Winter Indoor Soccer League (WISL)

History of WISL

Since 1985, the Winter Indoor Soccer League (WISL) has provided Marin County youth soccer players with an exciting and fulfilling soccer experience during the winter months. Every year, 180 teams with players from ages 5-18 are given the opportunity to continue (or begin) their participation in the beautiful sport of soccer in a supportive, inclusive format, and to develop the skills, game awareness, and team spirit that they can then carry over to their outdoor soccer play.

Philosophy of WISL

Our philosophy regarding sportsmanship is to encourage play that is free of a win-at-all-costs attitude—soccer that is competitive, but that also promotes a healthy attitude among players, coaches, and spectators. Coaches and parents are models for sportsmanship. Please support players in a positive and encouraging manner, and expect the same from players towards each other. Coaches are asked to be sure that each player gets equal playing time at each game.

Information

Boys and Girls
Divisions
coed Kindergarten
boys 1st, 2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, 7th/8th
girls K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, 7th/8th

WISL offers an exciting series of games scheduled with awareness of the diverse playing levels and experience of its participants. Divisions are organized within age groups based on a combination of factors, including teams' and individuals' scheduling needs, (anticipated) skill level, and (when possible) geographical convenience.

Advanced players and teams may play up a division. Please note on the registration form if you’re interested in this option.

Format

9-10 players per team
6 (5 + goalkeeper) play at a time
Substitution is unlimited and "on the fly" (i.e., can occur while the ball is in play).
Games consist of two 25-minute halves.

Schedule

2024 league starts January 13 and ends March 10
One 8-game season. NO games are played the first weekend of "ski week". (February 17 & 18)
All games are on Saturdays or Sundays (generally either/or, not a fluctuating schedule between the 2 days).
THERE ARE NO PRACTICES.
Games are scheduled for one hour each.
Please note: game schedules are created and posted only after teams & divisions are formed.
THERE ARE NO PLAYOFFS.

Fees & Deadline Dates

Coach/Team Members

A team consists of 9-10 players. We recommend that a team have no more than 10 players in order to assure adequate playing time for each team member. However, this is not a mandatory limit. Once a player has confirmed with the coach that they'll be playing on the team, they may register as a member of the team by noting their coach's name on the registration form. Coaches must submit a roster of their players and a team name.

Unaffiliated Players

Players registering as unaffiliated players will be placed on teams. Whenever possible, requests for teammates will be honored.

We encourage parents to consider organizing a group of 9-10 players and entering as a team. We can add players to complete your team if you have a smaller group. A coach and/or team parent is required for each team. The time commitment is 1 to 2 hours per weekend game. No prior coaching experience is necessary. We provide training and clinics for parent volunteer coaches.

Equipment

Players wear T-shirts, soccer shorts or sweatpants, and tennis shoes (w/ non-marking soles). Shinguards are not mandatory, but are strongly recommended. Special indoor soccer shoes are available at soccer stores. Goalkeepers may use goalie gloves and/or knee pads (we do not provide either). WISL provides balls, scrimmage vests, goals, and first-aid equipment. The ball is soft, felt-covered. Coaches wishing to purchase their own ball may do so at soccer-supply stores. However, to avoid mix-ups, we ask that coaches not bring their own indoor ball(s) to the games.

WISL Game Jerseys

Game jerseys are included in the registration fee and will be provided at the beginning of the season.

WISL Sites

Marin WISL games are scheduled at locations throughout Marin County. Facility availability is limited and size of facilities varies (i.e., smaller gyms may not be suitable for older groups, etc.); participants cannot be guaranteed play at the nearest site (see FAQ page for more details).

Clinics: Coaches

We welcome all interested parents to join us for our parent coaching orientation. Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about the Winter Indoor Soccer League program and to gain coaching knowledge. This orientation is for parents who are currently coaching a team/s, as well as for parents who are interested in learning more about coaching soccer.

January 9th at 7pm
Located at the Mill Valley Rec Center

Clinics: Players

Come participate in our player clinics! Player clinics are a great way to learn new and practice existing skills.

Date: February 17th
K & 1st Grade: 9 am
2nd – 5th Grade: 10 am
6th – 8th Grade: 11 am

Location: Ruby Scott Gym, Tamalpais High School

RSVP Here

Game Locations

Tamalpais High School, Mill Valley
Mill Valley Middle School, Mill Valley
Hall Middle School, Larkspur
Archie Williams High School, San Anselmo
Miller Creek School, Marinwood
Albert J. Boro Gym, San Rafael
Hill Gymnasium, Novato
Skysports, San Rafael

For further information and directions to WISL gyms, please click here.

Lost & Found

Unclaimed items will be held for 2 weeks and then will be donated to a local charitable organization.

Safety Considerations

In consideration of the safety of the players, we request that spectators keep the playing area free of chairs, strollers, extra clothing, purses or bags, food, and beverage containers. In fact, most facilities prohibit food and drink in their gym; we ask that all participants in WISL respect the rules of the respective game sites. At gyms that do not have bleachers, we prefer that spectators stand along the wall, or sit in such a way to take up as little space as possible (no outstretched legs, etc.) Also, we remind you to check to see that you take all items with you when you leave.

Sportsmanship

Unavoidably, teams of disparate level will occasionally play each other - and in indoor soccer, the confined space and continuous play often have the effect of increasing scoring (which can result in exaggerated margins of victory). Our challenge is to make each game a positive experience for both teams. If there appears to be a significant disparity in the number of players or the level of ability between teams on a given day, we expect the coaches to work cooperatively and make adjustments to try to create a more equitable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

We hope that as we embark on a fun-filled season of indoor soccer every player, coach and parent will help us to make it a great success. Our goal is to have a great time together learning soccer! If there are any problems at the gym, please seek the assistance of the staff person (referee) on site. If you need further assistance with these or any other league matters, please call our office at (415) 383-0320, preferably on Monday so we can respond early in the week. We welcome parents and/or coaches to contact us with any concerns, observations, suggestions, etc. on our office phone or through our support page.

Benefits of WISL

WISL Rules

WISL Schedules

Kindergarten Co-Ed Saturday Schedule
Kindergarten Co-Ed Sunday Schedule
1st Grade Boys Schedule
1st/2nd Grade Girls Schedule
2nd Grade Boys Schedule
3rd/4th Grade Boys Schedule
3rd/4th Grade Girls Schedule
5th/6th Grade Boys Schedule
5th/6th Grade Girls Schedule
7th/8th Grade Boys Schedule
7th/8th Grade Girls Schedule