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
- 2027 league starts January 9th through March 7th, 2027.
- One 8-game season. NO games are played the first weekend of "ski week". (February 13 & 14, 2027)
- 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
- Early Bird Registration (By Oct 31st) - $280
- Regular Registration (Nov 1st – Dec 11) - $320
Waitlist (After Dec 11): Automatically placed on a waitlist and added only on a space-available basis.
About the League & Philosophy
What is the Winter Indoor Soccer League (WISL)?
Established in 1985, WISL is a supportive and inclusive winter indoor soccer league serving Marin County youth ages 5 to 18. Every winter, 180 teams join us to stay active, develop technical skills, and build team spirit in a fun environment.
What is the league's philosophy on competition?
We promote healthy competition that completely rejects a "win-at-all-costs" attitude. Coaches and parents are expected to model great sportsmanship. To ensure player development, all coaches are required to give each player equal playing time in every game.
Schedule, Format & Locations
What is the game format?
- Roster Management: Typically 9–10 players. For squads with several winter multi-sport participants, we suggest a slightly larger roster to ensure consistent game-day attendance.
- On the Pitch: 6 players total at a time (5 field players + 1 goalkeeper).
- Game Length: Two 25-minute halves (1-hour time slots).
- Substitutions: Unlimited and done "on the fly" while the ball is in play.
When does the season run and what is the schedule?
- 2027 Season Dates: January 9th through March 7th, 2027.
- The Season: An 8-game season with games played on either Saturdays or Sundays.
- Practices & Playoffs: There are no team practices or playoff games in this league. However, Dave Fromer Soccer provides indoor soccer clinics from November through March at Flyte in San Rafael. These clinics are designed to help players become familiar with the indoor game format rather than serving as official team practices. They are open to all players
- Holiday Breaks: There are NO games played during the first weekend of Ski Week (February 13 & 14, 2027).
Where are the games played?
Games are held at gymnasiums throughout Marin County. Due to facility limitations and varying gym sizes, we cannot guarantee play at your nearest facility. Our 2027 locations include:
- Tamalpais High School & Mill Valley Middle School (Mill Valley)
- Hall Middle School (Larkspur)
- Archie Williams High School (San Anselmo)
- Miller Creek School (San Rafael)
- Albert J. Boro Gym (San Rafael)
- Hill Gymnasium (Novato)
- Mill Valley Middle School
- Manzanita Rec Center (Sausalito)
Registration, Teams & Fees
What are the registration fees and deadlines?
- Early Bird Registration (by Oct 31): $280
- Regular Registration (Nov 1–Dec 11): $320
- Waitlist (after Dec 11): Automatically placed on a waitlist and added only on a space-available basis.
Can my child register without a team?
Yes! Unaffiliated players are welcome and will be placed on teams by the league. We honor teammate requests whenever possible.
How do pre-formed teams register?
Parents are highly encouraged to put together a group of 9–10 players to enter as a team. If your group is smaller, the league can add unaffiliated players to fill your roster. Players must note their coach's name on their individual registration forms, and coaches must submit an official roster and team name.
Do I need coaching experience to volunteer?
Not at all! Every team requires a volunteer parent coach or team parent—a commitment of just 1–2 hours per weekend game. WISL provides full training orientations and clinics for all parent volunteers.
Equipment & Safety
What gear does my child need?
- Required Uniform: An official WISL game jersey is included in your registration fee and provided at the start of the season.
- Footwear: Regular tennis shoes or indoor soccer shoes with non-marking soles are required.
- Clothing & Protection: Players should wear soccer shorts or sweatpants. Shinguards are not mandatory but are strongly recommended. Goalkeepers must bring their own gloves or knee pads if desired.
- What NOT to bring: WISL provides all felt-covered indoor soccer balls, goals, and scrimmage vests. To avoid equipment mix-ups, please do not bring personal indoor soccer balls to the gyms.
What are the spectator safety rules?
To keep players safe in tight gym spaces, spectators must keep the sidelines completely clear of chairs, strollers, extra clothing, and bags. Most facilities strictly prohibit food and drink inside the gym. At gyms without bleachers, spectators should stand along the wall or sit compactly.
Why Choose Indoor Soccer? (The Benefits)
Rapid Skill Development
Confined spaces mean players get significantly more touches on the ball, quickly improving ball control, quick passing, and shooting accuracy. Players can even use the wall as a teammate!
Constant Action
With virtually no out-of-bounds, the fast-paced, high-scoring environment keeps kids physically fit, building endurance, speed, and coordination.
Better Tactical Smartness
Indoor soccer forces children to stay alert and proactive even when they don't have the ball, building great habits that translate directly back to the outdoor game.
Inclusive Structure
Size and physical strength matter less indoors—spatial awareness, quick decision-making, and coordination are what make players excel.
League Survey: Helping Us Create the Best Game Experience
Is the WISL a competitive or recreational league?
The WISL is a hybrid, community-focused league. While we strictly thrive on providing a good, competitive game, we currently do not run separate skill brackets. Our ultimate goal is balanced competition, skill development, and maximum fun for everyone on the field.
To help us achieve this, please answer the following question:
How would you rate your team's skill level, and are you comfortable with on-the-fly adjustments to keep games balanced?
- [ ] Highly Competitive: We want an intense, fast-paced challenge and can handle top-tier teams.
- [ ] Moderately Competitive: We want a good, challenging game but are still developing or playing more casually.
Note: Because we do not have separate brackets, if a game becomes too one-sided, the league reserves the right to remix teams or have referees adjust player numbers (e.g., playing a player down) to level the playing field and keep the match competitive. Do you agree to cooperate with these adjustments for the sake of a better game?