What is TSC Recreational Soccer? Why Choose Recreational Soccer with TSC?

What is TSC Recreational Soccer?

Topeka Soccer Club (TSC) Recreational program is designed primarily for the enjoyment and development of youth soccer players, without the emphasis on travel or high-level competition. Teams are formed based on players’ friendships or school affiliations rather than skill level. Teams remain together from fall to spring if players register by the spring deadline. New players are added to existing teams or placed on newly formed teams.

At TSC, we are dedicated to providing tactical and athletic development for each player while ensuring an enjoyable soccer experience for players, their families, and coaches. Our mission is to help players reach their full potential and foster a love for the game.

Why Choose Recreational Soccer with TSC?

Topeka Soccer Club is committed to promoting and teaching the game of soccer, developing players of all skill levels, and creating an environment where youth can learn good sportsmanship and fair play. We aim to provide an exciting and fun experience in a low-pressure setting, allowing kids to learn the game and develop a passion for soccer and athletics.

We believe youth sports play a crucial role in a child’s development. Participation in youth sports helps children build physical and social skills, including self-confidence, discipline, focus, friendship, and motivation—essential qualities for student-athletes. Regular physical activity during practices and games also offers numerous health benefits for young players.

Our recreational soccer program includes boys and girls divisions for ages U5 to U14, competing in both spring and fall in-house leagues. These teams are coached by volunteer parents, and most teams are formed based on elementary school attendance.

Fall 2026

Registration Deadlines & Pricing

Early Bird Registration

May 11 - June 11

$90

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Regular Registration

June 12 - July 17

$95

Late Registration

July 18- July 31

$115

Fall 2026

Registration Deadlines & Pricing

Early Bird Registration

May 11 - June 11

$90

Regular Registration

June 12 - July 17

$95

Late Registration

July 18- July 31

$115

Fees Include:

7 League Games
Field rental for practices
Insurance fee
Program administration fee
Field equipment
Jersey- One jersey to use for both the fall and spring seasons.
Referee fee (only applicable to 2nd thru 8th Grade)

Refund Policy:

Participants may request a refund before the season begins. Refunds requested after the beginning of the season may be denied.

Refunds or adjustment of league fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Administrative fees may apply.

School Grade (2026–2027)	Typical Birthdate Range	Age Group
Pre-K	8/1/2021 – 7/31/2022	U5
Kindergarten	8/1/2020 – 7/31/2021	U6
1st Grade	8/1/2019 – 7/31/2020	U7
2nd Grade	8/1/2018 – 7/31/2019	U8
3rd Grade	8/1/2017 – 7/31/2018	U9
4th Grade	8/1/2016 – 7/31/2017	U10
5th Grade	8/1/2015 – 7/31/2016	U11
6th Grade	8/1/2014 – 7/31/2015	U12
7th Grade	8/1/2013 – 7/31/2014	U13
8th Grade	8/1/2012 – 7/31/2013	U14

Spring 2026 Recreational Calendar

December 1st: Registration Opens for Spring Recreational Soccer and Minikickers
January 26th: Registration for Spring Recreational Closes
January 30th: Late Registration for Spring Recreational Closes
February 13th: Rostering for Spring Recreational Closes
March 1st: Recreational Practices Open
March 6th: Conflict Review & Final Scheduling Completed
March 16th: Minikickers Registration Closes
March 21st & 22nd: Recreational Week 1
March 28th & 29th: Recreational Week 2
April 4th: Recreational Week 3 - NO GAMES EASTER SUNDAY
April 11th & 12th: Recreational Week 4
April 18th & 19th: Recreational Week 5
April 24th - 26th: Governor's Cup
May 2nd & 3rd: Recreational Week 6
May 9th & 10th: Recreational Week 7
May 16th & 17th: Rainout Weekend

The 6 Game Models of TSC Youth Soccer

Topeka Soccer Club (TSC) assigns soccer players into 6 different groups to provide an age-based progression that is focused on fun & safety of all players participating in the various levels we provide. The 6 game models are listed below, and we hope this helps you and your player gain insight into what we believe to be the building blocks of success for your soccer journey.

3v3 (Pre-K)

Pre-K Information

Format: 3v3
Ball Size: 3
Length of Game: 4 x 6 minute quarters
Breaks/Halftime: 2 minute breaks between quarters
Goal Size: 4 x 6 ft
Number of Games: 7
Max Team Size: 6
Referee: No
Goalie: No

Pre-K soccer is often a child’s first introduction to both sports and group interaction. At this age, children are beginning to gain independence from their parents, build confidence, and develop important social skills. The game should be centered around fun, exploration, and movement, with the soccer ball viewed as a toy that encourages curiosity and creativity.

Players at this stage should focus on developing fundamental movement skills such as running in different directions, jumping, balancing, twisting, turning, and bending to create body control and coordination. These foundational athletic movements are essential for long-term development in soccer and other activities.

