HOUSE SOCCER
Below are key dates and details for the upcoming spring season as it pertains to U10, U12, U14 and the high school leagues (kids in 3rd – 12th grade). Games will take place on Saturdays for all age groups. There may also be some games during the week earlier in the season.
Cost
Instructional (PreK-K) = $200
Developmental (1-2 grade) = $220
House Soccer (3-12 grade) = $230
Key dates for the Spring 2025 season (U10, U12, U14 & high school)
Sunday, March 1st – REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Monday, March 10th – Rosters sent to families. Coaches will contact their teams and establish the practice schedule; initial game schedules released.
Monday, March 17th – Practices begin this week; first day that teams may officially practice.
Saturday, April 5th – Opening weekend. First games for all age groups.
NOTE: Some weekday games during the season (see generic schedule below). No games April 19th spring break
Saturday, June 7th – Final weekend. Championship games for 1st and 2nd place (but every team still has a game).
Frequently asked questions
How do I request a specific team or carpool? During registration you may indicate your coach and/or carpool preferences. For those who register before the deadline we can usually accommodate these preferences but there are no guarantees. After the deadline it is unlikely. SO, REGISTER EARLY!
When are the games? Games are played each Saturday during the regular season, holidays notwithstanding. Additionally, a few games will occur in the evening during the week. All games are played at OBGC Park.
What times are the games? Saturday games are anytime between 9am and 3:30pm. Weekday games after 5pm.
When are practices? Teams typically practice once a week for an hour on Montgomery County fields in the Olney area, weekdays between 5-8pm. The actual time, location and frequency for each team is dictated by the head coach, so you won’t know specifics until your team and therefore head coach is assigned soon after the registration deadline.
What do I need to bring? OBGC provides team jerseys. The players must wear cleats, shin guards and socks that cover the guards entirely. As always, water is highly advisable.
Bring a ball to practice; U10s & U12s use size 4, U14s & high school, size 5.
Who makes the playoffs? Not all teams make the playoffs but despite this, every team that wishes to continue playing up to the end of the season will have games.
Can my child “play up”? This is allowed at the specific request of the parent/guardian
Can my child “play down”? No. Not under any circumstance.
My child also plays Soccer in another league. Can he/she play with friends in the House program? Yes, however the number of “carded” players from other leagues will be limited on any given team.
League age groups and general schedules
Instructional: Pre-k and k instruction-based program that is co-ed. Teams practice and play scrimmage games on Saturday mornings starting on April 5th at OBGC Park on Field 4.
Pre-K 10:30am
Kindergarten 11:30am
Developmental (1st and 2nd graders): Tuesday practice and Saturday scrimmage games at OBGC Park.
Tues Practices will begin April 1st and take place at OBGC Fields 3 and 4
Boys 6:30-7:30pm
Girls 5:30-6:30pm
Saturday games will begin April 5th and take place at OBGC Field #3
Boys 9:00am-10:00am
Girls 10:15am-11:15am
U10: (3rd and 4th graders): format is 8v8, half-sized field, size 4 ball.
– U10 Boys – Saturday games on field #1B, weekday games on Mondays
– U10 Girls – Saturday games on field #1A, weekday games on Tuesdays
U12: (5th and 6th graders): format is 9v9, half-sized field, size 4 ball.
– U12 Boys – Saturday games on field #2B, weekday games on Wednesdays
– U12 Girls – Saturday games on field #2A, weekday games on Thursdays
U14: (7th and 8th graders): format is 11v11, full-sized field, size 5 ball.
– U14 Boys – Saturday & weekday games on field #4, weekday games on Wednesday
– U14 Girls – Saturday & weekday games on field #3, weekday games on Thursday
High School: (9th thru 12th graders): format is 11v11, full-sized field, size 5 ball.
– Coed – Saturday games on field #3 or #4
NOTE: Practices are established differently by each coach (see FAQ above)
Coaches
All house soccer coaches and assistants are volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering, please use the same player registration website as for players. Of course, it’s great if you know the sport but enthusiasm and a positive attitude is most important. We can help you with the basics such as how to manage games and structure meaningful practice sessions. If you are new to coaching or need some inspiration for age-appropriate drills and practices, please take a look at this incredibly helpful free website from MOJO.
Referees
OBGC manages its own roster of young officials from our local community. If you’re 13 or older and a certified soccer referee we’re keen to add you to our roster of officials. Contact us at the email below.
If you’re interested in certifying as a referee, check out the state website below for available classes:
https://www.marylandreferees.com/msr2/?page_id=5109
Questions? Contact: HouseSoccer@OBGC.com
Gavin Dodd
OBGC House Soccer Commissioner
