Are you a soccer parent looking for new opportunities for your child? I know I was. When my son Adam’s soccer dreams outgrew our small local club, I knew he needed more. That’s when I discovered guest playing, and it turned out to be a game-changer.
As a soccer dad and the founder of Anytime Soccer Training, I’ve seen how guest playing can open up new opportunities for young players. It’s been invaluable for Adam’s development, and I’m eager to share what I’ve learned to help other parents.
This journey inspired me to create the Youth Soccer Guest Player Opportunities Facebook group—a place for parents to connect and learn. I’ve compiled almost everything I’ve learned into an ebook, which details the topic.
In this article, I’ll summarize the key points to help you get started. If you’re looking for a deeper dive, click here for the full ebook: Everything You Need to Know About Guest Playing.
While I don’t have all the answers, my goal is to help you get started so your child can thrive, just like Adam did.
Let’s dive in!
The Benefits of Guest Playing
For Adam, guest playing has truly been transformative. He plays for a small local club, and guest playing has opened doors to experiences that have really helped him grow as a player.
Exposure to Different Styles of Play
One of the best parts of guest playing is how it exposes your child to different styles of play and coaching. For example, when Adam participated in the Copa Del Sol tournament, he faced a more physical and individual skill-focused style of play that really pushed him to level up. And when he played in mega tournaments like the NCFC college showcase, he was up against some of the best competition, which challenged him to think faster and adapt to new situations. It’s experiences like these that can really make a difference in how your child develops on the field.
Building Relationships with Top Coaches
Guest playing has also given Adam the chance to work with some amazing coaches. A highlight for him was playing with a top team from New Jersey in the FC Delco Players Cup. This led to invitations to other prestigious tournaments, like the Jefferson’s Cup, and gave him the chance to compete in State and National Cups—all opportunities that his local club couldn’t offer. Meeting these coaches and getting exposure to their expertise has been a huge part of Adam’s development as a player.
Falling Back in Love with the Game
Perhaps the most rewarding part of guest playing has been seeing how much fun Adam has had. He loves the challenges, meeting new teammates, and just enjoying the game in a new way. It’s reignited his passion for soccer in a way that nothing else could. As a parent, it’s been amazing to watch his joy for the game grow, and I couldn’t be happier to see how much he’s thriving.
Carding Bodies in Youth Soccer
When it comes to guest playing, it’s important to understand how the different soccer organizations, known as “carding bodies,” play a role in registering players and ensuring they follow the rules. These organizations issue player cards, which are essentially proof that a player is officially registered with a team, and they help determine where and how a player can participate in various competitions.
In the U.S., there are a few main carding bodies that every soccer parent should be familiar with:
1. U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF)
U.S. Soccer is the national governing body for soccer in the U.S. It oversees most soccer-related activities across the country. Within this organization, there are several key affiliates:
- US Youth Soccer (USYS): One of the biggest sanctioning bodies for youth soccer in the U.S., USYS handles registration and carding for players across the country who play in youth soccer leagues.
- U.S. Club Soccer: This organization oversees a variety of competitive leagues, and they issue their own player cards for teams within their system. These cards are recognized for guest playing in tournaments and other leagues.
2. State Associations
Each state has its own soccer association, which manages local soccer competitions and registration. These associations issue player cards for regional and state-level events, and they work closely with U.S. Soccer and U.S. Club Soccer to make sure players are registered correctly and can participate in sanctioned events.
3. International Cards
If your child is playing soccer internationally or moving between countries, an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) might be required. This is especially relevant for players coming from countries outside the U.S. or Canada who want to play for a U.S.-based team. The ITC ensures that a player’s registration is transferred from one country’s soccer federation to another, and it’s managed by the national soccer associations (e.g., Canada Soccer for players from Canada).
Tournament Fees, Uniforms, and Playing Time
While guest playing has so many benefits, there are some practical things you’ll want to know to make the experience as smooth as possible.
