GLG SOL Club FAQs
TABLE OF CONTENTS (click on a link to view)
Now registering for Fall 2024 Season!
If your are not a current SOL club player, pre-register here for more information.
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ABOUT GIRLS LEADING GOALS
Who is the Founder and Director of Girls Leading Goals, formally Girls Leading Girls?
Brianna Russell (Coach Bre)
Why did Coach Bre start Girls Leading Goals?
To keep girls playing soccer.
To provide women role models for girls. We have all women coaches.
To give every girl access and opportunity to play.
To build more women leaders on and off the field with our intentional curriculum and leadership training.
What are Girls Leading Goals’ core values?
Safety
Soccer
Leadership
Advocacy
Community
Communication
What is our vision for Girls Leading Goals?
To provide equal opportunity to all girls of all socioeconomic backgrounds to be a part of our program. We hope girls and women will go through our program and start a Girls Leading Goals branch in other communities across the United States.
What is Girls Leading Goals’ coaching style and what is their training?
We provide a holistic approach to coaching instead of an authoritarian style of coaching.
All of our coaches go through a rigorous hiring and onboarding process. Multiple trainings through GLG, the US Soccer League and San Francisco Youth Soccer League trainings.
Our coaches are required to abide by our safety and operational policies at all times.
GLG provides them with ongoing mentoring and evaluations to help them improve as leaders and coaches.
How do you teach life and leadership skills?
We teach life and leadership skills through a variety of trainings, giving back to the community through volunteer service, joining the mentorship program where girls can be Junior Coaches, joining our Junior Board of Directors, attending various events, helping with our free after school programs, and donating their used equipment to the after school program or to girls in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Who are the other leaders of Girls Leading Goals?
Bre Russell - Founder
Maia Courtois - Program Manager
Emily Scheese - Technical Director
Kelly Barb - Operations Director
Amy Chan Hardison - Registrar & Marketing Coordinator
ABOUT THE GIRLS LEADING GOALS SOL CLUB PROGRAM
What is the name of our club team program and what is our mission?
Girls Leading Goals SOL Club. Our mission is to train girls to be leaders through soccer.
What types of club team programs do you have?
Recreational, competitive, and travel teams in the Fall and Spring seasons.
How many teams are in your club program?
There are 15-20 teams in the club to provide quality over quantity and to ensure we have space for every girl at every age and level.
Why are there waitlists for players and teams?
We may have waitlists due to not having enough room or capacity in our club.
How many girls do you serve in the club program?
200-300 girls
When and how will we know what our team practice and game schedule will be?
Before every season we poll the parents and coaches of the team to gather preferences for practice location, days, times. We go with the majority requests from both parents and coaches. We then submit our requests to the city. Based on field availability, the city determines our final practice permits for each team. This is usually decided two weeks before the season starts. The league works with the city to determine our games schedule and field locations. We don’t get a say in that scheduling process and we aren’t at liberty to reschedule games due to lack of fields. Typically the game schedule is posted a week before the season starts.
My player’s team is a mix of two grades, why does that happen?
Sometimes there are not enough players or teams within your own grade or birth year so the club and/or the league combine two grades in order to make one full team. This is very common and has typically worked out fine for players as they’re only one grade level apart like 5th & 6th graders combining or playing against each other in the league. Additionally, sometimes players play up a grade or year to get an extra challenge or to stay with their friends that might be a year older.
Where does the club team participate?
San Francisco Youth Soccer League. For recreational and upper house competitive teams
NorCal Travel League
Jack London Youth Soccer Sports League
SF Vikings Micro Soccer League
Is GLG SOL Club the league?
No, GLG SOL Club is not the league! We participate in the San Francisco Youth Soccer League, NorCal Travel League, and Jack London Youth Soccer Sports League. We are required to follow all of their rules and policies otherwise we are subject to fines or will not be able to play.
I like giving direction to the girls during the game. Can I help coach the girls?
Since we have invested a lot of time and effort into training our coaches to inhabit our core values and policies, we ask that parents do not coach or yell from the sidelines during games. This can confuse players and often they freeze due to over-coaching.
If I would like to talk to a coach about their coaching, what is the best way to approach them?
GLG’s policy is that parents have to wait until 48 hours after a game has passed to approach coaches about issues, player time, any technical or tactical questions/ideas parents and guardians may have.
Let the girls learn from their mistakes in a safe environment that encourages risk-taking instead of fear of failure.
Why is there player movement between teams?
