Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Registration & Payments
Register online through the VAFC Registration Portal. Select the appropriate program and age group, complete all participant information and waivers, and submit payment or an approved payment arrangement. Registration is not complete until those steps are finished; questions can be sent to registrar@vafc.ca.
Major credit cards are accepted through online registration; available payment options are shown at checkout. Any balance or approved payment arrangement must be resolved before participation unless VAFC confirms otherwise in writing.
After registration, VAFC forms teams based on age, program, roster space and, where applicable, evaluation results. Coaches or managers contact families after rosters are confirmed; field permits and practice times may follow later. If teammates have been contacted and you have not, check your spam folder and contact housecoordinator@vafc.ca for House programs or registrar@vafc.ca for Divisional and general registration help.
A waitlist means a place is not yet confirmed. VAFC will contact you if space opens or another team can be formed; team and friend requests cannot be guaranteed while roster space is limited. Check the registration portal for payment status and contact registrar@vafc.ca before making plans based on a waitlisted registration.
If registration cost is a barrier, contact registrar@vafc.ca as early as possible to ask about current assistance programs or payment arrangements. A pending application does not by itself complete registration or authorize participation unless VAFC confirms an interim or approved arrangement.
Programs & Seasons
VAFC offers early-years and House soccer, U11–U18 Divisional soccer, player and goalkeeper development, camps, tournaments and adult programming. Availability varies by season; use the Our Programs and Registration pages for current offerings.
VAFC runs programs in Fall/Winter, Spring and Summer, depending on the age group and program. Exact dates are posted on the Registration and Important Dates pages as field permits and league schedules are finalized.
House vs Divisional Soccer
House League is generally for U10 and younger players and emphasizes participation, skill development and enjoyment for all experience levels. Divisional soccer is generally for U11–U18 players and offers more competitive, structured league play, with evaluations and multiple divisions intended to place players in an appropriate development environment.
Evaluations are generally required for new Divisional players and players returning after time away, and may also be used when teams or divisions change. They help VAFC place each player in a suitable development environment; follow the current evaluation instructions on the Registration page.
Players normally register in their birth-year age group. Exceptional play-up requests may be reviewed by VAFC technical staff based on development, safety, roster needs and the most appropriate competitive environment; approval is not automatic and cannot be guaranteed.
Teams, Schedules & Communication
Teams are formed using age group, program, roster space and, where applicable, evaluation results. VAFC aims for balanced, developmentally appropriate teams. Requests for a friend, coach or returning team are considered on a best-effort basis but cannot be guaranteed because of roster limits, balance and player placement needs.
Practice and game times vary by program, age group, coach availability and field permits, so they may not be available when registration opens. Divisional boys typically play on Saturdays and girls on Sundays, but families should rely on the confirmed team schedule rather than a general pattern.
Club and league schedules are posted in the Schedules section once confirmed. Team-specific practices, games and changes are also shared by the coach or manager through the approved team communication channel.
Check your email spam or junk folder and confirm that your PowerUp contact information is current. Team contact normally follows roster confirmation, while practice details may wait for field permits. If other families have been contacted and you have not, email housecoordinator@vafc.ca for House programs or registrar@vafc.ca for divisional or general registration help.
VAFC Operations, the coach or the team manager will use the approved team communication channel for confirmed changes. Coaches and managers cannot independently cancel or reschedule league games; unless the league or district has already cancelled a Divisional match, the match official makes the final decision at the field.
Equipment & Uniforms
Every player needs shin guards, a labelled water bottle and clothing suitable for the weather. Players should wear soccer footwear appropriate to the field; runners are acceptable for U5/U6 unless program staff advise otherwise. A soccer ball may also be requested for practices, so follow the instructions from your coach or program.
VAFC generally provides the game jersey, shorts and socks required for the program. Coaches or team managers normally collect team uniforms and distribute them before the season or first games; watch the approved team channel for pickup details and do not purchase replacements unless instructed.
The match official has final authority over equipment safety. Hard casts are generally not permitted; a soft or flexible device may be allowed only if it is safely padded and fitted. Medical clearance does not guarantee permission to play, so tell the coach or manager before the activity and follow the treating professional’s advice.
Volunteering & Coaching
VAFC relies on volunteers for coaching, team management, refereeing and other club roles. In PowerUp, open your Profile and complete the Volunteer Application, or visit Get Involved for current opportunities. Required screening, certifications and role-specific steps must be completed before participation.
Yes. Many VAFC coaches begin as parent volunteers, and the club provides guidance on the training and certifications required for each age group. All coaches must complete the required screening, including a criminal record check, before taking responsibility for a team.
Encourage effort, learning and teamwork; respect players, coaches, opponents and officials; remain in designated spectator areas; and supervise children before and after activities. Do not coach from the sideline, confront officials, enter the field without permission or pressure an injured player to continue.
Policies, Safety & Refunds
VAFC follows Canada Soccer, BC Soccer and club policies covering conduct, safeguarding, the Rule of Two, field and weather safety, equipment, privacy and discipline. Parents, players and volunteers should review the current policies under Resources and follow directions from club staff and match officials.
Submit the completed Player Withdrawal Form and review the current Refund Policy before withdrawing. Eligibility and administrative deductions depend on the program, timing and circumstances, and the date VAFC receives the form governs the request. A withdrawal does not automatically cancel payment obligations or create a refund; questions can be sent to registrar@vafc.ca.
VAFC may modify, postpone or cancel activities because of unsafe fields, lightning, heat, cold, smoke or poor air quality. Practice and House-program decisions are communicated through the approved team channel; for a Divisional match that has not already been cancelled, the match official makes the final decision at the field. A parent or guardian may always withdraw their child if conditions appear unsafe.
The Rule of Two means an adult should not be alone with one minor in a situation that is not visible or audible to others. Communications with a player should use approved team channels and include a parent or guardian and another authorized adult; avoid private one-to-one or disappearing messages.
Remove the player from activity and tell the coach immediately. A suspected concussion should not return to play the same day and requires appropriate medical assessment and a staged return under the current protocol; a coach or volunteer cannot medically clear the player. Call 911 for an emergency.
Report routine operational, conduct, bullying or safeguarding concerns to operations@vafc.ca; unsafe field conditions can also be reported to fields@vafc.ca. Concerns involving the Executive Director should go to president@vafc.ca. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
VAFC uses personal information only for legitimate club, registration, team, safety and governing-body purposes and does not sell it. Optional promotional use of a child’s image or story requires separate authorization. Privacy questions, access or correction requests, consent withdrawals and complaints can be sent to the Privacy Officer at exdir@vafc.ca.
