Player Driven Program

WISL is designed to be a player driven program. This simply means that players are encouraged to make the majority of decisions during the course of the season.

Unlike the more traditional soccer programs, WISL is supposed to inspire a more “free play” or “pick-up” style soccer experience.

Team formation, playing decisions, and most rule interpretations are to be done by the players, not a coach or referee. Coaching is strictly limited specifically to encourage players to learn from the game. In the WISL program the game itself is the teacher.

League Game Format

• The league plays a round robin competition beginning Saturday, January 4th and ending Sunday, February 16th.
• Games are approximately 50 minutes long and each team plays a minimum of 7 matches.
• There are no practices during the week for WISL teams.
• Teams must be prepared to play on either Saturdays (all day/evening) or Sunday (afternoons/evenings).

Team Formation

Players are encouraged to form teams and make special requests to be with other players or a particular facilitator.  To make any of these special requests, you should enter it into the text box provided after you have selected this program to register for on the final page of the registration process. For example, text box: “U10 Team Barca” or “Coach David” or “team with Amy Johnson.”

As with all SOCA programs, the option to “play up” only appears if you have selected this option in your player’s personal information within your SOCA account.

Age Groups & Divisions

The WISL program is intended for players from U8 to U19.

If possible, divisions will be formed for Boys and Girls in the following age groups:  U8, U10, U12, U15, U19
*Female players are allowed to register for Boys divisions but there is no guarantee that these teams will feature female players

There is no guarantee that there will be enough teams in each age group to create divisions in this manner, but SOCA will attempt to create equitable divisions and help find appropriate team placements as much as possible when creating divisions.

Team Facilitators

Games are governed by Team Facilitators who monitor their teams’ matches, ensure timeliness of matches, safety and fair playing time. There is no coaching in the WISL. There are also no referees. Players are encouraged to coach and position themselves as much as possible, as well as to call their own fouls and infractions. Facilitators can intercede when necessary.

All teams need Facilitators. Facilitators are adults who supervise the games and ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants. No soccer experience is necessary as coaching is not part of the Facilitator’s duties. Please volunteer to be a Facilitator for your child’s team!