Player movement is normal in youth soccer. Some players are moved from teams within our club or moved to a different team in a different club. This is common and a part of the structure in youth sports. We do our best to have players on a team that fits them best.
If I have questions about the club program, who do I contact?
Email: sfsol@girlsleadinggoals.org
What is the player registration process?
There are two types of registration for every season:
San Francisco Youth Soccer System (AKA- SQWAD) or JLYSSL
Fee of ~$80-$160
Girls Leading Goals Teamsnap Registration Portal
For communication and payments
New interested players pre-register here to get more information.
If interested in forming a new team with GLG, email sfsol@girlsleadinggoals.org
General questions about registration, emaill sfsol@girlsleadinggoals.org
What is included in the price beyond uniforms and registration fees?
Pay for trained coaches to lead practice; additional coach training and support.
Virtual practice sessions for rainouts, poor air quality or makeup practices.
All materials, liability insurance, administration support, TeamSnap App for team organizing and field permits.
Additional COVID-19 related expenses (i.e. sanitation supplies, increase in coach health benefits via payroll).
What is the payments breakdown?
Every season, the same three payments are due twice per year:
League Fee: ~$80-$160 (Due in May and again in Nov)
Club Deposit: ~$200 for rec, ~$450 for comp/travel (Due in May and again in Nov)
Club Remaining Fees: ~$299 for rec, ~$650+ for comp/travel (Due in Feb and again in Aug)
How do I pay the club fees?
Payment is done through a mobile app called Teamsnap. There will be a 3% charge for a transaction fee.
You will be invoiced through your Teamsnap account a month before the payment is due. If you do not see an invoice on your Teamsnap app, you are fully paid.
Do you have financial aid?
We offer financial aid or payment plans for anyone who asks, and we follow the SF Parks & Rec scholarship guidelines here. You simply fill out the online financial assistance form (click here to access form). Junior Coaching is a requirement of all scholarship/financial aid players (7th grade and up). This involves one day per week of coaching. If you have any questions regarding financial aid, you can email amy@girlsleadinggoals.org.
Can I pay the club fees in installments?
Yes! As long as all payments are received before the end of the season.
Is my payment refundable?
No, all payments are non-refundable.
If I have a question about payments, who do I contact?
Email Amy at sfsol@girlsleadinggoals.org
What are the two team parent volunteer roles that are required by the San Francisco Youth Soccer League and what do they do?
Team Manager
They volunteer time throughout the season to help coaches organize the team, which includes game availability, registration, who is bringing snacks, who is coming to games and generally to be the eyes and ears to help the coaches with the team. They are not a coach, and are not allowed to coach.
The STAR Referee (Specialize Trained Assistant Referee)
This role requires field training with the league to assist the referee by watching the line of the field.
Examples: Calling throw-ins, off-sides, and corner kicks.
Every game will need a trained volunteer to watch the line of the field from both teams.
This role can be shared by all of the team parents. We just need to make sure there is a STAR referee at EVERY game. This means parents do not need to go to every game.
What is the annual event calendar for Girls Leading Goals?
We have two annual events every year!
The end-of-year gala fundraiser. During the first week of December.
Presidio Ten Run at the end of running club season. During the Springtime in April.
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers! If you are interested, please email info@girlsleadinggoals.org with SUBJECT: Volunteer
Volunteers are always welcome at our events and fundraisers!
How do I order club team uniforms?
Please refer to our Shop page here.
Donations
We can always use donations! You can donate here.
How does my donation get used in the organization?
SOL Club player scholarship fund
Junior Coaches Program
Free After-School Program
Our international program
Improving the quality of our club
Poor Air Quality Protocol
Air Quality is assessed using the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI):
The specific AQI around the field area is assessed using Air Now (link here).
AND Purple Air outside sensors using the US EPA Conversion (link here).
The general AQI of San Francisco is assessed using Air Now (link here).
An AQI rating of 101 or over at 2:00pm from Air Now AND Purple Air outside sensors using US EPA conversion, means practice is CANCELLED and moved virtually to a 40-minute zoom session that starts at the normal practice time.
NOTE: GLG is playing it safe by stating that an AQI rating of over 101 verse 151 constitutes a cancellation. The range from 101-150 is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups ONLY and the general public is less likely to be affected.
After the 2:00pm Protocol:
If practice was not canceled and the AQI shifts after 2:00pm and begins reading in the 101-150 prior to practice, the start of practice or during practice, practice will continue. Intensity of the practice will be significantly decreased and more water breaks will be implemented. Guardians with players with underlying health conditions can use their discretion in sending their players to practice.
