Choosing River City
Q: With so many soccer options in our area, what should I consider when choosing a club?
A: Choosing a club is a personal decision, and we encourage families to find the program that best supports their child’s development—on and off the field.
At River City, player development is our priority. Our qualified coaches bring coaching education and experience to create a positive learning environment where players can build skills, confidence, and a love of the game—all at an affordable price.
When evaluating a club, consider:
- Coaching quality: Look for coaches who can teach the game, provide individual feedback, and help players improve. Playing ability alone doesn’t necessarily make someone a great coach.
- Player development: Look for training that emphasizes technical skills, decision-making, and meaningful participation—not just winning games.
- Player experience: Does your child enjoy the training, feel engaged, and leave excited to learn more?
- Training opportunities: Ask about the balance between training and games, and whether players receive enough time with the ball.
- Consistency: Make sure the coach presented during recruitment is the coach who will actually work with your child.
- Overall fit: Consider your child’s goals, schedule, interests, and the program’s cost.
The right club should help your child grow as a player and a person while keeping the game enjoyable.
Registration and Payments
Q: Can I pay online?
A: Yes! You can pay online by credit or debit card, in full or in installments. You can also mail a check payable to River City Athletics to:
River City Athletics
129 Farm Road
Bangor, ME 04401
Pay for Winter Training Online
Q: Can I pay in installments?
A: Absolutely. You can pay in full or arrange installments that work with your budget. Suggested payment dates are January 15, February 15, and March 15, or you can request monthly payments.
We want to make soccer accessible to as many families as possible, and our flexible payment options help make that possible. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Q: Do you offer a family discount?
A: Yes! The first child pays the regular spring team fee, and each additional child receives a 10% discount on their spring team fee. If you need financial assistance with winter training, email rivercitymaine@gmail.com.
Winter Training and Spring Teams
Q: Does my child need to participate in winter training to play on a spring team?
A: No, but players must be evaluated by River City coaches before team placement. Players who haven’t participated in winter training should contact us to arrange an age-appropriate evaluation. Coaches may request additional sessions to determine the best placement.
Q: Does my child need to play on a spring team to participate in winter training?
A: No. Our programs are designed to be flexible and meet different needs.
You can take part in the program, or training that best fits what your athlete needs. If your child wants to keep their skills sharp during the off season they can use either or both of our winter training sessions. If your child wants to compete on one of our teams in the Maine State Premier League, State Cup, or Pine Tree League, the spring session will allow them to play on a competitive team beginning in March. Or if your child wants to focus on soccer skill development and play on a competitive spring travel team, you can can take part in all of our sessions.
Games and Travel
Q: When does the season begin?
A: Spring games typically begin in late March or April, weather permitting. Schedules are set by SoccerMaine and are generally released in March, about two weeks before the first games. River City will also take part in one tournament per season. That tournament will be held in May in Amherst, NH over Memorial Day Weekend.
Q: Where are games played?
A: Game schedules are set by SoccerMaine. River City hosts home games in the Greater Bangor area, with approximately half of our Pine Tree League and Maine State Premier League games played at home. The remaining games require travel to opposing teams’ locations throughout Maine.
State Cup games are typically played at a neutral site. Teams also participate in at least one tournament each year, which requires travel to the tournament location.
Age Groups and Team Placement
Q: Can my child play on a team above their birth-year age group?
A: Players are generally placed on teams according to their birth year. Playing up may be considered when appropriate for the athlete’s development and ability.
Approval requires an invitation from the older age group’s coach, input and permission from the player’s current age group coach, and approval from River City’s Coaching Director. Grade-level waivers may also be considered on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with applicable league rules.
Q: Can my children play on the same team if they are in different grades?
A: Our teams are organized primarily by birth year to support player development and create the most appropriate competitive environment for each age group. Exceptions may be considered under the playing-up and waiver guidelines described above, but placement is not guaranteed based on family schedules or school grade alone.
We understand that coordinating practices and games can be challenging for families, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to provide the best experience for all players.
Training for Players From Other Clubs
Q: Can my child participate in River City training while playing for another club?
A: Absolutely! Our training programs are open to players throughout the community, regardless of club affiliation. We welcome athletes who want additional opportunities to develop their skills and improve their game during the winter and spring months.