Below are some common questions we receive about the Spring 2026 season. If you have additional questions, please email info@southlakesoldiers.com

1. When does the season start?

– Practices will officially begin June 15, 2026. From that date until June 29th, practices will be twice a week on Monday and Thursday. Starting July 6th, 2026, practices will be three times a week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Practices will be held at Trailhead Park Minneola. At some point in the season, practices will move to the Minneola Athletic Complex. 

– Games will begin on August 15th, 2026. Times and locations TBD. 

2. When and where will practices be held?

– Please refer to Question #1 above for the answer to this.

3. How long is the season?

– The season begins on Saturday, August 15th, 2026. The regular season will run for approximately 10 weeks. Each team will have anywhere from 8 – 10 games during those weeks with approximately half of those as home games. Home games are currently being setup to be in the South Lake County area. 

The post-season (playoffs) will follow the regular season and will run until the end or elimination. 

4. What is the format of play for this season?

– This is an 11v11 format with kickoffs, punts, and field goals. There will be a regulation clock. 

5. What age divisions are being offered this season?

– We have a 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U age divisions for this season. 

6. What does the registration fee cover for the athlete?

– The registration fee covers the uniform and the operations costs for the league. The Soldiers then pays Elite Youth Youth Football League (EYFL) for things like insurance, field rentals, etc. The remaining portion is for rental of practice fields during the season. The uniform covers the jersey and the pants and are kept by the athlete at the end of the season. 

7. What equipment does the athlete need to provide? What does the Soldiers provide?

– The athlete is required to bring practice jerseys, cleats, a mouthguard, padded practice pants, and water for practices. The athlete is welcome to bring their own pads and helmet; however, if the athlete does not have these items, pads and a helmet will be loaned to the athlete at no additional cost. 

8. Does this league have a minimum playing requirement (MPR)? 

– No. There is no MPR for this league which means that attending every practice and giving their all is the best way to play in the games on the weekend. Our coaches are about developing players but also about winning games. 

9. Where will the games be played?

– The locations and times of the games are still TBD and will be announced by the league shortly before the start of the season. Most games will be played within the central Florida area; however, the South Lake Soldiers have no control over where games are played. 

10. How many athletes will be allowed on one team?

– In an 11v11 format, we allow for more athletes on the team. We will monitor the size of the rosters and cap them, if necessary.