FAQ's For Coaches

1.   Key Dates (subject to change)

 7/26: Registration for Fall CLOSES and our waitlist opens

 7/28: Deadline for submitting Coaches' Interest Form

 7/27: AHPD starts building teams and practice schedules

 8/3: Practice schedule assignments sent to you via email

 8/10: Deadline for confirming your practice schedule

 8/14: Rosters and practice schedules sent to you and team via email

 8/17: Mandatory Coaches Meeting 7:15pm @ ARC

 8/19: Deadline for sending Introduction email to team

 8/21: Game schedules go live on TeamSideline

 8/24: First week of practices

 8/29: First weekend of games

 10/17: Last weekend of games

 10/24: Reserved for make-up games

2.   Key Practice and Game Locations (Subject to Change)

Carefree Park 9v9 - Belmont Ave. & White Oak St.

Carousel Park 7v7 - 1925 E. Suffield Dr.

Dunton/D25 Admin 5v5 - 1200 S. Dunton

Frontier Park 7v7 - 1933 N. Kennicott Dr.

Heritage Park 7v7 - 506 W. Victoria Ln.

Miner/Windsor School 4v4 & 7v7- 1101 E. Miner St.

Recreation Park 4v4 & 5v5 – 500 E. Miner St.

Thomas Middle School 4v4 and 5v5 – 1430 N. Belmont Ave.

Wildwood Park 9v9 - 2321 N. Prindle Ave.

3.   How do I arrange my practice schedule?

ALL coaches regardless of commitment level must complete this Fall 2026 Coaching Interest Form. This form allows you to request a practice schedule and co-coach partnership that works best for you. Failure to complete this form before July 24^th forfeits your ability to make said requests. Please do not send your preferences via email.

4.   How often do we practice?

Each team is given one 1-hour time slot per week to practice. Keep in mind, as coach, you are fully within your right to cancel practice if need be. You may request a make-up time slot, however they cannot be guaranteed.

5.   Will my practice or game be cancelled due to bad weather?

Most importantly, please be patient. ALWAYS assume everything is still on unless you’ve heard otherwise. If a cancellation has been determined, the coaches are the FIRST people to find out. If you haven’t received a notification, it is because a decision has not been made. Note: Soccer is played in the rain, wind, and cold. Only lightning and extreme, dangerous weather conditions will warrant cancellations.

Practice cancellations will be left to the coach’s discretion. Given the last-minute nature of weather-related cancellations, please allow up to 3 days before expecting communication regarding make-ups. Make-up practices cannot be guaranteed.

Game cancellations may only be decided by the park district or the referees. While cancellations will be communicated as soon as possible, we cannot guarantee advanced notice. Save the weekend of October 24^th-25^th for make-up games.

6.   How will I know about a cancellation?

All cancellations will be communicated through our automated email system in TeamSideline and via online alert site Rainout Line - Extensions.

7.   How are teams decided?

We primarily place players on teams based on reciprocal friend requests and school enrollment. A coach’s child will automatically be assigned to the same team. Rosters are typically rolled over from previous seasons.

8.   Who is the head coach vs. assistant coach?

We do not assign head coach or assistant coach positions. Please work with your co-coach(es) to determine responsibilities as you see fit.

9.   When and where are the games?

The game schedule will go live on TeamSideline - House Soccer no later than August 21^st.

Most games are played on Saturdays in the morning or early afternoon, starting no earlier than 9am. Sunday games may be added depending on the number of teams in a given division and will start no earlier than 11am. Teams may have bye weeks or double header weekends. See Key Practice and Game Locations above for field directions and information.

10. How do we get our player jerseys?

Players may wear the same jersey year after year. Any player who needs a new jersey may buy one for $20 at Pioneer Park’s front desk during their business hours. Jerseys requested/purchased at the time of registration will be distributed by each team’s coach(es) at the first practice of the season.

11. Is there any equipment provided for coaches?

Each team will receive an equipment bag containing 10 cones, a clip-board, a soccer ball, a goalie pinnie, a first-aid kit, and goalie gloves. We ask that all equipment bags be returned to Pioneer at the end of the season.

12.   What is covered in the Coaches Meeting?

We review general topics such as division-specific rules, program philosophy, expectations, logistics, coaching tips, and more. We will also hand out equipment bags, criminal background check forms, and coaching T-shirts for any new coaches.

Monday, August 17^th at 7:15pm  at the Arlington Ridge Center

If you have any additional questions or concerns please contact:

Laura Husko - Athletic Supervisor - Lhusko@ahpd.org - (847) 506-2734 OR

Teagan Boyle – Athletic Coordinator – tboyle@ahpd.org – (847) 577-3015