Frequently asked.

Recreation is our entry-level, in-town program for ages 3–11, running fall through spring. Travel is our competitive program for ages 8–15, with teams selected each spring through tryouts. Futsal Select is an 8-week winter skills program for ages 10–15, open to both SCPYS and non-SCPYS players. See the Programs page for a full side-by-side comparison.

Recreation registers directly online during the open registration window — see the Recreation page for current dates. Travel and Futsal don't use open online registration: players are placed after a tryout or a direct invite from a director or coach. See Travel Tryouts or the Futsal page for how each works.

Check the banner on the homepage and each program's own page — registration windows are staggered by program and season, so "open" for Fall Recreation doesn't mean Travel or Futsal are open at the same time.

Starting with the 2026–2027 season, SCPYS is moving from the old Jan 1–Dec 31 birth-year cycle to an Aug 1–Jul 31 cycle. Enter your child's birthdate into the official U.S. Soccer age group calculator to see their age group under the new cycle. See the Travel page for the full explanation of the change.

Players register online, attend a minimum of two evaluation sessions, and are scored on technical ability, physical performance, and coachability. Full step-by-step details are on the Travel Tryouts page and the Tryout Policy & Procedures.

Yes — every SCPYS coach and volunteer completes a state background check through NJ Youth Soccer's Safe Soccer program before working with players. See the Coaches page for details.