Dowagiac Youth Soccer League

08/29/2026

🚨 From the start of the 2026/27 season, a referee at a grassroots match in England can stop the game, send both teams to their penalty areas and call the coaches and captains into the centre circle — and they can do it twice. If a third stop is needed, the match is abandoned. The FA calls them "cooling-off periods", and after a County FA pilot they are now rolling out nationally. Here's what that means for your child's team on a Sunday morning.⤵

https://www.juniorgrassrootshub.com/news/fa-cooling-off-periods-referees-can-pause-junior-matches

08/26/2026

It was never just about the trophies. ⚽

It was about turning up every week, getting stuck in, learning the game and having a laugh with your mates.

Winning was great. Of course it was.

But years later, the medals won’t be the bit they talk about most.

It’ll be the matches, the moments and the people they shared them with.

That’s grassroots football. 💚

08/26/2026

Winning helps.

Of course it does.

But a real team is built in the moments that don’t show up on the scoreboard.

Backing each other after mistakes.
Working hard when nobody’s watching.
Sticking together when things aren’t going your way.

Anyone can celebrate a win.

The real test is how a team responds when things get tough.

That’s what builds a proper grassroots team. ⚽

08/20/2026

Practices begin the week of August 24th! We are excited for a new season to kick off!⚽️

08/16/2026

08/14/2026

We keep saying grassroots football needs more referees… but are we doing enough to keep the ones brave enough to step forward? ⚽

For many young referees, it isn’t the decisions, the pressure or even making mistakes that drives them away.

It’s the abuse.

From adults.

A teenager can be confident enough to take charge of a match, only to spend 60 minutes being shouted at, questioned and criticised from the touchline.

Then we wonder why they don’t come back.

Clubs, coaches and parents all have a part to play. If we want more referees, protecting the young ones already giving it a go has to come first.

Are we doing enough — and should clubs be tougher on people who abuse young referees? 👇⚽

08/11/2026

‼️Reminder‼️
Meet the coaches night is today at the Lighthouse church (30402 M-62, Dowagiac, MI). Please join if you can. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the upcoming season!

08/11/2026

Some kids fly from the very first kick of a ball. Others take a little longer to find their feet. ⚽💚

They might not be the quickest at 8.
They might not be the strongest at 9.
They might not be the standout player at 10.

But that doesn’t tell you who they’ll become.

Confidence grows. Bodies develop. Understanding improves. Belief builds. And sometimes the child who looked a step behind suddenly takes a huge leap forward.

Grassroots football shouldn’t be about deciding who is “good enough” too early. It should be about giving children the time, encouragement and opportunity to develop at their own pace.

Because some kids don’t need writing off.

They just need time. 💚⚽

Have you seen a young player completely transform after being given time to develop? 👇