FAQs

PreK age group: 3–4-year-olds (3 years old by August 1st).

Players should have the following items to participate: a size 4 soccer ball, soccer cleats (not baseball), shin guards, and a water bottle (not required but strongly advised).

A full listing of field locations can be found on our Field Locations page.

Safety is always our first priority. As long as the fields are safe to play on, BAC makes every attempt to hold practices and games. If the weather becomes too inclement, parents will receive an email. It will also be posted on our Facebook Page. Be sure to follow it to keep up with all BAC notifications.

Not at all. Rec is built for all skill levels, from first-time players to seasoned ones. There are no tryouts and no cuts — every child makes a team.

Practices and games are right here in Bedford, with weeknight and weekend options depending on age group. PreK/K play at Swenson Field; Grades 1–6 practice at Legacy with games at Legacy and Hawkins. Full details are on the Rec Program page.

Fall pricing is $80 early bird (through July 15), $100 regular, and $125 late. Spring is a separate 6-week program. Registration dates are posted on the Rec Program page each season.

Because we have to — and it’s what makes BAC special. We’re a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit serving 500+ rec players every year, and we simply cannot run the program without parents stepping up. We need coaches, assistant coaches, and helpers for events like our Halloween jamboree. No experience is necessary; we provide everything you need to get started.

There are lots of ways to pitch in beyond head coaching — assistant coaching, helping organize practices, lending a hand at the jamboree, team communication, or field setup. Every bit of help keeps costs down and the program strong. Reach out and we’ll find a role that fits.

For our youngest players, parent involvement is essential. We ask parents to stay and help keep activities flowing — gathering the kids, moving between stations, and encouraging participation. Sessions are led by professional trainers, but at this age the energy and engagement of parents on the field is a big part of what makes it fun and successful.

Rec is perfect for players who want to learn, stay active, and have fun without a competitive schedule. Families looking for more practices, league play, and a higher level of competition may want to explore our Travel Program.

Travel soccer offers a competitive environment with structured training and weekend league matches through the New Hampshire Soccer League (NHSL). It’s the natural next step for rec players ready for more. The focus is always player development first, with age-appropriate competition and expectations.

Children who love soccer, want more touches on the ball, and respond well to coaching. On the family side, it’s a good fit for those who can commit to most practices and games and communicate conflicts in advance.

A great way to test the waters is futsal or winter training in a lower-pressure setting, where coaches can give feedback on fit and next steps. Families interested in being evaluated outside of spring tryouts can reach out to TravelProgram@BedfordAC.com.

BAC fields boys and girls travel teams from U8 through U19. The Fall season covers U8–U15 and the Spring season covers U8–U19.

Tryouts are held each spring at fields in Bedford for the following season’s team formations. Players try out once for both the Fall and Spring seasons. Sessions run about 45 minutes per age group and include a warm-up, athletic tests, and small-sided scrimmages. All players are evaluated by BAC coaches and Elite UK Soccer trainers. Current dates and locations are posted on the Travel Program and Tryouts pages.

BAC uses seasonal-year age groups (August 1 – July 31), in line with USYS and US Club Soccer national standards, which aligns soccer age groups with the school year. For a birth-year chart showing exactly which age group your child falls into, see our Age Group FAQ.

BAC uses a pod model for team formation. All players in an age group take part in a pool tryout and are evaluated on technical skills, athleticism, effort, and attitude on a 1–5 scale. Designated BAC volunteer coaches and Elite UK trainers make roster placements. Every player is placed first on age-appropriate fit, then on development level. Placements are one-way for the season — changes are made only for injury, safety, or administrative reasons.

Rosters are formed fresh each year based on tryout evaluations and age-appropriate placement, not on the previous season’s lineup. In some years — particularly when age cohorts shift or coaching staffs reorganize around new pods — this means a returning player may be offered a waitlist spot or a single-season option even if they played the full year before. Returning Premier or Select status does not automatically carry forward, especially at U12 and below, where Board policy puts age-appropriate placement ahead of team continuity. We know this can be a change from what families expect, and our coaches and coordinators are always available to talk through an individual placement.

Travel teams typically practice twice per week during the Fall and Spring seasons — each roughly 10 weeks long. One session is coach-led, focused on team tactics and game preparation. The other is a trainer-led skills development session run by Elite UK Soccer professionals. Games are typically on weekends — roughly half at home in Bedford, half away.

Most games are close to home. Younger age groups play almost entirely against neighboring towns like Merrimack, Londonderry, and Amherst — short, easy drives. Older age groups may occasionally travel a bit farther depending on the division they’re placed in, but away games are only half the schedule or less (typically just 3 or 4 a season), since the rest are played at home in Bedford.

At younger ages, the emphasis is on learning, development, and playing multiple positions — with broad, meaningful playing time for all players. As players get older, minutes may vary based on attendance, effort, readiness, and game needs. Coaches communicate playing-time expectations clearly.

No. At younger ages, players learn multiple positions to build a full game IQ, and goalkeeping is introduced in a supportive way. In older age groups, players develop a primary and secondary position and eventually settle into a primary role based on readiness, team needs, and coaching feedback.

Yes. That said, joining a BAC Travel team is a commitment to teammates, coaches, and the club. Players are expected to attend scheduled practices and games to support team cohesion and development. If a player can’t meet that expectation because of other commitments, families should discuss it with the coaching staff before the season starts.

Expect team email or group messaging for season updates, schedules, location changes, and weather cancellations.

Travel program fees cover NHSL league registration, professional training with Elite UK Soccer, field use, uniforms (on a two-year cycle), referee fees, and insurance. Exact fees vary by age group and season and are communicated during registration. BAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and offers financial assistance — contact us for details.

Cleats, shin guards, and a properly sized ball. Uniform kits are required for league play, and ordering details are shared each season.

Club refund and credit policies apply — contact the BAC registrar for details. Please communicate planned absences as early as possible so coaches can plan rosters.

Yes. BAC provides year-round soccer opportunities. Winter includes futsal leagues and indoor training sessions. Summer features Elite UK Soccer camps leading into Fall tryouts. These are optional but highly encouraged to keep players developing.

All BAC coaches are parent volunteers who complete background checks and SafeSport certification — no exceptions. Coaches also have access to The Coaching Manual, a professional coaching platform, and receive support from Elite UK Soccer trainers. BAC assigns a Pod Lead for each age group to mentor coaches and ensure consistency across teams.

We ask all families to provide positive support for all players and respect for referees. Let coaches coach, let players play, and cheer for effort and teamwork. A positive sideline culture is essential to the player experience and reflects the values of our club.

BAC runs entirely on parent volunteers — coaches, team managers, board members, and organizers. Whether you’ve coached before or just want to pitch in, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at TravelProgram@BedfordAC.com to get involved.