WAM United Soccer Club offers two seasons of recreational soccer each year. Recreational teams are formed at the U8, U10, U12, and U15 age groups by players from Willington, Ashford, Mansfield and surrounding towns.Recreational teams are entered in the Northeast District of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association and play local towns and clubs in the immediate area. The Northeast District covers the portion of the state of Connecticut stretching from Marlborough to Thompson/Plainfield. Recreational teams will occasionally play teams from neighboring districts. Recreational team home games are typically held at Lions Memorial Park in Mansfield, CT. Travel for away games is typically limited to ~40 minutes or less. Recreational teams are eligible to enter recreational jamborees and tournaments.
Players whose age bracket is U9, U11, U13 and U14 would register for the next age group open for recreational play. (e.g. A player aged for U11 would register for U12 Recreational).
Recreational teams focus enjoyment of the game. Scores are kept during games, however league standing are typically not kept. Players skills, concepts, and understanding of the rules of the game are developed in recreational play. No tryouts are required for this level of play. Recreational teams historically schedule games on Saturday afternoons in both the Spring and Fall seasons. Recreational teams typically practice up to 1 1/2 hours twice a week during both the Spring and Fall seasons.
Recreational players should have:
- a "recreation uniform kit" with the players assigned WAM "number for life",
- a soccer ball (size 3 for U8 Developmental, size 4 for U10 and U12 rec, size 5 for U15 rec),
- shin guards
- soccer socks
- soccer cleats (baseball and football cleats are not permitted), and
- a water bottle
The team game schedules are determined at a district scheduling meeting held ~2 weeks prior to the start of each season in late August (Fall) and mid-April (Spring). Practice schedules are determined per team based on the volunteer coaches availability and the availability of practice fields.
Recreational registration is held in July (for Fall) and February (for Spring) each year. Teams are formed in both the boys and girls divisions when there is sufficient registration to support a team. Recreational teams are often coached by interested parents volunteers.