Frequently Asked Questions
We know families often have questions about joining and participating in a soccer club's programs. To make things easier, we’ve organized our most common questions and answers into categories covering topics such as registration, teams and programs, uniforms and equipment, schedules and tournaments, and club policies. Whether you’re new to the club or a returning family, this page is designed to help you find quick, clear answers about how Augusta Arsenal operates.
General FAQs
Academy FAQs
Select FAQs
MLS Go FAQs
UPSL FAQs
What is the mission of Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club?
Our mission is to develop kids for life through the pursuit of excellence in soccer - fostering character, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a positive and challenging environment.
Where are practices and games held?
Practices and home games take place at the Augusta Soccer Park, 3824 Maddox Road, Augusta, GA 30909, conveniently located near I-20.
How do I register my child for a team?
Before a player can be registered to a team, they must first attend tryouts. The results of the tryout determine team placement for the upcoming season. Once teams are formed, families will receive registration instructions from the club to complete the process through our online system.
How are teams formed or players placed?
Players are placed based on age, skill level, and developmental readiness through evaluations or tryouts.
When does the soccer season start and end?
Our main season runs from August through May, with breaks for holidays and optional summer programs. Note that High School-aged players do not have a spring season.
How much does it cost to play?
Please see each tab for the breakdown of fees in those programs.
How often do the uniforms change?
Arsenal will keep the same uniform design for at least 2 years. After that, the club will often try to negotiate a better rate with the same or different vendor. This also allows for the uniform sponsor to change. The next uniform cycle starts June 2026.
What if my player needs a new uniform during the season?
If a new uniform is needed, you can easily order the set or part of the set on the vendor's website. The same process applies for replacing lost uniforms.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes, the club offers a limited number of need-based scholarships. Click here for more info on scholarships.
What equipment does my player need to play?
Players will need shin guards, an age-appropriate-sized ball, and a water bottle for practices and games. Players are also required to wear their practice shirts during practices.
How are decisions made regarding the club?
Augusta Arsenal is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of nine members, along with the club’s Executive Director and Director of Coaching. The Board meets monthly to provide strategic guidance, ensure fiscal responsibility, and support the club’s mission - to develop kids for life through the pursuit of excellence in soccer.
What if my player plays other sports?
Research shows that playing multiple sports from an early age on leads to better overall motor and athletic development. In today’s world, sports are often played year-round so that different sports tend to overlap. Just be mindful of missing practices and games.
Where can I buy Arsenal fan gear?
You can buy fan gear by going to our fan shop here.
When are tryouts?
We have tryouts in May, for the upcoming season, and then again in December for any player wanting to join for the Spring season. In May, all players have to try out for the new season. See our Tryout Info page for more details.
How does the club communicate with families?
We use Byga email and chat as well as social media to share updates, schedules, and club announcements.
What is the club’s refund policy?
Refunds are only granted under specific circumstances outlined in our registration policy.
How can parents get involved?
There are many ways to get involved. Families can volunteer as team managers, assist with fundraising events, volunteer during home games or become club sponsors.
What is the policy on weather cancellations?
Weather updates are shared through Byga emails and alerts.
Who do I contact with general questions?
Email augustaarsenalinfo@gmail.com for general inquiries or use the contact form below.
What is the Academy program?
The Academy bridges the gap between recreational and competitive soccer, focusing on player development in a fun, structured environment. See more here.
What ages are eligible?
The Academy program is open to players ages 7–12 (U8–U12).
How often do teams train each week?
Academy teams train two times per week with their teams. In addition, they have one academy-wide skills training session.
Who coaches Academy teams?
All Academy teams are led by licensed coaches who follow the club’s player development curriculum.
How much travel is involved?
Most Academy games are within driving distance in the Central Savannah River Area or neighboring Georgia/South Carolina towns.
How are players evaluated?
Players are evaluated each season by our coaching staff to ensure proper placement and growth.
What is the cost for the Academy program?
Program costs vary by age group and include registration, training, and league fees. Tournament fees are currently not included in registration fees.
Are tryouts required?
Yes, all Academy players must try out before they can join a team. Academy tryouts take place in May for the following season. New players can also try out in December for the Spring season.
