United F.C Michigan
Youth Recreational League
About Us
The United FC Youth Recreational League is open to all youth players in the Metro-Detroit area. The league is sanctioned and fully insured by the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA). MSYSA is our state association and is directly affiliated with United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), which is the parent organization for most soccer leagues in the U.S.
Our league is tailored to the player that enjoys the game of soccer but also has other interests and commitments. The United FC Youth Recreational League is directed by Jim Biewer, who oversees the program, staffing and player development.
Our Mission
United FC Michigan’s Youth Recreational League intends to promote entry level recreational youth soccer for the children of the area to further develop their soccer skills, healthy living habits and good sportsmanship by providing quality coaching and officiating. We serve the Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy and surrounding communities.
Recreational Programs
Soccer Tots
Soccer Tots is the entry program for United FC Michigan's Youth Recreational League for children aged 18 months to almost 3 years of age.
This program is the best way for them to learn, socialize and have fun as they take their first steps into game!
Recreational Team Play
Players 4 years and older will participate in a team based program. Players who register will be placed into teams. These teams will play against each other on Saturdays in a league format each week.
Each Saturday players will participate in a team practice, with a professional trainer, prior to playing their game.
Important Spring Information
Spring Schedule
- Start Date: Saturday, April 5th
- End Date: Saturday, May 31st
- No Soccer 4/19 and 5/24
- Games are played on Saturday mornings with a team practice just before.
- Rosters and Schedules will be released late March. Please make a note upon registering if you have any friends/family you'd like to be placed on the same team with.
Locations
- Tots - 1st Grade - Field behind: Our Shepherd Lutheran School, 1658 E Lincoln St, Birmingham, MI 48009
- 2nd - 6th Grade: Pierce Elementary School, 1829 Pierce St, Birmingham, MI 48009
Uniforms
- For ages Young 3 and Up, uniforms can be purchased at Bloomfield Sports Shop (3594 W Maple Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301)
- While only the team home and away jerseys are required; cleats, shorts, socks and shin guards are also highly recommended and can also be purchased at Bloomfield Sports Shop.
League Rules
3 Years of Age
Young 3 Playing Rules
Ball: Size #3
Team Format: 3v3 (or 4v4 if needed)
Goals: Pop-up goals with no goalkeepers
Restarts:
All kicks are indirect
All players must be 3 yards from all restarts
Inbounds: Kick-ins only (no throw-ins)
Goal Kicks: Taken from the goal line; opponents must be at least three paces away
Not Allowed: Corner kicks, offside, slide tackling, penalty kicks
Game Duration: Four 12‑minute quarters (2 minutes between quarters, 5 minutes at halftime)
Kick-off: From the center after a goal
Substitutions: At quarters, halftime, or during an injury
Playing Time: Each player must play a minimum of 50% of the game
Coaching:
No referees; one coach per team on the field to call possession
Coaches and parents may not stand behind the goal
Standings: Not kept
Pre-K
Pre-K Playing Rules
Ball: Size #3
Team Format: 5v5 (or 6v6 if needed)
Goals: Pop-up goals with no goalkeepers
Restarts:
All kicks are indirect; all players must be 3 yards from restarts
Inbounds: Kick-ins only (no throw-ins)
Goal Kicks: Taken from the goal line; opponents must be at least five paces away
Not Allowed: Corner kicks, offside, slide tackling, penalty kicks
Game Duration: Four 12‑minute quarters (2 minutes between quarters, 5 minutes at halftime)
Kick-off: From the center after a goal
Substitutions: At quarters, halftime, or during an injury
Playing Time: Each player must play a minimum of 50% of the game
Coaching:
No referees; one coach per team on the field to call possession and help prevent blowouts
Coaches and parents may not stand behind the goal
Standings: Not kept
K-1st Grade
K – 1st Grade Playing Rules
Ball: Size #3
Team Format: 7v7
Goals: Pop-up goals with no goalkeepers
Restarts:
All kicks are indirect; all players must be 3 yards from restarts
Inbounds: Throw-ins only along the sidelines (touchlines)
Goal Kicks: Taken from the goal line; opponents must be at least five paces away
Additional Rules:
Corner kicks are allowed
Offside, slide tackling, and penalty kicks are not allowed
Game Duration: Two halves of 25 minutes each, with a 5‑minute halftime
Kick-off: From the center after a goal
Substitutions: When the ball goes out of bounds, at halftime, after a goal, or during an injury
Playing Time: Each player must play at least 50% of the game
Coaching:
No referees; one coach per team on the field for possession calls and to prevent blowouts
Coaches and parents may not stand behind the goal
Standings: Not kept
2nd-3rd Grade
2nd & 3rd Grade Playing Rules
Ball: Size #4
Team Format: 7v7 (6 field players plus a goalkeeper)
Goalkeepers:
May handle the ball within their designated penalty area
Field Areas:
Penalty and Goal Areas are clearly designated (no penalty kicks)
Build Out Line:
A dashed line marks the area; once the goalkeeper gains possession, all defensive players must retreat outside it
Offside can be called against the attacking team inside the Build Out line (no offside between the two Build Out lines)
Restarts:
All kicks are indirect; all players must be 4 yards from restarts
Inbounds: Throw-ins only
Goal Kicks: Taken from within the goal area (per FIFA guidelines)
Corner Kicks: Taken from the field corner
Not Allowed: Slide tackling
Game Duration: Two 25‑minute halves, with a 5‑minute halftime
Kick-off: From the center after a goal
Substitutions: Made on any stoppage in play
Playing Time: Each player must play a minimum of 50% of the game
Coaching:
No coaches on the field; a referee is used
Coaches and parents may not stand behind the goal
Standings: Not kept
4th, 5th & 6th MLS Rules
MLS (4th/5th/6th Grade) Playing Rules (Modified)
Ball: Size #4
Team Format: 7v7 (6 field players plus a goalkeeper)
Goalkeepers:
May handle the ball within their designated penalty area
Restriction: May not punt or drop kick; must play the ball off the ground or throw it
Field Areas & Build Out Line:
A dashed Build Out line is used per US Soccer guidelines
Once the goalkeeper gains possession, all defensive players must retreat outside the line (teammates of the goalkeeper may remain inside)
Offside is enforced against the attacking team inside the Build Out line (no offside between the two Build Out lines)
Restarts:
All kicks are indirect; all players must be 4 yards from restarts
Inbounds: Throw-ins only
Goal Kicks: Taken from within the goal area (per FIFA guidelines)
Corner Kicks: Taken from the field corner
Not Allowed:
Slide tackling
Penalty kicks
Headers
Game Duration: Two 25‑minute halves, with a 5‑minute halftime
Kick-off: From the center after a goal
Substitutions: Made on any stoppage in play
Playing Time: Each player must play a minimum of 50% of the game
Coaching:
No coaches on the field; a referee is used
Coaches and parents may not stand behind the goal
Standings: Not kept
Codes of Conduct
Players
Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
Parents & Fans
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In the BAYSL young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat.
Coaches
Be reasonable in your demands on a young player's time, energy, enthusiasm and performance on the field.
Referees
Always remember that the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play come first.