FAQ

This page has general information on playing soccer with EMSA West. For more specific information on Coaching, please visit the Coach FAQ page.

Registration Information

Where do I register?

Indoor and Outdoor Soccer Registrations are completed online at emsasoccerportal.com. There is some season-specific information; visit the following for more information:

Step-by-Step Indoor Soccer Registration

Step-by-Step Outdoor Soccer Registration

How do I reset my password on the EMSA Soccer Portal?

On the home page, there is an option to click the “Forgot your password” option under the sign-in section.

When I visit the site, it says “unauthorized” or “error checking roles.” What do I do?

Use the sign-out button at the top of the portal to reset your browser and log back in.

I cannot proceed from Step 1. What should I do?

Ensure that your Community League membership is updated for the current season. If you do not have a current membership, you can purchase one by visiting or contacting your Community League Office or online at https://efcl.org/membership-purchase/.

What is a Community League membership?

Community League memberships give you access to community-oriented events in your neighbourhood and are valid from September – August each year. You are required to have a Community League membership to play soccer with EMSA West.

For more information, view this leaflet from the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues.

How much does a community league membership cost?

Memberships vary based on the community. Visit the Edmonton Federation of Community League website to see costs for your community.

How do I pay for registration?

Indoor:

  • Pay online with a credit card at the time of registration.
  • To pay by cash or e-transfer, please call or email to make an appointment with the office staff.

Outdoor:

  • Online payment at the time of registration will be available until the last day of February.
  • If you are paying by a different form of payment or making financial arrangements, please contact your Community Coordinator.

I always thought that soccer would be such a cheap game to play. After all, you only need a ball. Where does my registration fee go?

There is much more to running a comprehensive soccer program for community and competitive soccer than simply having a soccer ball. Besides purchasing soccer balls (10-16 per team), your registration money also goes toward:

  • Equipment: bags, nets, flags, cones, first-aid kits, player jerseys, field marking, field paint, medals, trophies, referee fees, and team photos.
  • Office management: photocopying, computer and office equipment, website, email, office overhead, salary for full-time staff.
  • Other: Coach training/ASA course for volunteers, insurance, Edmonton Minor Soccer Association fees, Alberta Soccer Association fees and Canada Soccer Association fees.

Our Executive Board is responsible for ensuring that registration fees are kept to a minimum and that all expenditures are justified.

Is EMSA West a for-profit organization?

EMSA West is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Societies Act. We are run by a volunteer board of directors, and our books are audited each year.

Not-for-profit organizations (NFPOs) do not earn profit for their owners. All money earned through pursuing business activities or through donations goes right back into running the organization.

What is EMSA West’s primary source of income?

EMSA West runs two tournaments each year: the Slush Cup (February) and the Spring Challenge (June). The income from these tournaments covers staff wages and helps subsidize programs.

What is your Refund Policy?

It is your responsibility to be aware of the Refund Policy. Click here to read the full policy.

Why am I charged an Admin Fee this season when asking to cancel my registration before the season starts?

The Admin Fee is a fixed cost that covers the credit card fee charged by our provider.

My child wants to play with their friend down the block. Can you accommodate this special request?

EMSA West may be able to accommodate your request; however, we first look at several factors, such as:

  • Are the children in the same Age Category?
  • Are the children of relatively equal skill and ability?
  • Did one of the players register late?
  • Is there room on the team for this child?

The assignor evaluates each special request individually and makes a decision on a case-by-case basis. To read the full policy, click the following link: Special requests, team formation policy.

My child would like to move down an Age Category to play with his friend. Is this possible?

You may request a downward age movement due to a child’s mental or physical disabilities. These requests must be supported by letters from physicians. All age movement requests must be in writing. The letters/emails must be received by EMSA West (email to soccer@ewzsa.com) and include the reason and supporting physician’s letter for them. You will be notified of the decision in writing.

My child would like to move up an Age Category to play with their friend. Is this possible?

We are reluctant to move any player out of their age category unless the request is necessary and justified. There is more to being on a child’s soccer team than simply playing.

A player moving up an age category has a definite disadvantage against older, stronger, and faster children, and this may affect the child’s self-esteem and confidence. Having an underage player will also put the team, as a whole, in an unfair position.

There are also socialization aspects to consider: there is value in your child being able to comfortably associate with others on his/her team who are of the same mental/emotional/physical level. We want to foster their growth and development as an individual in all aspects of their lives.

We would prefer that, wherever possible, you keep your child in the age group he/she is supposed to be in. If making an age movement request, it must be made in writing and submitted to EMSA West for review (email: soccer@ewzsa.com).

General Info for the start of the season

What equipment does my child need to play soccer?

All players must have shin pads, socks and shorts. Cleats are not mandatory – a non-marking athletic shoe will work for younger age groups. The community will provide a jersey/shirt. Note: some communities charge for jerseys (they keep the jersey at the end of the season).

For more information on equipment, view the Uniforms Page.

Who needs a Player/Coach Card, and where do you get one?

Card information can be found on the EMSA Main website.

Where do you find your schedule?

Indoor:

Outdoor:

The season has started, and I have some concerns about the way my child’s Coach speaks to the kids. Is there anything I can do?

EMSA West strives to have the best Coaches for our players. Please remember all Coaches are volunteers. We have several hundred Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Team Managers, each with their own personality, which may occasionally lead to conflict. Please report all concerns to the EMSA West office.

My child’s Coach is not playing my child as much as the other players. I don’t think this is fair. How should I proceed?

First, you should respectfully approach the Coach and discuss your concerns with him/her. If you are not satisfied with the Coach’s response or if the situation does not change, please talk to your Community Coordinator.

Our policy, philosophy and bylaws state that each child must and shall play equally. In other words, “you pay the same, you play the same”. It is our position that not playing a player equally is detrimental to the child’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

There are exceptions to this rule, including, but not limited to, injury/sickness, a discipline issue, or the team only having one designated goalkeeper (in this case, the Coach is allowed to keep this player in goal the entire game). 

I am having issues with my child’s team; who do I contact?

If you cannot speak directly with the Coach/individual, your Community Coordinator is the best person to contact. They are in direct contact with the Coach and will be the best to rectify the situation. To find a list of Community Coordinators, click here.

How can I volunteer?

Our program is volunteer-based; without volunteers, we cannot run it. Our teams require Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and team managers. Without these people, children would not play.

We are always looking for volunteers for our Tournaments and Fun Day Events. This can include sorting medals in our office, field marshalling at the Tournaments, or making cotton candy at Fun Days. If this interests you, call the office for more information.