Frequently Asked Questions
Competitive vs. Recreation Level
Division IV – Recreational – Under-10 and younger players
Children learn the basics of soccer through positive, fun training sessions that include short demonstrations and lots of participation. The primary goal of this play level is fun and the opportunity to play. There is a requirement that coaches make every effort to play each player at least 50% of each game.
Division III – Recreational – Under-11 through Under-19
Designed for players who enjoy the sport for the social aspect as well as developing their skills, recreational teams in these age groups are formed through assignment of all interested participants to a team. There is a requirement that coaches make every effort to play each player at least 50% of each game.
Division II – Competitive – Playing in EDD2L – Under-11 through Under-19
This introductory level of competitive play is designed for those who enjoy the social aspect of the game and want to continue to develop their skills through better competition. There is a requirement that coaches make every effort to play each player at least 50% of each game.
Super II – Competitive – Playing in EDPL – Under-11 through Under-19
Selection of players based on talent and ability is permitted and generally includes a pool of players from a broader spectrum. Teams participate in the Super II league within the District which requires more commitment with regard to travel and expense. There is a requirement that coaches make every effort to play each player at least 50% of each game.
Division I – Competitive – Playing – Under-13 through Under-19
Recognized as the highest level of play within the state, players may be selected from across the state based on their ability, skill and commitment to the sport including a more demanding practice and game schedule. There is no play time requirement at this level for U13-U19.
*Levels of Competition within Division I*
- Division I: this competition provides an opportunity for teams to play top teams within their own District (East and West). These competitions are managed by the Division I associations, WDDOA and STYSA.
- State Classic League (SCL): this competition is designed to provide play between the top teams in each District (U14-U18). There is no play requirement at this level
- National League-Frontier Conference: is the most competitive league within Southern Region. The league will be comprised of both boys and girls teams in the U13-U19 age groups and includes 4 teams from each State Association (STX, NTX, and OK), comprising a 12 team league in each age group/gender. Additional information regarding Frontier Conference can be found on the US Youth website. Through the Frontier Conference, a STX team can qualify for Southern Regional and National League.
Fields
Lamar Soccer Club has:
2 Large fields: L1, L3
3 Youth fields: S1, S2, S4
Multiple RDL fields
General Manager (GM)
Lamar has a 3 GMs: a Boys GM, Girls GM and RDL GM assisting with player assignments.
HYSA
Houston Youth Soccer Association arranges Div III – IV Lamar Soccer Club games & playoffs.
EDD2L
South Texas Eastern District Division 2 League arranges Div II Lamar Soccer Club games & playoffs.
STYSA
South Texas Youth Soccer Association arranges Super 2 – Div I Lamar Soccer Club games & playoffs.
KIDSAFE
STYSA requires background checks, concussion awareness training, and safesport certification for all coaches, assistants, managers & trainers. Please contact Heather Owens to get this process started thru STYSA.
PLAYER ID CARD
Each player has an ID printed with his/her team information on it; a picture must be provided and the ID must be laminated. The coach retains these cards for the players to present at each game to the referees for player check in as the player ID cards must be provided at each game in order for a player to participate.
Parents must fill out medical release form for each player and coaches keep this on file in the team binders.
REFEREES
Lamar must fill a volunteer referee quota mandated by HYSA. STSR has Referee training available. Becoming a referee not only helps the club, but puts money back in your pocket.
TEAM PICTURES
Team pictures are taken annually in the Fall only.