Do Guest Players Pay Tournament Fees?
In most cases, guest players don’t pay tournament fees—the host team usually covers them. Guest playing often happens because of last-minute roster gaps or injuries, so the host team will take care of the fees. Just make sure to check in with the hosting team ahead of time to confirm how this will work.
Do Guest Players Need to Buy Their Own Uniforms?
Usually, the host team provides uniforms for guest players. These are typically loaned to players for the tournament, though you might need to bring your own shorts and socks. It’s always a good idea to check with the hosting team beforehand to make sure everything is arranged, so your child is prepared.
How Much Playing Time Will a Guest Player Get?
Playing time can vary depending on the team’s needs and strategy. If your child is a skilled guest player, they might get more time on the field. However, core players are typically prioritized in key games. If playing time is something you’re concerned about, it’s best to discuss expectations with the host team ahead of time to make sure everyone is on the same page.
FAQs About Player Passes and Guest Playing
How to Get a Player Pass for Guest Playing
To guest play, your child will need a player pass from recognized bodies like US Youth Soccer, State Youth Soccer Associations, or US Club Soccer. Usually, your home club will handle this, and you’ll just need to get permission to send the pass to the hosting team.
Not on a Team? No Problem!
If your child isn’t currently on a team, you can still get a player pass by joining a local recreational program. Many offer a free agent service to help you get the pass. You can also reach out to your State Association, and they can guide you through the process.
Guest Playing Across State Lines
If your child wants to play out of state, you’ll need to complete an Interstate Permission Form through your State Association. The hosting team typically needs to be affiliated with another State Association for this to happen, so be sure to check the requirements.
International Players
For international guest players, you’ll need to make sure you have clearance from the proper authorities. Work with the hosting team to ensure all international clearance requirements are met.
What Happens Once My Child is Carded with a Team?
Once your child is officially carded with a team (meaning they’re registered with that club), the card actually belongs to the team, not you as the parent.
But if you want your child to guest play for another team or participate in a tournament, the club will usually provide that card to the hosting team for those specific events. This typically isn’t an issue, but it’s important to make sure all the necessary paperwork is in place—like a release form from the club.
This card will be good for both tournament and league play, but you’ll want to check with the club beforehand to make sure there are no restrictions or expectations you need to be aware of.
For example, if your child is from another country, you might need to submit an international transfer certificate or other documentation. While this can sound a bit complicated, it’s usually a straightforward process, and clubs are experienced in handling it.
How Do Guest Players Fit into a Team’s Roster?
There are two main situations when it comes to guest players:
- Your child is not registered with any team. In this case, even though your child is guest playing, they’ll be treated as a full member of the hosting team for that event or tournament. Since they’re not registered with another team, they’re considered part of the roster as long as the card is active.
- Your child is already registered with another team. In this case, they’re considered a guest player for the team they’re temporarily playing for. Some leagues, like ECNL, don’t allow guest playing in league matches or showcases, so it’s important to double-check the league rules before moving forward.
In other leagues, guest playing is allowed, but you’ll want to be clear about the specifics. Make sure communication with other parents is transparent so everyone knows your child’s guest player status.
Final Thoughts: Weighing the Pros & Cons of Guest Playing
Guest playing can be an amazing opportunity, but there are a few things to consider to make sure it’s a positive experience. It’s a great way to expose your child to new competition, coaching styles, and experiences, but it’s important to make sure that it doesn’t disrupt team dynamics or create unfair situations.
As parents, it’s crucial to stay in communication with the coaches and hosting teams, especially when it comes to expectations around playing time and how guest players are integrated into the team. Balancing guest playing with your child’s regular team commitments will help keep everything on track and ensure that your child continues to enjoy the game.
I hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what guest playing is all about. I’m excited for you and your child as you explore these opportunities together. With the right approach, guest playing can be a great way to help your child grow and develop both as a player and as a person.
Neil Crawford
Founder of Anytime Soccer & Soccer Dad