2025 Fall RECREATIONAL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Please register to get the most up to date information. TEAMS ARE FORMED ON A FIRST COME BASIS.
To register a player, click the link below.
PLAYER REGISTRATION FOR BIRTH YEARS 2022-2014
PLAYER REGISTRATION FOR BIRTH YEARS 2013-2007
Coaches must register online. Please use the link below to register.
Returning coaches may contact the league registrar for a coupon code.
As age groups reach capacity, you will be added to the waitlist after completing the registration process but will not be charged unless your child is pulled from the waitlist and placed on a team.
If you would like to volunteer to be a coach please reach out to your age coordinator so your child can be pulled from the waitlist.
Click here to see the age matrix.
Be sure to read our Frequently asked questions before reaching out to a board member. Most questions are answered there.
Please contact an age group coordinator if you have any questions.
Ever wonder what the difference is between Competitive and Recreational soccer?
Competitive Soccer is also known as “Club Soccer” or “Travel Soccer” in other states but is one of the same. Competitive soccer is meant for the aspiring player who wants to take soccer to the next level. These are some of the areas you will see the difference between Recreational Soccer.
Training
Competitive teams train a minimum of 2 times per week and, in some cases 3 times per week for 1.5-2 hours each session. A strong emphasis is put on the technical ability and awareness of the player (this begins around age 13).
Recreational teams typically train 1-2 times per week for 1 – 1.5 hours each session – varies depending on age.
Both groups learn teamwork and how to translate that to the field of play. Training typically includes information, skill training and fun!
Coaches
Competitive coaches are licensed with a minimum of a USSF Grassroots license 7V7, 9V9, 11V11, or national D
Recreational coaches are typically parent volunteers who are just starting the process of being licensed. (But not always the case. There are some that enjoy staying at the rec level.)
Commitment Level and Attendance
Competitive players agree to a much higher commitment level and are required to attend all scheduled training sessions, games and tournaments. Lack of attendance and punctuality may reduce playing time. Playing time is not guaranteed.
Recreational players are expected to attend all scheduled practice sessions, games. Lack of attendance at practice and punctuality may reduce game playing time. Guaranteed to play about 50% of the game.
Cost
Competitive soccer is more expensive than Recreational soccer.
Travel
Competitive game travel is normally within 45-60 minutes of Hayward and requires approximately 50% of games to be away games. Tournament travel can be further, depending on where the tournament location is.
Recreational home games are played in Hayward. Occasionally, teams will play a team from a nearby club within 15 minutes.
Tournaments
Competitive teams usually attend/schedule 2 tournaments per season within the region. All tournament fees are funded by the parent.
Recreational usually does not participate in tournaments.
Uniforms
Competitive players are required to wear training uniform to all training sessions and are required to purchase and wear both home and away game uniforms.
Recreational players receive the one game uniform they need from the Club. Practice attire is any appropriate soccer clothing (cleats, shin guards, socks, athletic shorts, t-shirt).
Game Schedules
Competitive - Starts in August and pauses in late October (for high-school soccer season) then resumes in February until April.
Recreational - Fall season starts the beginning of August and finishes in November. Spring starts in with daylight savings and ends around Memorial Day weekend.
For frequently asked questions please click on the FAQ picture below.
Q. I have a question and want to talk to someone?
A. Unfortunately we do not have anyone at the office on a regular basis. Please reach out to your age coordinator and move up the chain of command. We are all volunteers and work during the day. The best method is email if possible. Contact board members by going to our home page and clicking on About then HYSL Board Members.
Q. I tried to register my child but I was added to the waitlist?
A. Certain age groups fill up fast (U6). If we have enough players and volunteer coaches we will form an additional team. We recommend looking at nearby clubs as we can not ensure we will pull from the waitlist.
Q. My child was added to the waitlist, when will I be called?
A. Please reach out to your age coordinator. Typically we do not pull from this list unless you choose to become the coach. We recommend looking into other clubs if you are waitlisted.
Q. Does the fall registration fee cover my uniform?
A. Yes. Your uniform includes a jersey, shorts, and socks. You are required to purchase shin guards and soccer cleats. If you plan on buying soccer ball be sure to check the size is correct for the age.
Q. What size ball should I purchase?
A. 3-5 years old size 3
6-11 years old size 4
12 years old and up size 5
Q. When are practices held?
A. Practices are typically held Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday your coach will select what day he or she would like to hold practice, time and what location.
Q. What time does practice start?
A. Usually practice runs from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, older kids tend to go longer. This is up to the volunteer coach to choose.
