Player Development

At Half Moon Bay SC, the development of our players and how we play the game is of more importance than winning.  We focus more on skillful and creative play that will produce better soccer players.  By doing so, we develop the individual player within the team and further passion within every player.

Season Dates and Practices

When does the season start and end?
The Fall season runs from late August to early December for U14 and younger. U15 and older ends in mid-November. The Spring season runs from mid-March to mid- June. Between 8 and 10 games are played each season.

Where and when will my child practice?
Practices are generally held twice per week at Cunha Intermediate School.

Where will my child’s games be played?
Home games are played at Cunha Intermediate School. Regular league away games for younger age groups are primarily on the peninsula. Older age groups and teams playing in higher divisions will play games in the greater Bay Area - as far as Monterey, Petaluma, or Brentwood.

Travel, Expectations, Costs

What is the registration and/or other fees?
Families are financially responsible to pay club and team fees in addition to uniform and tournament fees. Club fees include an annual HMBSC & Boys and Girls Club membership fee, league registration fees, administrative fees, field maintenance and equipment costs, coaching fees and referee fees. Parents can expect to pay Club fees of approximately $560/season. Individual teams might add additional fees to cover tournaments or other miscellaneous expenses. Uniforms cost approximately $150 and can be used from season to season for usually 2 years.

Is financial aid available?
HMBSC has a limited budget to provide need based Financial Assistance to committed players that otherwise could not afford to play on our teams. Financial Assistance is awarded based on current year San Mateo County Poverty Level Guidelines. Please contact FAC@hmbsoccerclub.com

Will my child’s team play in tournaments?
Teams may choose to participate in tournaments. The coach will determine if the team is ready for tournament play and will select appropriate tournament(s) based on age group and division. Tournaments typically take place over weekends and involve added costs (Tournament fees/travel costs, etc).

Frequently Asked Questions

It is our mission to provide young athletes in our community the opportunity to develop their passion for soccer, athletic skills and sportsmanship in a safe, positive, and competitive atmosphere. We will support them in becoming good athletes, students, and citizens.

What is the difference between AYSO and HMBSC?
The HMBSC program is designed to be more competitive and selective than AYSO. Our coaches are professional and highly trained with parent volunteers performing administrative roles. There are usually one or two teams for each age group with a tryout process in place to select the players. Our teams travel to play teams of comparable skill and experience levels from other cities as scheduled by the playing league.

What is a typical game schedule for the season?
There are typically 8-10 games per season. Games are played on Saturdays and Sundays. There may be weekends where there is one game on Saturday or Sunday, there may be weekends where there are games on both Saturday and Sunday, and there may be weekends where there are no games scheduled.

What are the coaches looking for in new players?
The coaches are looking for good footwork and ball control, the ability to follow directions and respond to coaching while demonstrating drive and athletic ability. The coaches will teach technique, strategy, and positioning during the season, so what they want to see in tryouts are solid fundamentals and the child’s passion for the game.

How are teams formed and what age group will my child play in?
All players will play in their age group as determined by their birth year. The players will be assigned teams emphasizing balanced teams in each age group.

Can my child expect a certain amount of playing time?
There is no guarantee of minimum playing time, position or placement on a team, but is dependent upon the player's efforts, commitment and skill.

What kind of commitment is expected?
It is extremely important that you take your commitment and participation in this program seriously. It is assumed that if you chose to play soccer at this level, you are ready and willing to accept the commitment of time, effort, obligation and dedication to the program.

Who coaches the teams?
Our teams have licensed coaches and trainers who are "educated” to provide an organized and technical program for your child.

Who manages the teams?
The management of a team is made up of volunteer parents. Duties include processing registrations, communicating with the parents, scheduling games, coordinating uniforms, planning team events. Many of these duties are shared within a group of parents not just one.

How big are your teams?
Younger teams (U8) play 4v4 sided games with a maximum roster of 12 players. U9 & U10 play 7v7 sided games and roster up to 14 players. U11-U12 play 9v9 sided games and roster up to 16 players. U13 and older play 11v11 full field and can roster up to 22 players, with 18 eligible to suit up on game day.

Where do I get a uniform for my child and how much do they cost?
Uniforms can be ordered through the team manager or online store, and are approximately $150 including 2 jerseys, 1 shorts, 1 socks and 2 training shirts, optional items are at an additional cost and include backpack, club jacket and warm-up pants.

What is your refund policy?
Payment is required with registration to show a commitment to join the Club and a team. Payment is due June 30 for Fall season / Dec 1 for Spring season. No refunds will be issued.

How can I get involved in the club?
There are many ways to get involved with HMBSC! There are many volunteer jobs that need filling to help make the club run smoothly. Plus, it is a great way to meet people in your community!