RECREATION
About the Program
Recreational soccer provides a fun and introductory playing environment suitable for players aged between 2½ and 18 years old.
Quick Facts:
- Offered in both seasons:
- Fall (Sept - Oct; Registration opens in July)
- Spring (March - May, Registration opens in Mid-November)
- Teams are led by volunteer coaches
- Pre-K and Kindergarten: practice weekly with a game on the weekend
- 1st-12th grade: practice weekly with a game on the weekend
Our Fall 2025 registration will open in July 2025!
Ages & Formats
Rising Stars
Rising Stars is an introductory Recreation program for our youngest players aged 2½ to 4. Each session focuses on a skill of the day and uses themed games to promote movement, education, physical coordination, and positive relationships.
Grassroots Recreational
Preschool through Kindergarten players are introduced to soccer with fun, age-appropriate sessions. Practices happen one weekday evening (decided by the coach), with games on weekends and occasional weeknight games instead of practice. Pre-K and Kindergarten teams are coed, while 1st and 2nd grade teams are gender-specific. All coaches are volunteers.
CARL Recreational
3rd grade and up teams are gender-specific and typically practice once or twice on weekday evenings, with schedules set by the coach. Games are primarily on Saturdays, with the occasional Sunday game. All teams are led by volunteer coaches.
Not for sure what program to choose for your child? Unsure of the differences between recreational soccer and competitive soccer?
Learn more here!
Important Dates for
Grassroots & CARL Recreational
| Date | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| July 1st | Registration Opens | |
| August 2nd | Registration Closes | |
| August 3rd - 9th | Late Registration | *Late fee applies |
| August 19th | CARL Coach Meeting | |
| Week of August 25th | CARL Practice Start | *practice day & time determined by coach |
| August 26th | Grassroots Coaches Meeting | |
| Week of August 25th | Grassroots Practice Starts | *practice day & time determined by coach |
| September 6th | First Game | |
| October 25th | Last Game | |
| November 1st | Rainout/Makeup Game | *day reserved for any makeup games |
Rising Stars Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| November 11 | Registration Opens |
| March 21 | Registration Closes |
Field Locations
Players select a designated region during registration, which helps determine team assignment.
Our intent is to place players on age appropriate teams in their selected area and use home addresses to try and keep kids who live in the same neighborhood on the same team.
Rising Stars Field Options: Riverdale, Ranch, Maumelle, Burns Park
GrassRoots Recreation Field Options: Riverdale, Murray Park, Ranch, Maumelle, Burns Park
CARL Recreation Field Options: Natural Steps, Murray Park, Riverdale, Maumelle,
Conway and Burns Park
Club Recreation Fees
Recreational player fees help cover the costs of the following items: Uniform including jersey, shorts, socks and alternate t-shirt, Registration with Arkansas State Soccer, US Youth Soccer Association, and USSF, secondary injury insurance for your player at games and practices, and program administration.
Fees for a Single Season (Fall or Spring)
| Age Group | Fees |
|---|---|
| Rising Stars | $120 |
| Grassroots: Pre-K - Kindergarten | $190 |
| Grassroots: 1st & 2nd grade | $190 |
| CARL Recreational: 3rd grade and up | $230 |
FAQs
Please read our frequently asked questions for a better player experience!
What size ball does my player need?
- Age 7 and under need a size 3 ball. (Rising Stars and all Grassroots players)
- Ages 8-11 need a size 4 ball. (CARL Recreational)
- Ages 13-19 need a size 5 ball. (CARL Recreational)
Who are the coaches?
Coaches are volunteers, often a parent of a participating player. All of our coaches are required to have a background check.
What does my player need for practice?
Players will need to bring shin guards, soccer shoes (cleats), a soccer ball, and a water bottle to practice and games.
Coaches will let them know what uniform to wear for each game. Athletic clothes may be worn for practices.
What is the general commitment?
Once teams are formed, there is typically one weeknight evening practice with one Saturday game. Practice days and times are determined by each coach based on availability for the majority of their team. Teams in 3rd grade and older may choose to practice twice a week.
Can I request a specific coach or teammate for my child?
Requests can be made during on-time registration only. Please note that any requests are never guaranteed.
What is the process for my child to play up one year?
Play-up requests must be made prior to team formation. Parents can make a play-up request via email to sean@arkansasrising.org for players Grades 1 and older. Play-ups are never guaranteed.
If my child gets hurt during the season, can I request a refund?
Refund requests need to be made by the set refund request deadline which is a week after the season has started.
How do I find out about field closings due to inclement weather?
Please go to our Field Status tab under Fields to see all the closings. We normally do not make a decision until 3:00 PM to close a field.
What are the differences between recreational and competitive soccer?
Read more about the differences between competitive and recreational soccer by clicking here.
How long is the season?
Season is roughly about 7-8 weeks long with one game on Saturdays.
Volunteer to Coach
Our coaches are parents, players, former players, family members, and friends of the community looking to provide a fun and active experience in the game of soccer. Our goal at Arkansas Rising Recreation is to create a fun, nurturing environment for our players to develop their love for the game and create lasting friendships and a lifetime of memories.
Risk Management
Coaches are required to complete a background check prior to coaching.
Coaching Education
Access to online and in-person coaching education, specifically designed for each age group you are interested in coaching with.
Have a Question? Contact Us
Sean Dunbar
Recreational Technical Director
Email: sean@arkansasrising.org