Recreational Soccer
Waterloo United’s Recreational Program provides children and youth with the opportunity to learn, play and enjoy soccer in their own community.
Programs are available for players from U3 to U16, with options for new and returning players of all ability levels.
Our recreational programs focus on fun, participation, skill development and a positive team experience. Depending on the age group, sessions may include instructor-led activities, practices and games supported by volunteer coaches and game leaders.
Waterloo United offers outdoor recreational soccer during the spring and summer, along with indoor recreational programs during the fall and winter. Explore the programs below to find the right fit for your player.
Outdoor Recreational Programs
Our Outdoor Recreational Program runs from May to August, depending on the age group. Program dates, locations, schedules, fees and availability are posted on the individual program pages and may change from season to season.
Indoor Recreational Programs
The Indoor Recreational Program begins in October, after Thanksgiving and runs until December. The winter session will begin in early January.
- Fall Indoor Recreational Program – Program information coming soon.
- Winter Indoor Recreational Program – Program information coming soon.
New to Recreational Soccer?
Recreational soccer is a great place for children to begin playing the game, continue developing their skills or simply enjoy being active with teammates. Players do not need previous soccer experience to participate.
The structure of each program changes with the age and stage of the players. Younger age groups focus on physical literacy, imagination and learning through play. Older players participate in a combination of practices and games that develop soccer skills while encouraging teamwork, confidence and enjoyment.
What Players Need
The Club provides a full uniform for the U4-U16 Outdoor recreational program. Children enrolled in the Outdoor U3 program receive a jersey only.
Shin guards are mandatory for all ages and all programs indoor and outdoor. Footwear for indoor shall be outdoor soccer cleats or indoor turf shoes. Cleats are required for outdoor programs. Soccer fun (U3-U6) may wear running shoes.
No item of jewellery may be worn on the field (medic alert excluded). Earrings must be removed; taping of earrings is not permitted. Hard casts are not permitted.
What’s Included
Outdoor registration may include a uniform, player ball, Ontario Soccer registration and insurance, field costs, match officials or end-of-season activities, depending on the player’s age group. Check the applicable program page for a complete and current list of inclusions.
Volunteer Coaches and Game Leaders
Waterloo United relies on the generosity of volunteer coaches/game leaders for our Recreational House League soccer programs. Volunteering is a terrific way to get involved in soccer, while at the same time supporting your club and your community.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, choose the VOLUNTEER NOW option in your family account in PowerUP.
No formal soccer or coaching experience is required for many recreational volunteer positions. Waterloo United provides guidance and training to help volunteers create a positive, safe and enjoyable environment for players.
Some volunteer head coaches may also be eligible for a coaching credit after successfully completing the full season. Current eligibility and requirements are available on the applicable program page.
Registration and Financial Assistance
How to Register
Waterloo United is utilizing PowerUp Sports as the Club’s exclusive online registration service provider. All registrations must be processed through this system. New registrants will need to create an account; previous members can log in using their established username and password.
Before registering, visit the applicable program page to confirm the age group, season, schedule, location, fees and availability.
Fee Assistance
The City of Waterloo Fee Assistance Leisure Access Program is a program of financial support for permanent residents with low income living in Waterloo, that helps individuals participate in the City of Waterloo recreational and affiliated minor sport and arts programs. The assistance is given in the form of a credit to eligible individuals. Eligibility is based on total family income.
Additional assistance may be available through community funding programs. Families should review Waterloo United’s current fee-assistance information before registering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I view my child’s schedule?
- Once Waterloo United releases your schedule (Indoor or Outdoor), viewing your child(ern) schedule can be accessed by logging into PowerUp with your account. Select ‘Family Calendar’, a tab on the left of your screen. The schedule can be printed, synced to your calendar and/or emailed.
I do not know or have forgotten my PowerUp password. What should I do?
- If you have forgotten/don’t know your password use the ”Password Reset” system located on the lower right side of the PowerUp login page. Follow the steps to change your password. An email will be automatically sent with a link to reset your password. If you still cannot access your account contact us.
Can I request that my child play with a friend?
- All teammate requests must be one-to-one reciprocated requests. One-sided requests will not be considered.
- Requests must be submitted by the deadline established for the applicable season. Waterloo United will make every effort to accommodate eligible requests, but placements cannot be guaranteed.
- Read the Teammate Request Policy
How will I know if soccer is cancelled due to weather?
- Throughout the season’s games or practices may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Should fields or facilities be closed, the club’s website will be updated by 4:00 pm and a general email will be sent to those divisions affected by any closures.
- Follow Waterloo United’s current social media channels for updates.
How can I pay?
- Online payments may be made by Visa, Mastercard. Available payment methods and payment requirements will be displayed during registration in PowerUp. Contact Waterloo United before visiting the office if you need to arrange an alternative method of payment.
When do recreational seasons begin?
- The Indoor Recreational Program begins in October, after Thanksgiving and runs until December. The winter session will begin in early January. The Outdoor Recreational season begins in May and runs until August, depending on the age group. Exact dates vary by program and season. Visit the applicable program page for current information.