Recreational Program
Benicia Arsenal FC
2024 Recreational Program
Benicia Arsenal Futbol Club's Recreational soccer league is our most popular program. Over 600 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.
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 our recreational coordinator at house@beniciasoccer.org
Age Grouping by Birth Year
2019 | U6
2018 | U7
2017 | U8
2015-2016 | U10
2013-2014 | U12
2011-2012 | U14
2009-2010 | U16
2006-2008 | 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 March 15 – April 30
U6 $110 per player
U7 $140 per player
U8 $140 per player
U10 $210 per player
U12 $210 per player
U14/U16/U19 $230 per player
Regular Registration May 1 – June 30
U6 $130 per player
U7 $160 per player
U8 $160 per player
U10 $230 per player
U12 $230 per player
U14/U16/U19 $250 per player
Wait List July 1 – July 31
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 charges a $200 Club participation fee for each player in an effort to encourage families to provide their time and support in operating the Club. Active participation helps us to keep our registration fees as low as possible. Club fees are paid at the time of registration and will be refunded provided that the required volunteer commitment is confirmed. Refunds will be made as soon as confirmation that the volunteer commitment has been completed. No partial credit for hours worked less than the requirement will be given. The sooner volunteer hours are completed, the sooner refunds will be made. Volunteer hours can be completed as soon as registration is completed. Confirmation of hours completed can be done by a team coach, manager, Board member, or the volunteer coordinator. The volunteer participation commitment is as follows:
- Families with one player: a minimum of 6 hours of league approved volunteer work
- Families with two or more players: a minimum of 8 hours of league approved volunteer work.
- Families receiving financial support: a minimum of 12 hours of league approved volunteer work.
Volunteer opportunities are listed at the time of registration, on the BAFC website, solicited via email from BAFC, posted on social media, and discussed at BAFC Board meetings. Please coordinate with your coach, team manager, or a BAFC Board member if you need assistance in completing volunteer requirements.
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
