**Youth Program FAQs are at the bottom of the page**
Where Do You Play?
Most of our games and programs take place in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
League Play
Group Stage soccer plays throughout the year. There are 5,7, and 9-a-side seasons, both open and co-ed. The Fall season begins in September; Winter season in January, the Spring in March and the Summer in June. GS leagues offer competitive play in a spirited and friendly atmosphere. Some may say a league by any other name would be just as sweet – we know it’s the individuals that make the league what it is. Our group came about from a love of the game, that’s why we coach and play in our own leagues.
How many players on each team?
We recommend teams in the 7 a-side league have a roster of 9-12 players and the 5 a-side a roster of 8-10. This way teams have a pool of players that can cover substitutions and those matches when not everyone can make it.
What If I Have A Few Friends Who Want To Play But Not Enough For A Full Team?
That’s fine. Everyone should sign up and note in the comments section that they would like to be teamed together. We will do our best to fill out the entire team.
Can I Sign Up for League Play even I Don’t Have A Team?
Yes. Sign Up as a “Free Agent” and we’ll find you a team, we aim to match folk by music playlists. We’re improving the music match algorithm for a more precise match, so if you’re a programming hack let us know.
What’s The Quality/Level Of Play?
The Men’s league is, without question, competitive. That said, players who have had a range of experience are welcome as we strive to keep things fun and open and not cut throat. The Coed leagues are a bit more laid back. Everyone in each league is expected to exhibit a good attitude and good sportspersonship.
How Long are Games?
Games are 45 minutes, with half time and any additional stoppage time. Every game is refereed by a qualified ref – any funny business and you’re off!
What Do We Get If We Win?
The rarefied honor and accompanying glory of being a Group Stage champion should be enough to satisfy you, but we know people enjoy a little dazzle. Therefore a team cup and individual trophies are awarded as part of the package. The runners-up also get lesser bling for their almost greatness. In the near future we will be giving out fly Group Stage tees as well.
Do You Provide Uniforms or Shirts?
Yes. When teams sign-up they can pick a color and we’ll provide the jerseys.
Do Games Ever Get Canceled?
Sure. If the weather is really bad, we’ll cancel the game. If there is ever a question about the weather we notify the captains with any updates. In general, however, we try to play. For example, despite the record snowfall we experienced in the ’10/’11 winter we canceled only one game.
Pick Up Games
We organize pick up games year round. These are organized friendly scrimmages that offer more casual game time. For announcements on these and other programs check us at:
Youth FAQ
So What About the Youth Programs?
This is our bread and butter. We’ve worked hard to develop progressive, dynamic, and fun programs for youth ages 3 to 12. The Group Stage team is comprised of professionally trained coaches, former soccer pros, personal trainers, and New York City educators. We have the cred and we’re also really nice.
Where are programs held?
Most of our youth programming takes place in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn; specifically in Sara D Roosevelt Park and Gowanus/Carroll Gardens. All current locations and times can be found on the League, Adult and Youth pages of this site.
Can my child take a trial class?
Although we do not offer trial classes we have a refund policy, which we think is a better option. You can enroll for a full session, and if for some reason your child isn’t into the class or if some other matter comes up, you have until before the third class to withdraw and receive a full prorated refund.
The thinking here is that with young children, in a new environment, it can take a couple of classes for the child to ease into the sport and surroundings.
How are classes instructed?
Classes are instructed in small groups – in a fun, progressive and non-competitive manner. Designed to improve your child’s soccer skills and overall enjoyment of the beautiful game. All practice sessions are age-specific and focus on fundamentals of the game, with an emphasis on teamwork.
Can we make-up a class?
We offer two free make-ups that must be approved and scheduled with Group Stage.
What is your child-to-coach-ratio?
We typically offer a 7:1 child to coach ratio for all age levels. For the youngest ones, however, we will often bring in high school assistants to help out.
What about parent participation?
While our classes are designed as separation classes, we leave the level of participation to the parent’s discretion. We do ask, however, that parent participation does not disrupt the flow of the class.
By Participating in Group Stage events you agree to the:
WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
All players must sign this agreement before entering the game. For any other questions please contact us at: groupstagenyc@gmail.com
