FAQ's About Our Club

How is CBFC structured?

CBFC is a volunteer non-profit organization, offering year-round soccer opportunities for youth athletes. CBFC consists of a non paid coaching staff and a volunteer board of directors, registrar and officers. Our board of directors meets once a month. All club members can request time to discuss matters at every Board meeting. Each team at each age level has a parent volunteer for a team administrator to handle team organization and finances. Team administrator, treasurer, and coaches' meetings are held at the beginning of the fall season and/or periodically throughout the season as needed.

Once my child has been identified for a team, what do I need to do to make sure registration is complete?

Player registration needs to be completed and a copy of your child's (state, not hospital) birth certificate needs to be provided. A small school picture is also needed for their player card. These items should be turned in to your team manager the night of registration. A player card is then created by our registrar and the Iowa State Soccer Association and given to your team coach. A player card needs to be complete before your child can play in a league game or tournament as it registers them with the state office and qualifies them for inclusion in the state accident insurance program. More information about the state insurance coverage and benefits can be found at www.iowasoccer.org under "resources".

How much does CBFC cost?
Fees for 2008/2009 to be determined

*The Scholarship fund has been developed to save money to go towards awarding scholarships to selected CBFC players when they enter college to play soccer.

**Club Dues go to: ISA Competitive Team Fees, Coach's ISA fee, Field Rentals, Trainers Fees, Coach's Fees, etc.

This applies for the spring season and every registration after the primary registration of an individual player. There are two registration dates a year. One in June and the other in January.

*The Scholarship fund has been developed to save money to go towards awarding scholarships to selected CBFC players when they enter college to play soccer

**Club Dues go to: ISA Competitive Team Fees, Coach's ISA fee, Field Rentals, Trainers Fees, Coach's Fees, etc.

There are financial plans that will allow some cases to pay in monthly payments. However, the situation must be aproved by the club President Ryan Osborn.

What do the fees that I pay include?

The fees you pay are for compensating volunteer coaches for training gear and travel expenses, spring and fall league play, and club administration. Fees also cover the use of a club uniform consisting of both a green and white jersey and shorts.

What is the attire and expectations for training and for games?

The preferred training attire is a white t-shirt, green shorts and white socks.

Always bring equipment for both indoor and outdoor practice should the weather dictate a move inside. Players should be at least 15 minutes early for every training session and dressed and ready to begin at their assigned time. The primary game uniform consists of the green jersey, green shorts and green socks. The secondary uniform to be worn in the event of a color conflict would be the white jersey (and optional white socks). Players are expected to arrive at least 35 minutes prior to the start of games and should be dressed and ready to play. If the team coach has communicated that you should arrive earlier than the minimum 35 minutes, those directions should be followed.

Do I need to purchase any other type of equipment?

White socks will need to be purchased by the player along with green shorts to wear during practices. Match equipment should not be worn at training. It is also recommended that a pair of lycra sliders be purchased to wear underneath the uniform shorts. Additional required equipment to play and train includes soccer cleats, shin guards, appropriate-sized ball and water bottle.

Are there other optional CBFC apparel items or accessories for purchase?

Yes. Our apparel coordinator has a selection of optional CBFC items that may be purchased and includes sweatshirts, t-shirts, additional training t-shirts, bags and warm-ups. Many can be personalized with the player's name/number for an additional fee. ALL CBFC gear may be purchased on the STORE link on this website

What happens to my uniform if I move or leave the team?

The uniform (green jersey, white t-shirt and green game shorts) are yours, as you purchased them at registration. The uniform should be expected to last 2-3 seasons. If any part of the uniform should need replacement during that period, the player can purchase the item on the STORE link

Where and when do teams train?

Teams train at fields located in Council Bluffs, IA. Each coach will discuss the best time to train at the team meeting held prior to the season and shortly after registration. During our fall and spring seasons, all players U11-U14 will practice twice a week. During the winter and summer seasons the coaches are to train a minimum of once a week and participate in indoor sessions in Omaha during the winter. U15 and up age groups practice twice a week during the fall and once a week during both the winter and summer seasons. Historically, our high school athletes do not train during the spring season because of the high school soccer season, but other options are available and should be discussed with the DOC.

What about winter indoor soccer?

Please see: Where and when do teams train?

What is the inclement weather policy?

Practice will still be held during light rain or cool conditions. All athletes should dress appropriately in layers for the weather conditions. If lightning occurs players should contact their coach in regards to status. If there is a tornado warning, practices will be canceled. Players and coaches will move inside during these dangerous conditions but space is limited and there may not be room for all teams to continue training indoors. In these events, teams preparing for State Cup will take priority to continue their training inside. If the weather looks threatening, parents should remain close by in the event that practices should need to be canceled.

What if I'm absent for a practice or have an on-going conflict with the night/time?

If a player is absent for a practice or is absolutely unable to make his/her designated practice night/time, he/she may be able to attend an alternative team practice recommended by the head coach. It is the responsibility of the athlete to notify their coach 24 hours in advance. The player will attend, if applicable. The contact information for all CBFC coaches can be found on Contact Us Page on This Website
Coaches may decide not to play someone due to lack of commitment.

Where are games played?

This varies for each team, depending upon the league each team joins based on their age and level of competition. U11 and up typically join the NSL (Nebraska Soccer League) and have games locally at the Council Bluffs Soccer Complex and at various neighboring cities which may include Sioux City, Omaha, Papillion, York, Lincoln etc. CBFC does not manage a fall and spring outdoor league. An NSL schedule, as well as directions to the various soccer complexes can be found at www.nsle.com.

Do all teams participate in tournaments?

Yes. Tournament play is a great opportunity for teams to experience different competition. The number of tournaments varies according to age level and team desire and is recommended by DOC according to level of competition. U11 - U14 teams could expect 3-4 tournaments per season (fall and spring). Entry fees for tournaments are divided among the number of athletes from your team attending the tournament. The coach's expenses will be paid by the team(s) requesting their attendance. Hotel accommodations may be necessary depending on where the tournament is located.U11-U12 Teams-Each player/family will be responsible for this hotel expense. Team hotel room blocks are typically coordinated through the team manager or team travel coordinator. At the coaches discretion U13-U18 players may be expected to stay in rooms with teammates and not with their parents, the cost of the tournament will include hotel expenses but not food unless provided by the hotel. Parents will be expected to help with transportation at all ages and will help apply the coach's rules.

What are the guidelines regarding guest players?

The guest player must have a current Iowa Soccer Association player card. The guest player's responsibility is first to the team on which they are primarily rostered. Guest playing should be coordinated by the Director of Coaching and with their primary team coach and should only be used to supplement a team and should not displace other players' playing opportunities. General soccer etiquette allows guest players who are invited from another club to incur only their own travel and lodging expenses to attend a tournament with another club team. Guest players from within our own club are asked to share in an equal portion of the tournament fee as well as cover their own travel and lodging expenses.