How we form teams, handle refunds, and run registration — everything you need to know before signing up.
At Redding Youth Soccer League we're dedicated to building teams that provide a positive, balanced, and fun experience for all players in our recreational program.
We balance teams based on a mix of players' ages, previous experience, and skill level. We gather information from past seasons — including coach evaluations and registration details — to get a sense of each player's experience and comfort with the game. To prevent any one team from becoming too dominant, we spread out players with advanced skills so games stay competitive and fun for everyone. While we prioritize age-appropriate placement, if we receive feedback that a player might benefit from a different level, we can work with families to find the best fit.
Divisions are organized by age group, following national and local guidelines, keeping players with peers at similar physical and social developmental stages. We try our best to accommodate friend and sibling requests for carpooling and social reasons, but these are balanced against our need to create even teams. Wherever possible, we consider scheduling for families with multiple players across divisions to minimize conflicting game times.
Our volunteer coaches are at the heart of each team. Coaches are placed with teams based on their availability, experience, and familiarity with age groups — many return season after season, creating continuity for the players. If a coach has a child on the team, we place them accordingly and balance other assignments to avoid any single team gaining an advantage. Beyond coaching, we encourage parents to get involved as assistant coaches, team managers, or organizers.
Every player, coach, and parent is encouraged to follow our code of conduct, emphasizing respect for teammates, opponents, and referees. All players are guaranteed fair playing time regardless of skill level. While we want our teams to be competitive, the recreational league's primary focus is on player development and fostering a love for the game — teaching fundamental skills, teamwork, and strategic thinking rather than a win-at-all-costs mentality.
RYSL forms its recreation teams in accordance with the California Youth Soccer Association Team Formation Policies, which require us to form teams that are as balanced as possible. We try to group players by area and/or schools as much as possible. RYSL also allows head coaches to "request" up to three players (including his/her own child) to be placed onto his/her team — however, this is not a guarantee, as we must satisfy other team formation qualifications.
Whenever a player registration is withdrawn — for any reason — a Refund Request Form must be submitted by the player's parent/guardian. Upon receipt, RYSL may issue a refund in accordance with the schedule below. RYSL does not offer full refunds once registration has been submitted; the reduction covers fees paid out for State Association registration, uniforms, and/or online registration convenience fees. Should the season be cancelled, refunds will be processed less the transaction fee.
Registration fees may NOT be carried over to the next season.
Three weeks prior to the start of the season
70% refund
Within three weeks of the start of the season or later
No refunds
Email the completed form to support@reddingsoccer.com
Players whose registrations are received after the closing date of each season will be placed on waiting lists until space becomes available on teams in their respective age groups. If a space does not come available, we will cancel the registration and refund any fees paid. We will typically notify you about a week before the season if the player cannot be placed.
There will be an early bird discount of $5 and a late fee of $20.