Recreational Program
Benicia Arsenal FC
2023 Recreational Program
Benicia Arsenal Futbol Club's Recreational soccer league is our most popular program. Over 500 players compete in an exciting 10 game season, which helps players of all ages and abilities enjoy the game in a fun, safe and positive environment.
The season begins in early August and runs through mid-November. Each team will have two practices weekly and will be coached by volunteer coaches, who will utilize age appropriate training methods. Coaches will be supported by our Director of Coaching, who will provide the necessary education so that your player has the best possible soccer experience.
Registration is available for players between 5-18 years of age. Players age 4 may register as long as a parent or other family member is willing to coach.
To register your child, please click on the Registration link located on this page.
2023 Fall BAFC Recreation Registration
Additional Information
• Registration fees depend on your player’s age
• The season runs from August through mid-November
• Practices will begin in August
• Team size varies depending upon the number of registrations, but our goal is to have at least 10 - 15 players per team
• Your coach will reach out with all the details once teams have been formed in Late July
• There are typically 2 practices weekly with games on Saturdays
• Practice times are late afternoons and early evenings
• Game times vary throughout the day on Saturday
• We rent our fields from the City of Benicia and the Benicia Unified School District. They will occasionally close fields if fields become waterlogged. If a field is closed, then your game or practice may be cancelled and may or may not be rescheduled depending on the time of year and weather conditions
• Uniforms are included with your registration fee
• If you are interested in coaching, then please contact Rodrigo Escalante at rodrigo.escalante@sbcglobal.net
Age Grouping by Birth Year
2017 | U62016 | U7
2015 | U8
2013-2014 | U10
2011-2012 | U12
2009-2010 | U14
2007-2008 | U16
2004-2006 | U19
Player Safety
FIFA Laws of the Game 2021-2022: Law 4.1A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous. All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not permitted.
All players must be inspected before the start of the match before they enter the field of play. If a player is wearing or using unauthorized/dangerous equipment or jewelry, the referee must order the player to either:
- remove the item, or
- leave the field of play at the next stoppage if the player is unable or unwilling to comply
A player who refuses to comply or wears the item again must be cautioned.
BAFC requires players wearing any type of jewelry, including studs, to leave the field until all jewelry has been removed.
Early Bird Registration February 14 – April 30, 2022
U6 $75 per player, plus $200 per family Club FeeU7 $105 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
U8 $105 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
U10 $175 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
U12 $175 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
U14/U16/U19 $195 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
Regular Registration May 1 – June 30, 2022
U6 $95 per player, plus $200 per family Club FeeU7 $125 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
U8 $125 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
U10 $195 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
U12 $195 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
U14/U16/U19 $215 per player, plus $200 per family Club Fee
Late Registration July 1 – July 31, 2022
There is no late registration where a player is automatically added to a team. This is just a WAITING LIST. Players will only be added to a team, to complete a roster, if a vacancy exists.REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Questions regarding registration may be directed to the League Registrar at:
Email: Registrar@beniciasoccer.org
CLUB FEE
BAFC assesses a $200 league participation (club) fee in an effort to encourage families to provide their time and support in operating the league. Active participation helps us keep registration fees as low as possible.
League participation fees are not refundable. However, if a player continues to play soccer the following year, then the Club fee will not be required again, provided the required participation commitment is fulfilled during the previous season.
Families with one player in the league are required to perform a minimum of 6 hours of league approved volunteer work. Families with two or more players are required to perform a minimum of 8 hours of league approved volunteer work. Families who receive financial aid from BAFC are required to perform a minimum of 12 hours of league approved volunteer work.
Again, please understand club fees are not refundable. In addition, we do not provide partial credit for hours worked if they are below the required minimums.
Please note that additional volunteer hours may be required for competitive team families who participate in Benicia tournaments.
Families who have more than one child participating in one season, only need to pay the $200 club fee once for the season (assuming volunteer hours were not completed the previous season). If the registration system charges you the $200 club fee more than once for participants from the same family, despite registering at different times and/or for different programs (like competitive, academy, or TOP), then please email our registrar and our treasurer by clicking the yellow links below. We will investigate and issue a credit if it is warranted.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Because registration fees can be significant, we offer a two-payment option for those who would like a little more time. You may pay the entire fee when registering or select the installment option.
Payment Method 1 (Installments)
The system will automatically split your payments in half and charge your credit card accordingly.
Payment Method 2 (Full Payment)
You can also pay the full amount by credit card.
Families who have three or more players, playing soccer in either our Recreational or Competitive BAFC programs, will receive a 20% discount off the regular registration fees for that season.
Players cannot receive a multiple player discount if they are receiving financial aid from BAFC.
Families who have an adult relative, who holds a current USSF Grassroots (or higher) referee license, and referees 5 or more BAFC games (U10-U19), in each of the Fall and Spring seasons, will receive a 10% refund off the regular registration fees for that entire season.
All requests for multiple player discounts and financial aid matters must be submitted to the BAFC Treasurer and Vice President for approval or denial.
REFUND POLICY
If a registration fee refund is requested before June 1st, seventy-five (75%) of the registration fees will be refunded if the player decides not to participate in the BAFC during the season.
If a registration fee refund is requested on or after June 1st, but before August 1st, fifty (50%) of the registration fees will be refunded if the player decides not to participate in the BAFC during the season.
All refund requests will be denied if received on or after August 1st.
Late fees, fundraising monies, and club fees are non-refundable.
All Requests for refunds must be made in writing, either via e-mail or USPS to the Treasurer at:
Email: treasurer@beniciasoccer.org
Mail: BAFC Treasurer, PO Box 2259 Benicia, CA 94510
FINANCIAL AID
There are some financial aid opportunities available. Financial aid requests are available on this site under financial aid.
Families who do not perform a minimum of 12 hours of league approved volunteer work for the season in which they receive the financial aid will not be eligible for financial aid in the future.
PLAY-UP POLICY
Generally speaking, we want players to play in their respective age groups. However, we understand that there may be specific reasons you would like your son or daughter to play at the next higher age group. The League allows players to play up one age group with the following condition: The parent or guardian of the player must be the coach or assistant coach of the team. This is a safety and insurance requirement. Fees for the higher age group will apply.
Moving up more than one age group in the recreational program is not permitted. Again, this is a safety and insurance requirement.
PLAY-DOWN POLICY
Playing down to a younger age group is not permitted. This is a safety and insurance requirement.
MINIMUM PLAY AGE
The minimum age to play on the U6 team is 5 years old (or turning 5 in the current calendar year). However, the League will entertain 4 year olds playing (not turning 5 in the current calendar year) on case by case basis with the following two conditions: The parent or guardian of the player must be the coach or assistant coach of the team, and there must be a meeting between the League and parents to discuss the player prior to any assignment. This is a safety and insurance requirement.
REQUESTS FOR SPECIFIC COACHES OR TEAMS
If you coach or assistant coach a team, your son or daughter may be on your team. The League does not entertain specific requests for coaches or teams beyond the coach or assistant coach. U6-U8 teams are formed by the Recreation Coordinator based on known skill level. U10 and above teams are formed by the Recreation Coordinator and coaches based on known skill levels using a blind draft process.
There are a few very specific exceptions to this policy, which will be considered on a case by case basis.
Required player forms for participation.
Parents Concussion Form -PDF Download
Medical Release Form -PDF Download
