Take Your Game to the Next Level with Dundee United Futbol Club
Frequenly Asked Questions

Club News

DUFC Coaches:

Please keep out of the Men's Field Goals and don't practice in the Penalty Area. Thank You.

Tryouts for 08-09 Season

June 4th, 5th, and 7th.
Register Online

Micro Soccer

Last date - May 31st.

Summer Soccer Camp

Dundee United/Chicago Storm Summer Camp - Aug 4-8. Camp Flyer

Strikers/Keepers Camp

Dundee United/Chicago Storm Summer Camp Strikers/Keepers - Aug 11-15. Camp Flyer

Sign Up Today!

Coach/Trainer Application Form

Chicago Storm Order Form

What is Dundee United’s philosophy?

To provide a competitive soccer experience for boys and girls living in or near the Northern Kane County area. To promote confidence and self-esteem through emphasis on individual skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship in a positive competitive atmosphere. And to create a community that has a passion for the game of soccer.

How is Dundee United organized?

Affiliated with the Dundee Township Park District, Dundee United is a not-for-profit volunteer organization—we encourage your support to help us achieve our goals.

What are the registration deadlines?

We are currently accepting registration for the 2006–2007 season.

What paperwork is required?

Prior to tryout

Print-out, complete and give to the coach at the tryout the following two documents:

  1. The DU Tryout Registration Form & Waiver (PDF)
  2. The IYSA Medical Release and Liability Waiver (PDF)

At the first practice

Bring the following items to give to the coach at the player’s first practice:

  1. A completed and signed DU Player Registration Form (PDF).
  2. A completed and signed Parent Contract (PDF).
  3. A completed and signed Player Contract (PDF).
  4. A check for your player’s fees made out to Dundee United.
  5. A photocopy of the player’s birth certificate.
  6. A player photograph (two wallet-size photos, or you can e-mail one digital photo file to the coach) for the player’s pass.

When will I know what the practice/game schedule will be?

If you have submitted the DU Player Registration Form, your coach will contact you within a week after the spring coaches’ meeting with game schedule information, which is typically 4 weeks before the start of the season. Please do not contact us before the coaches’ meeting about team assignments or practice schedules.

If my child changes his mind about playing, can I get a refund?

Sorry, NO REFUNDS are possible after you have registered. Make sure you and your child understand the commitment involved. If your child is considering participating in both soccer and some other organized youth sport such as baseball, football or hockey, be aware that you will experience many scheduling conflicts. Although it may seem possible to participate in two sports simultaneously, we strongly discourage this practice. Please discuss multiple sport participation with your team coach.

When does the season start and end?

Dundee United’s schedule starts August 1 and runs through July 31, with a 10-game fall outdoor season and a 10-game spring outdoor season. There is a 10-game winter indoor season in two sessions from early November through late December (fall session) and January through early March (winter session).

Where are games played?

The three most often-used outdoor parks in Dundee United’s area are:

Can my child wear eyeglasses or jewelry?

If your child wears eyeglasses, they must wear safety goggles over them or wear prescription sports eyeglasses.

No jewelry is allowed. This includes earrings, starter earrings, necklaces, bracelets (including Livestrong) or metal hair clips. The only exception are Medic Alert necklaces or bracelets, which may be worn only if fastened securely to the body with tape.

What equipment is required?

A full uniform is supplied, so you only need to supply your player’s shin guards and soccer shoes, plus a ball to bring to practices. Children with glasses must wear prescription sports goggles or safety goggles.

Are there any clothing restrictions?

Layers may be worn UNDER the uniform (including long sweatpants). Hoods must be tucked into the jersey during play.

Can my child “play down” a level?

No, IYSA rules do not allow a child to play in a lower age group than indicated by his/her birthdate.

Can my child “play up” a level?

Every player must play at least one season at the proper age level, immediately preceding the season for which you want your child to move up. If you feel your child is ready to move up ONE level, your current coach and the Recreational Director must be in agreement that it would be appropriate, and then the President makes the final determination.

How can my child switch teams?

Switching teams is rare, and is at the sole discretion of the Director of Teams and Club President, not your desired coach. On the very rare occasion that a team switch request is honored, you will be assessed a $25 jersey replacement fee.

We will NOT switch teams for any of the following reasons:

  • You or your child do not get along with your current coach or other players (part of a child's learning experience is dealing with different personalities).
  • Your child's best friend is on another team.
  • The team is the same as last season’s team and you would rather be on a winning team this season.
  • Because it would be easier to carpool.
  • As a single parent you can't be in two places at once.
  • The practice location and/or time is not convenient.
  • Scheduling conflicts with other sporting activities. NOTE: mixing soccer and other sports will present MANY scheduling conflicts, regardless of what team you are assigned.

