Girls & Boys Soccer

2023 Youth League Information

This is a recreational program where rules and field size are modified to increase learning of the game and maximize success. Both the city and the county league soccer program is designed to provide youth a chance to play recreational soccer. The program is an opportunity to improve skills in the game of soccer. The program emphasis is on teaching soccer skills, team work and initiating life style changes through activities that challenge both the body and mind. The leagues are available for boys and girls.

City League - REGISTER HERE

City League is coordinated “in-house” by APRD and all teams will practice and play game in Anacortes. See the chart below for to determine which division your child should register for. A team shirt will be included in the registration fee. Players will need to supply their own shorts, shin guards, socks, and cleats (baseball or football cleats are not allowed.)

County League - REGISTER HERE

The County Soccer League is similar to the City League as practices and “home” games will be played in Anacortes. However, “away” games will be played in places such as Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Mt. Vernon/Conway, LaConner, and possibly San Juan Island. Games are typically played on a larger field with more players on the field. Sportsmanship, equal participation, and skill development are still emphasized. A team jersey top (color purple) is included in the registration fee. Players will need to supply their own shorts, shin guards, socks, and cleats (baseball or football cleats are not allowed.)

Teams playing in the County League are participating in a league facilitated by the Skagit Valley Youth Soccer Association and Washington State Youth Soccer with games being played on Saturdays and possibly Sundays as well. Doubleheaders (two games in one day) may also be played.

Teams

Players play on a team based on the age group for which their birth year falls on. Teams are formed by Parks and Recreation staff on for every effort is made to make teams as equal as possible.

2023 Soccer Age Chart

Age Group
Birth Years
 League
 U-6 (Kinder)
 Sept. 1, 2017 through Aug. 31, 2018 City
 U-8 (1st/2nd grade)
 Sept. 1, 2015 through Aug. 31, 2017 City
 U-10 (3rd/4th grade) Sept. 1, 2013 through Aug. 31, 2015
 City
 U-12 (5th/6th grade) Sept. 1, 2011 through Aug. 31, 2013
 City
 U-11 Sept. 1, 2012 through Aug. 31, 2013 County
 U-12 Sept. 1, 2011 through Aug. 31, 2012 County
 U-13/14 Sept. 1, 2009 through Aug. 31, 2011 County

Registration

Registration for the Fall soccer league takes place in early May. View the online registration page. The league starts in late August with practices and then games usually start the Saturday after Labor Day weekend in September. Practices for most teams are a twice per week (times are chosen by coaches) and usually last an hour in duration (County league teams may practice a little longer)

Age Divisions

The U-12 and younger age divisions play on modified fields and with fewer players on the field. The basic principle is the younger the age the smaller the field and the fewer the players on a field the field at a time. These modifications to the rules allows more kids to touch the ball more often thus increasing their experience. U-13 and older age divisions play on a full-size field with 11 players on the field at a time. If you would like to know more about rules and specifics with the league please contact our office at 293-1918.

Volunteer Coaches

Volunteer coaches are always needed. If you are interested in coaching we can give you tools and resources to coach. Coaches must fill out a volunteer application form and pass a background screening. If you need more information please email Travis (City League) or email Dustin (County League) with any questions you have or to express interest in coaching.

Referees

Interested in becoming a referee? We are consistently looking for certified referee’s for our U-11 and older games. View current referee certification classes. Referees who work games as part of the Skagit Valley Soccer Referee Association will see an increase in per game fee in 2022. (Close to $40 per game for a center ref!)

Competitive Soccer Options

If you are looking for more competitive soccer options for your child. You may want to look into Northwest United FC. This is a select soccer program located here in the Skagit Valley. To view more information about the club and a schedule of tryout dates, etc. visit the Northwest United FC page.