FAQs
How will the pandemic impact JPCS?
At this time we are not requiring masks nor are we checking vaccination status of our parent coaches. We do request that any unvaccinated coaches wear masks or choose not to coach. Children and coaches are welcome and encouraged to wear masks if they would like. This is subject to change if CDC or State guidelines change.
Can I drop my child(ren) off for soccer?
NO, this is not a drop-off league, and parent participation (when requested by activity leaders) is extremely helpful. Since you have to be there anyway, please consider volunteering to be an activity leader!
Where is Pinebank Field?
Pinebank Field is in Olmstead Park, situated next to the southwest corner of Perkins Street and the Jamaicaway. Since there is no dedicated parking, please try parking along Jamaica Pond, on Perkins Street, Chestnut Street, or the side streets across from Pinebanks Field.
What equipment do we need?
We recommend that each child bring their own water bottle and labelled soccer ball (size 3 is best but you can use other sizes if that's what you have), but we provide extras as well. We provide team t-shirts (on which you will write your child's name, front and back) and equipment (goals, cones, pinnies for level 3, and extra balls) for the practices. No other equipment is required, although children are allowed to wear shin guards if they like. For safety reasons, cleats are strongly discouraged.
How much does it cost to play?
The registration fee is $25 for one child and $20 for each additional child. For children of volunteer coaches, the cost is $15. Check our main page for a coupon code if you are unable to pay the fee.
Do I need to live in Jamaica Plain in order to play?
No, the league is open to all families in the Greater Boston area.
Who runs the practices?
You do! All activity leaders are parents like you, with a wide diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Our grass-roots program (Parent Run, Kid Fun!) relies entirely on parent volunteers. We have found that most activity leaders return season-after-season as their child moves up in level, but we always need new volunteers.
I do not know anything about soccer, I cannot be an activity leader.
NOT TRUE! We ask you to instill one soccer rule - no hands on the ball - and try to make the experience as fun as you possibly can. That's it. We provide a training session ahead of the season. See Here for more about leading our activities. Spoiler alert: we are not teaching soccer, we are playing childhood games with a soccer ball, providing kids of all motivations an early love for kicking around a soccer ball.
I already know I cannot be there for every session, so I cannot be an activity leader.
NOT TRUE! We try to have at least 2, hopefully 3, leaders for every team so that no one person needs to be there every time. In the event there is a day that leaders cannot all attend, you would ask other parents to step up, or the practice would simply be cancelled.
What about inclement weather?
The general rule is if it's raining 15 minutes before practice, practice is cancelled. Any thunder or lightning immediately cancels practice and all teams should leave the field. The team coaches have the final say on whether practice will be held. There are NOT typically "make up" practices.
When will I find out what team my child is on?
Primary registration for Spring 2022 closes on April 15th 2022. At that time our volunteers need to formulate the teams including friend requests and matching parent volunteers to their child's team. If we do not have enough activity leaders, we may also need to reach out to families to seek volunteers prior to forming all teams. All of this means that you may not hear from the league until the last week of April, potentially days before the season begins. Please add the dates listed on our main page to your personal calendar now.
How do I contact my activity leaders, snack coordinator, or other team families?
Once we close our on-line registration for the season we will send out team assignments to all participants and identify the coaches and team parents. The coaches will also be in touch with you separately. You can then make connections with other parents and families at the first practice. You may only receive communications from us the week before practice starts, so please mark your calendars with the dates.
What time/day is my practice? Didn't you used to have second choice times?
The time/day you signed up for is likely the time/day you will get. Our new system allows us to lock in the time and day you register for, on a first come first served basis. We therefore are no longer asking for a second choice time. There is still a very small chance we may contact you, once registration closes, to change times though (eg in the event of under-enrollment in a time, lack of coach volunteers, computer glitches or global pandemics).
I registered but need to change my time or cancel.
First, log back into your account and see if you can cancel your registration. You may then be able to re-enroll at your new desired day/time (if available). Please be sure to also change any volunteer registrations. If registration has closed, please Email us at contact@jpchildrensoccer.org for any issues. We cannot guarantee changes or refunds but will always do our best to accommodate.
Can I help or support the league?
We are often looking for volunteers to help run the league; we are a small group of parent volunteers. Please reach out to us at contact@jpchildrensoccer.org
Are there other soccer leagues in the area that you know about?
I'm new to JP/Boston...what other sites should I know about?
How do I contact JPCS?
Questions? Contact us at contact@jpchildrensoccer.org