Do you run background checks on personnel?

Dundee United FC participates in the USYS Kidsafe Program, which requires background checks on all officers, directors, volunteers, employees, coaches and program administrators. Program brochure (PDF)

What can parents do about problems with coaches and officials?

Please contact us for General Questions or Information 

What are the club’s safety rules?

  • Suspend playing/practicing IMMEDIATELY if there is ANY LIGHTNING.
  • Shin guards are mandatory (under socks) for games and practices.
  • No jewelry may be worn for games or practices.
  • Regular eye glasses are allowed must be securely fastened and covered by goggles. We strongly suggest purchasing sports glasses instead.
  • Hoods must be tucked inside jerseys.
  • Jerseys must be tucked into shorts.
  • If there is an injury on the field, we always err on the side of caution, and play will stop while the injury is assessed. We will call an ambulance anytime a head injury is suspected.
  • NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO HANG FROM OR SIT ON TOP OF THE GOALS! Although they are securely anchored and/or counterbalanced, don't tempt fate! Accidents can happen at any time.

What should the coaches do if a strong team is dominating a game?

If a team appears to be dominating the game, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, the leading coach should put his strongest players on defense or rest them on the sidelines for a short time to allow others to gain game experience. Whenever a team has a 4 goal lead, the leading team should reduce their players on the field by one, or the other team may add a player. When the differential becomes 2 goals, the normal number of players will return to the field.

What are the weather cancellation guidelines?

The Park District may cancel games because of field conditions. On game day it is the decision of the Director of Teams as to whether or not a game should be cancelled. In such cases the team coach will be notified of cancellation two hours prior to game time.

DU teams typically play in rain, but at the first sign of lightning, games and practices will be suspended or cancelled. Once at the field it is the coach’s decision whether or not a game should be cancelled.

My child is sick. What should do I do?

Please contact your team coach or team manager ASAP if your child is ill and unable to attend a practice or game. Team managers keep attendance records. Early notification for missing a game is essential for your coach’s planning.

Will my child be on the same team next year?

Dundee United FC cannot guarantee your child will be on the same team year to year. At some age-levels there are multiple teams, at others there isn't an age-specific team. Based on the skill levels and number of age appropriate players at try-outs, the Director of Teams and Coaches will decide on the make-up of teams.

I have a concern about my child’s playing time. Who should I talk to?

Concerns about playing time should be discussed first with the team coach. It is the responsibility of the coach to document all concerns and attempt to resolve them. If the coach is unable to resolve the concern or is unresponsive, the Director of Coaches & Trainers should be contacted immediately.

There are several factors that may contribute to how much time a player spends in the game. Every player with a perfect practice attendance record will play in a game. But because Dundee United FC plays competitive travel soccer, players with the strongest individual and team skills will play the most.

My child’s homework load conflicts with soccer practice. What should do I do?

We believe academics are a priority for life skills. If you think your child needs to miss a practice in order to focus on homework or other academic projects, please contact your team coach or team manager to discuss what arrangements can be made. We expect such accommodation will be the exception and not the rule, however. If a child must consistently miss practice to keep up with academics, we feel the family should reevaluate their commitment to travel soccer.

How are players disciplined?

We expect all players to follow the behavior guidelines spelled out in The Rules: What We Expect from Players. Dundee United FC coaches have an obligation to prevent behavior that could be detrimental to team development or cause physical injury. If your child has a history of problem behavior, please contact your coach to discuss how best to deal with it. The general discipline policy is outlined below. If you disagree with this policy or any part of it, please contact your coach immediately.

Following a behavior incident:

  • The coach will talk to the player, explaining why the behavior is unacceptable and asking the player to stop it.
  • If behavior persists, the coach will have the team go through an aerobic exercise with the ball. This will allow the player to get their focus back while receiving some encouragement from their teammates.
  • If the behavior still persists, the coach will ask the player to sit on the sideline until the player’s parents arrive, at which time the coach will explain the behavior problem to them.
  • If the behavior persists at future practices, or if the parents don’t support the need for discipline, the coach will give the parents the choice of attending each practice so they are present to observe and enforce discipline of the player.
  • If behavior problems continue and the parents are still not supportive, the coach will bring the issue to Dundee United’s Board of Directors, filing a written report with the league administrator with the intent of suspending the player and requesting the family to resign from the club without the option of a refund.

Who should I contact for additional information?

Your team page has contact information for your team coach. Other contact information can be found on the Contact Us page.

Top of page