Beginning in 5th grade, Arlington Soccer does not allow players to participate on both a Travel team and a Recreational team during the same season. Travel teams include any teams that require tryouts, including PAC teams, whether they are based in Arlington or outside the county.
Arlington Soccer Recreational League Information
With nearly 6,500 players participating each Fall and Spring, Arlington Soccer’s Recreational program is the heart of our community. Designed for boys and girls from Kindergarten through High School, the program offers a fun, supportive introduction to soccer for players of all skill levels.
Players are placed on teams within one of our 12 neighborhood clubs, based on elementary school enrollment or geographic location—making it easy for kids to play with friends close to home. The program is open to everyone, regardless of experience or family income as we do offer Financial Aid.
Teams are coached by parents and other dedicated volunteers, creating a positive, educational environment through scheduled practices and games. Most importantly, equal playing time is guaranteed, so every child gets the chance to learn, grow, and enjoy the game.
Whether your child is new to soccer or already loves the sport, all players are welcome in the Arlington Soccer Recreational League.

👉 What are the dates of the season?
- Fall season: typically runs from September through mid-November
- Spring season: typically runs from April through mid-June
👉 What ages are available in the Rec Soccer League?
The Recreational Soccer League is organized by grade level and is open to all players from Kindergarten through High School, as permitted by VYSA.
Children ages Pre-School - 3 years old may be eligible to play in Arlington Soccer’s Mini Soccer program.
👉 Can I play on a Travel team and a Rec team in the same season?
Through 4th grade, players may participate in both programs at the same time, subject to the limits shown on this chart.
👉 Can I play on an Arlington Development Program (ADP) team and a Rec team in the same season?
Yes. For all grades and ages, the combined number of ADP and Travel players on a Rec team may not exceed half of the total roster. For example, on a team of 11 players, up to 5 may be ADP and/or Travel players; on a team of 12 players, up to 6 may be ADP and/or Travel players.
👉 How are teams formed?
Arlington Soccer tries to place players on teams based on elementary school enrollment whenever possible. If a player cannot be placed on a team from their school, they are generally placed on a team within the same geographic area of Arlington.
👉 How often do teams practice?
Teams generally practice 1x per week. Some older teams may choose to practice 2x a week, but the vast majority of teams practice once per week for one (1) hour after regular school hours.
👉 Where and when will my child's team practice?
Practice locations are generally assigned based on the geographic makeup of the team. Exact practice times and locations are set by the team coach and may vary from team to team.
👉 When are games played?
Games are normally played on Saturdays during the season, with occasional Sunday afternoon games when needed.
👉 How do I get a uniform?
Please visit the Uniform Information page for more info about Rec Soccer League uniforms.
👉 What are is the format for games?
- Kindergarten & 1st: 4v4, no goalkeepers
- 2nd Grade: 6v6, introducing the goalkeeper
- 3rd & 4th Grade: 7v7
- 5th & 6th Grade: 9v9
- 7th - 12th Grade: 11v11
👉 What are the costs?
Registration for the Rec Soccer League per player is usually just over $130, plus an Arlington County parks use fee.
👉 What equipment does my player need?
Players need to purchase:
- Jersey (generally $25-30)
- Shin-guards
- A ball.
Socks are required and must cover the shin-guards. Cleats are recommended but are not required.
👉 Does my child qualify for Financial Aid?
We offer a reduced fees for players who qualify for Financial Aid. Players who receive Free/reduced Lunch, SNAP/TANF or Medicaid benefits, Families who qualify for the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Fee Reduction are eligible for Financial Aid. Families must provide valid(not expired) supporting documentation. Click here to view the list of valid documents.
If your child is on Free or Reduced Lunch, please submit that proof to qualify. Financial aid recipients pay $40 in early bird, rising to $50 and $60 in Return to Rec and Waitlist, respectively.
👉 More Questions
For additional information, contact info@arlingtonsoccer.com
👉 Registration
To register your player for the Rec Soccer League, please visit: https://arlingtonsoccer.ottosport.ai/programs/recreation/registration/player-registration


