, referee fees are removed from the registration.

Are there any tournaments? In the spring, there is a spring tournament for the U-10 and older girls and hopefully for the U-10 and older boys. This did not happen for the last two years. In the fall, there are tournaments for all the players in the U-10 and older divisions. There is also a fall festival for all players at the end of the season. Other tournaments are available if the team chooses to enter them. DYS pays for the one main tournament in the spring and fall.

What can I do to get ready for the season? Any good soccer players should learn to use both feet. If they are kicking the soccer ball, make sure they alternate between left and right foot. Soccer involves a lot of running. Players should do their best to be in shape for the upcoming season.

What is Silent Weekend? Each season, one weekend is designated Silent Weekend. For that Saturday and Sunday, all coaches and parents are asked to remain silent during games with the exception of goals scored and at the end of periods of play.

This event is not designed to subdue parents… in fact positive cheering and support from fans are greatly encouraged!

The silent aspect of these games is an opportunity for players to be able to focus more attention to their game, to make “game decisions,” and to correct mistakes on their own. This is a very vital process of learning—whether it’s about soccer or about some other aspect of life.

The organizers of the league ask that you show the players your love and support for them and their game by supporting them on this day.

What if I have a complaint? Please file all complaints with Chuck Weyland or Mark Lynam. Chuck is the commissioner / president, and Mark is the vice president of DYS.

What if I have a question not listed here—who do I talk to? Call Chuck at 426-4457 or email commissioner@donegalyouthsoccer.com.