The Central New York
Family Sports Centre

Syracuse,NY ⚫ Est. 1996

CNYFSC Grassroots

(Formerly CNY Youth Soccer)

The CNYFSC Grassroots program is designed for recreational level players aged 4-17. Grassroots is a great way for beginning players to develop their skills and learn the game in a fun and supportive environment. Monday through Wednesday we hold skills training sessions, and Fridays and Saturdays we play games.

During registration you will choose between "games & skill training sessions" or "only games." If you choose the weekly skills training option, you will be assigned to a session based on your preferred training night and availability (1 training session per week). All registered participants are placed on co-ed teams based on requests and competitive fairness.

Session Schedule

The first indoor session will run from Monday November 2nd through Saturday January 30th.
(No games will be held November 27th. No games or training will be held December 25th - January 1st.)

Each session includes 8 games on our downstairs indoor fields.

  • Monday - Wednesday: Skills Training sessions.
  • Friday (evenings): Games for ages U12 and younger.
  • Saturday (mornings): Games for ages U13 and older.

Skills Training Sessions

This indoor season we are changing our large group practices to skills training sessions in order to focus on individual player development and technical skills.

  • Training sessions will be held on our upstairs fields.
  • Each session will be led by our qualified coaching staff.
  • During registration you will be asked for your choice for preferred training night. We will be limiting participants in each session based on the number of available coaches and field space to ensure optimal player development.
Mon - Wed Skills Training Times:
5:00 to 5:55 PM: Ages 4 to 6
5:55 to 6:50 PM: Ages 7 to 8
6:50 to 7:45 PM: Ages 9 to 10
7:45 to 8:40 PM: Ages 11 to 12
8:40 to 9:35 PM: Ages 13 to 17

Please note: This program is for individual player registration only. Teams can click here to register for our upcoming fall/winter indoor leagues.

Payment Information:

Fee Structure:

Fees include: Coaching, Training Jersey, Training Sessions and Games

Games Only: $160.00

Games & Skills Training: $260.00

Early bird discount: $10 discount if registered before October 16th. Discount applies to both Player Games & Training Option and Games Only fees.

Payment Options
  • Pay and Register Online
  • In person cash, check, or credit card.
  • Please make checks payable to The CNY Family Sports Centre with "CNY Youth Soccer" in the memo. Mailing address:
    7201 Jones Road, Syracuse, NY 13209
  • Please call 315-638-8866 to submit your credit card payment over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What do you need to bring for practice?
  • Soccer Ball (we have extras located at the office if needed)
  • Shin guards
  • Water bottle
  • Please wear your jersey once you receive them for the season.
  • We recommend wearing athletic shorts/sweatpants and soccer socks (socks that go up to your knees) while at practice.
  • Footwear: Cleats are recommended (molded plastic, no metal), but running shoes will work fine for younger ages.
When will the full schedule be available?

The full schedule will be available by the third week of games.All schedules will be available on our website, under Leagues -> Youth Soccer. 

What does a BYE week mean?

Your team does not have a game that weekend.

How are team rosters created?

The coaching staff assembles teams based on recommendations, as well as competitive balance for the league.

When will we receive our jersey?

Jerseys will be available after the rosters are created for each division, typically the second week of soccer.

Are boys and girls split into separate groups?

The CNYFSC Grassroots program is co-ed for both practices and games.

Program Information and Structure

We strive to adhere to these general principles based on the player development initiatives by US Soccer

For Ages 4, 5 & 6

  • Player goals: Develop improved skills with the ball, improve confidence and comfort, develop intelligence with and without the ball, promote faster decisions and better awareness, develop partnerships within the team
  • Formal rosters and teams are not required so having a flexible and fluid approach to training and playing is recommended.
  • While playing games all players should participate a minimum of 50% of the time.
  • Utilize the CNY Youth Soccer program and have everyone train and play as a pool of players rather than as distinct teams. This approach allows players to train and play with a variety of other kids based on numbers, ability, age, height, weight etc.
  • Results and standings will not be recorded
  • We will follow the "Concussion Initiative". Deliberate heading of the ball is not allowed at this age during games and training.
  • Kick offs, free kicks, throw ins, goal kicks and corner kicks are used to start or restart play.
  • No offside rule.

For Ages 7-12

  • Player goals: Develop improved skills with the ball, improve confidence and comfort, develop intelligence with and without the ball, promote faster decisions and better awareness, develop partnerships within the team
  • While playing games all players should participate a minimum of 50% of the time.
  • Results and standings will be recorded
  • We will follow the "Concussion Initiative". Deliberate heading is not allowed ages 10 & below during games and training. 11 & 12 year olds are allowed to head the ball for 10 minutes a week in practice, and during games.
  • Offiside will be used in our outdoor season games. There will no offside in indoor games.
  • We will use the standard laws of the game (Player Equipment, Start and Restart of Play, Ball In and Ball Out of Play, Method Scoring, Fouls and Misconduct, Free Kicks, Penalty Kicks, Corner Kicks, Throw ins)

For Ages 13 & Up

  • While playing games all players should participate a minimum of 50% of the time.
  • Results and standings will be recorded
  • We will follow the "Concussion Initiative": Deliberate heading is allowed in these games.
  • Offiside will be used in our outdoor season games. There will no offside in indoor games.
  • We will use the standard laws of the game (Player Equipment, Start and Restart of Play, Ball In and Ball Out of Play, Method Scoring, Fouls and Misconduct, Free Kicks, Penalty Kicks, Corner Kicks, Throw ins)

Together coaches & parents are expected to create and promote a fun and safe environment for the players!

Contact Information

Brian McGrane - CNYFSC Grassroots Program Director
Phone: 315-638-8866
Email: cnyfsc@gmail.com