What leagues or events do Academy teams play in?
Currently, Arsenal Academy teams do not compete in a formal league. Instead, we partner with other clubs in the GA and SC area (Savannah, Aiken, Spartanburg, Athens) and play games either at their facilities or ours.
Do Academy teams participate in tournaments?
Yes, all Academy teams participate in at least 2 tournaments in the Spring and 2 in the Fall season.
Are tournament fees included with registration?
Not at this time, but this is something the club is considering for the future. Currently, families pay tournament fees separately, which typically range from $60-$100 per tournament, depending on the event and travel distance. These fees help cover the tournament registration and coaches’ expenses.
What is the Select program?
Select soccer is our most competitive level, designed for players committed to advanced training, travel competition, and college preparation. See more here.
How are Select teams formed?
Teams are formed through annual tryouts and staff evaluations. All players must try out before they can join a team.
What leagues do Select teams compete in?
Select teams compete in various leagues. The top boys teams play in the National Academy League (NAL) and the girls in the Development Player League (DPL). Our second and third teams play in South Carolina's Open League and PMSL. Team placement is based on tryout results in May.
How often do Select teams train?
Teams train three times a week, with additional sessions during tournament or showcase weeks.
How many tournaments are played each season?
Most Select teams attend at least 2 tournaments in the fall and U13/U14 teams also attend 2 in the spring. Older teams also participate in 1-2 showcases per year.
What are the costs?
Select player fees include club registration, coaching, league fees, league travel fees, and training sessions. Tournament fees are currently not included in registration fees.
Can players play high school soccer too?
Yes. Select players are encouraged to play for their schools during the high school season.
How does the college recruiting process work?
Our coaches and college coordinator provide guidance, attend showcases, and help players build profiles for recruiting exposure.
Who should I contact about team or travel questions?
Please reach out to your team manager or head coach for team-specific logistics.
What support does the club offer for college recruiting?
We assist with highlight videos, showcase recommendations, and communication templates for contacting college coaches.
What is MLS GO?
MLS GO is Major League Soccer’s official recreational program that provides a fun, inclusive environment for players of all abilities. See more info here.
What ages can participate?
Players ages 5–9 (U6–U10) can join MLS GO at Augusta Arsenal.
How do I register?
Register online through our website under the MLS GO web page here.
What is included in the registration fee?
Fees include a jersey, shorts and socks, coaching, field use, and participation in all practices and games.
When and where are practices and games?
Practices and games are held at Arsenal Park. Teams generally practice once per week and play on weekends. See our MLS GO page for more info on that.
Who coaches the teams?
MLS GO teams are led by trained volunteer coaches with support from our professional staff.
How are teams formed?
Teams are organized by age and school/friend requests when possible.
What equipment is required?
Players need shin guards, cleats, and a soccer ball. A uniform is provided with registration.
What happens if a game is rained out?
We’ll communicate makeup dates via email and Byga once the field schedule allows.
Can my child play with a friend or request a specific coach?
Yes, we do our best to accommodate friend or coach requests made during registration.
What is the UPSL?
The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is one of the largest professional development soccer leagues in the United States. It provides a competitive platform for high-level players, including college players, former academy players, and aspiring professionals. See more info here.
Who can play in the UPSL?
College players (during summer and offseason), former academy players, high-level amateur players, players pursuing professional opportunities. Players must be at least 16 years old to tryout.
Is the UPSL professional?
The UPSL is primarily a pre-professional and semi-professional league.
Can college players participate?
Yes. Many UPSL players are current college athletes. Players must maintain NCAA eligibility rules.
When is the UPSL season?
UPSL typically has two seasons each year:
Spring Season: February – June
Fall Season: August – December
Do players need to try out?
Yes. Augusta Arsenal holds open tryouts for the fall and spring seasons. Check our website and social media channels for the next tryout dates.
How often does the team train?
The team trains 2–3 times per week, with matches typically played on weekends.
Is there a cost to play?
Yes. Some of the costs can be offset by volunteer work with the club.
How do I register for UPSL tryouts?
Interested players can register for upcoming tryouts through our website.
Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please send us a message. We’re happy to help!
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