For Katy youth soccer enthusiasts, it's easy to see the excitement for the upcoming season. But predicting the number of kids signing up to play is another matter.

“It has been hard to predict since the start of the Fall 2020 season,” Katy Youth Soccer Club president Rhaylyn Fisher said. “We haven’t gotten back up to the numbers we had pre-COVID-19, but we have steadily grown every season in numbers.”

Fisher said Katy Youth Soccer Club’s biggest goal was to give kids a chance to play soccer. But as has been the case everywhere else, the pandemic affected things.

“By following STYSA (South Texas Youth Soccer Association) and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines, we were able to start back up in the Fall 2020 season with some restrictions and policies in place,” Fisher said. “It was a challenge as a board to make sure that we created a safe environment for the players and their families, but I believe that we were able to achieve this.”

For 2021, officials continue to recommend that coaches and players bring and use their own hand sanitizer. Officials also continue to recommend social distancing this season.

Fisher said team sideline areas must be clean after each game. She said coaches should have an assistant coach or a team parent help with these tasks.

Players must bring their own water or drinks, as drink sharing is discouraged. Coaches or parents must clean team balls and equipment after practices and games.

Registrations are being accepted both online at the website katyyouthsoccer.com and in-person.

When registering online, families must create a new family account, from which it can add each of its players.

Walk-up registration session is set for 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Pure Soccer Katy, 25730 Westheimer Pkwy.

Pure Soccer Katy co-owner Stuart McKenzie said it has tried to collaborate with Katy Youth Soccer.

“We’ve always had a good relationship, and it works both ways,” McKenzie said.

Online registration closes Aug. 1. Coaches will notify players by Aug. 29. First games are set for Sept. 11.

Registration fees range from $110-$140, depending on the age of the player.

Coaches and referees sought

Fisher said Katy Youth Soccer Club relies on volunteer coaches to lead teams.

“We are always looking for coaches, for all age groups,” Fisher said. “I have always loved this because it really creates a more family environment.”

Coaches, managers, and team officials must register and pass a background check. They must also complete SafeSport training modules and CDC Heads-Up Concussion Awareness training.

“A perk of becoming a coach is that you are able to decide when and where the team’s practices are being held,” Fisher said. “This is an incentive for a lot of our coaches. I also want to say that you do not need to have soccer experience to be able to coach your son or daughter’s team. We are looking for coaches that are enthusiastic and help us foster a love of the game.”

The club is also seeking referees. Fisher said it can be a rewarding experience. It could also help players and adults make some extra spending money.

“It’s the best seat in the house,” Fisher said. “You do have to be certified, so this will involve taking a certification class with a field component, but it is something that a lot of our players, age 13 and over, take advantage of. One plus for players that become referees is that they expand their knowledge of the game.”

For Fisher, the best part of youth soccer is the chance it gives families to make memories.

“I was able to have conversations with a lot of different families about their struggles and triumphs throughout the pandemic and observe them relax just a little while they were able to watch their children play,” Fisher said. “It truly is an honor and privilege to be a part of this club. To be allowed the opportunity to become a small part of these players journeys and to watch them grow season after season has been truly special.”