Teaching should begin with simple movement activities away from the ball to help players understand space, direction, and body awareness. Once comfortable, the ball can be introduced through fun games and activities that encourage dribbling, coordination, and confidence. At the Pre-K level, the goal is to create a positive environment where children can learn, play, socialize, and develop a love for the game.

4v4 (K/1st)

Kindergarten/1st Information

Format: 4v4
Ball Size: 3
Length of Game: 4 x 8 minute quarters
Breaks/Halftime: 2 minute breaks between quarters
Goal Size: 4 x 6 ft
Number of Games: 7
Max Team Size: 8
Referee: No
Goalie: No

At this stage, players are active, energetic, and always eager to be moving. While they are beginning to develop independence, they still seek parental approval, encouragement, praise, and understanding. Placing too much pressure on players or expecting too much too soon can cause children to become nervous or lose confidence.

Sharing, teamwork, and understanding what is fair become increasingly important during this stage of cognitive development. The focus should remain on creating a fun, positive environment where players feel supported while learning the game.

Training at this age emphasizes movement skills both with and without the ball, while introducing technical ball manipulation, dribbling, and basic passing concepts. Sessions should encourage creativity, coordination, confidence, and comfort on the ball through fun and engaging activities.

5v5 (2nd)

2nd Grade Information

Format: 5v5
Ball Size: 3
Length of Game: 4 x 12 minute quarters
Breaks/Halftime: 2 minute breaks between quarters
Goal Size: 6.5 x 12 ft
Number of Games: 7
Max Team Size: 10
Referee: Yes
Goalie: Yes

At the 2nd grade level, players continue building confidence and developing a deeper understanding of the game. Basic tactics, goalkeepers, and referees are introduced, helping players begin to understand positioning, teamwork, and the structure of soccer in a fun and age-appropriate environment.

While new concepts are added, the primary focus remains on ball skills, movement on and off the ball, dribbling, and passing. Players should continue receiving plenty of touches on the ball while learning how to play and move with teammates.

At this stage, peer groups become increasingly important, and children begin identifying more closely with others who share similar interests and activities. Creating a positive team environment that encourages friendship, teamwork, and sportsmanship is an important part of the overall experience.

To support proper player development and safety, heading and punting are not allowed at this age level.

7v7 (3rd/4th)

3rd/4th Information

At the 3rd and 4th grade levels, players begin developing more quickly both physically and socially. Friendships and teamwork become more important, and players start relying more on their teammates while building confidence within a team environment.

This is an important stage for technical development. Training focuses on improving foundational skills such as dribbling, passing, receiving, and movement on and off the ball, while also introducing more advanced techniques and decision-making in game situations.

Basic team tactics are introduced to help players better understand positioning, spacing, support, and how to work together as a team. The offsides rule is also introduced at this age to continue preparing players for the next stages of the game.

The buildout line is used to encourage teams to “build from the back” and develop possession rather than simply kicking the ball down the field. This helps players become more comfortable with the ball and improves overall game understanding.

For player safety and development, heading and punting are not allowed at this stage.

9v9 (5th/6th)

5th/6th Information

At the 5th and 6th grade levels, players begin experiencing significant physical, emotional, and social changes. Friendships, school activities, and social interactions become increasingly important, and players may experience greater emotional sensitivity as they continue to grow and mature. Creating a positive and supportive environment remains an important part of player development during this stage.

Training continues to focus on strengthening fundamental skills while advancing individual technical development. Players should continue improving dribbling, passing, receiving, ball control, and decision-making, while being challenged in more competitive and game-like situations.

At this age, players begin receiving more in-depth tactical instruction, including a greater understanding of positioning, team shape, movement off the ball, and the responsibilities of different playing positions. Players are encouraged to think more strategically and develop a stronger understanding of the game as a whole.

Goalkeepers are now allowed to punt the ball, introducing another element of the game. However, heading is still not permitted at this stage to support player safety and long-term development.

11v11 (7th/8th)

7th/8th Information

At the 7th and 8th grade levels, players transition into the full implementation of the FIFA Laws of the Game. As players continue to mature physically and mentally, the game becomes more competitive and tactically advanced.

Training at this stage focuses heavily on team tactics and game understanding. Players continue refining their technical abilities while developing a stronger understanding of team shape, movement, decision-making, and how different units of the team work together. Practices should incorporate small-sided games and functional training for defensive, midfield, and attacking groups to help players understand their roles within the team.

Position-specific training becomes increasingly important as players begin identifying primary positions and learning the responsibilities, movement patterns, and tactical expectations associated with those roles.

Physical development and conditioning are also introduced during this stage. Training should support overall athletic development while beginning to address the physical demands required for different positions on the field.

Heading is introduced at this age level in a controlled and developmentally appropriate manner, with an emphasis on proper technique and player safety.