If practice was not canceled and the AQI shifts after 2:00pm and begins reading at 151 or above prior to practice or the start of practice, practice will be CANCELLED at the last minute. If it begins reading at 151 during practice, practice will stop and coaches will lead stationary/sedentary activities. Coaches will do their best to offer a virtual practice depending on time, but the start time may differ or the virtual practice may not be offered at all.
If practice is canceled and the AQI shifts after 2:00pm and begins reading below 75 a MINIMUM of 1.5 hours prior to the start of practice, the coach can decide whether to resume an in-person practice or stay online.
Rain Out Policy:
Rain Out is assessed using the following resources:
The SFRPD Rain Out Website that provides details on field closures: http://sfrecpark.org/permits-and-reservations/athletic-fields/rain-out-informatio/.
The weather.com website for San Francisco that predicts forecasted rain and lightning during practice times: https://weather.com/weather/today/l/69bedc6a5b6e977993fb3e5344e3c06d8bc36a1fb6754c3ddfb5310a3c6d6c87
At 2:00pm, these resources will be assessed and the following decisions will be made dependent on the type of field:
ALL PRACTICES regarding LIGHTNING:
If lightning is predicted in the forecast during practice according to weather.com, practice is CANCELLED and moved to a virtual Zoom practice.
TURF FIELDS:
If SFRPD indicates the turf field is closed due to rain or any other reason, practice is CANCELLED and moved to a virtual Zoom practice.
If SFRPD indicates the turf field is not closed, and only rain is predicted in the forecast during practice according to weather.com, practice is ON. Turf fields remain open in rain or shine.
GRASS FIELDS:
If SFRPD indicates that the grass field is closed due to rain or any other reason, practice is CANCELLED and moved to a virtual Zoom practice.
If SFRPD states to use best judgment and includes statements such as, “Please stay away from puddles and do not use grass fields if they are saturated” OR “Please use your best judgment and avoid puddles. If the grass is too wet, please do not use the grass” AND rain of 50% or greater is predicted in the forecast by weather.com, then practice is CANCELLED and moved to a virtual Zoom practice.
If SFRPD states to use best judgment and includes statements such as, “Please stay away from puddles and do not use grass fields if they are saturated” OR “Please use your best judgment and avoid puddles. If the grass is too wet, please do not use the grass” AND rain of 49% or lower is predicted in the forecast by weather.com, then practice is ON.
If SFRPD does not provide guidance, but rain of 50% or greater is predicted in the forecast during practice by weather.com, then practice is CANCELLED and moved to a virtual Zoom practice.
If SFRPD does not provide guidance, and rain of 49% or lower is predicted in the forecast during practice by weather.com, then practice is ON.
If SFRPD states fields are closed AND rain of 49% or lower is predicted in the forecast by weather.com, then practice is ON and will be held either as an agility/running practice or beach practice.
BEACH/BLACKTOP/RUNNING CLUB: Beach, blacktop and track surface locations are not fields under the supervision of SFRPD, so only weather.com can be used to predict if the practice is canceled or is on.
If rain of 50% or greater is predicted in the forecast during practice by weather.com, then practice is CANCELLED and moved to a virtual Zoom practice.
If rain of 49% or lower is predicted in the forecast during practice by weather.com, then practice is ON.
After the 2:00pm Protocol:
ALL PRACTICES regarding LIGHTNING:
If practice was not canceled, but lightning is now predicted during practice, practice will be CANCELLED at the last minute. Coaches will do their best to offer a virtual Zoom practice, but the time may differ from the practice time or the practice may not be offered at all.
If practice was canceled, but lightning is now NOT predicted during practice, practice will remain virtual.
GRASS FIELDS:
If practice was not canceled, but SFRPD now advises that the fields are closed, practice will be CANCELLED at the last minute. Coaches will do their best to offer a virtual Zoom practice, but the time may differ from the practice time or the practice may not be offered at all.
If practice was not canceled, but now rain is forecasted above 50% during practice, practice will continue in-person. Guardians can use their discretion in sending their players to practice.
If practice was canceled, but now rain is forecasted 49% and below, practice will remain virtual.
BEACH/BLACKTOP/RUNNING CLUB:
If practice was not canceled, but now rain is forecasted above 50% during practice, practice will continue in-person. Guardians can use their discretion in sending their players to practice.
If practice was canceled, but now rain is forecasted 49% and below, practice will remain virtual.
NOTE: It is always at the parent/guardian's discernment/judgment whether to send their players to practice or not.