Q. What location will practices and games be at?
A. Practice locations are determined by the coach. Depending on the age, games may be held at one of the following cities: Hayward, Union City or Newark.
All U6 (under the age of 6) games will be held at Impact Academy School (Darwin Field)
Your coach will have the link to the game schedule.
Q. What time will games be held?
A. Games are scheduled from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm usually Saturdays. Some makeup games will be on Sunday.
Q. It’s raining, is the game still taking place?
A. Yes! Rain or shine games will continue as normal. Coaches will be notified of any cancellations
Q. Are there any additional fees?
A. No, there are no additional fees. The coach/team parent may ask to collect $20 that would go to trophies and the pizza party.
Q. How can I be able to pick what days and times practices are held?
A. By signing up to be a coach and passing a fingerprint/background check you can be a coach and choose your days and times. You can even take an online coaching class that we will reimburse you for after coaching for a year (fall and spring). Please be sure to allow 3-4 weeks for background check to clear if you wish to become a coach. Please reach out to your age coordinator for additional information.
Q. When does Fall season start?
A. Practices will start late August and the season will run till the first week of November.
Q. When does Spring season start?
A. After daylight savings, and ends before Memorial Day. Spring is a shorter season so that new members can get a feel for the game and see if they want to commit for fall or our competitive program.
Q. Whats the difference between Recreational soccer and Competitive soccer program?
A. Recreational soccer is pre-competitive program that is designed to help players, parents and coaches be ready for the tryout process and preparing teams to compete. These programs are usually a huge help for all parties by pushing players development, helping players and parents understand the commitment of a competitive program, and helping players create new friendships so they can be more comfortable on day one of their new tryout team.
For all players who end up going into competitive soccer, there is a transition from the world of recreational soccer into the driven culture of a competitive team.
Some of the major differences are:
Price – While recreational soccer usually remains very affordable, most competitive programs do require higher fees. The additional fees are usually to cover fees that the league may charge to enter into higher levels of competition, higher referee costs, higher administrative costs, and other costs associated with playing at a higher level.
Time Commitment – Many recreational teams have lower expectations for player attendance and have fewer or shorter practices. Most competitive players will run into major issues if they miss practice or games and will be expected to put more time into practicing.
Travel – Rec games typically will stay close to home. Many competitive teams are expected to attend multiple tournaments, some of which may be out of county.
Developmental Approach – For the most part rec teams focus on players having fun and playing with friends before looking to develop players. Competitive programs will either have goals related to development of players and/or related to winning games and tournaments.
In the end, both recreational and competitive programs can be an amazing experience for many players. Knowing the expectations, developmental approach, and general atmosphere of your club is vital to having a good experience in both the recreational and competitive program. Parents should contact the D.O.C. with specific questions and should have a full understanding before pursuing a competitive path for their child.
Header News:
Pleasanton Ca. (February 24, 2016) – Chairman Pete Zopfi and Executive Director Matthew Madeira announce that Cal North, in accordance with U.S. Soccer guidelines and intent, is implementing the following rules for heading:
- No heading for players 12 years old and younger in games.
- Abide by U.S. Soccer recommendations for heading in practice (heading training for players age 11 to 13 years of age should be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week with no more than 15 to 20 headers per player per week).
- When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. However, if a player deliberately heads a ball within their goal area, the indirect free kick by the attacking team should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.
“A large part of our passion for the game is doing all we can to promote the safety and health of our valued players”, said Madeira. Zopfi comments “Cal North has been, and will continue to be, a leader in concussion awareness within youth soccer.”
Cal North will continue to monitor decisions made by U.S. Soccer with regards to concussion protocol and heading.
The Hayward youth Soccer League is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that provides recreational and competitive soccer programs for boys and girls ages 4 to 19 years old living in Hayward and neighboring cities since 1982.
The purpose and objectives of this League shall be to develop promote and govern the game of soccer among youth under the age of 19 without regard to race, creed, sex or ability within the City of Hayward and its surrounding communities.
~~~~Questions or Concerns~~~~~
**Please contact appropriate Board Member for
all your questions or concerns regarding HYSL**
Board member Contact- Email is best
You can also call the Hotline (510)881-HYSL(4975) or (510) 736 4975
HYSL does not offer refunds except for the following reasons:
A) Medical Refund. A full refund will be issued if a player is unable to participate for medical reasons. To qualify for a medical refund, a note from a physician stating that the player should not participate in soccer must be submitted with the refund request.
B) Placement Failure Refund. A full refund will be issued if the Club is unable to place the player on a team. Placement Failure Refunds result when a player is unable to participate in Club sponsored soccer due to a lack of available space.
