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SFL Players (U13-U19/*2005-1999) Jersey Numbering System

U12 (2006) and Younger:  These age groups have no restrictions on duplicate numbers per team and will not be included in the jersey numbering system at this time. That doesn't mean one can't plan ahead if purchasing new jerseys just before moving into the U13 age group, or if purchasing new jerseys when moving to SFL is not preferable.  The easiest way to do this is to leave the new jerseys blank in preparation for the move to SFL play.  In many cases, players will be ready for new jerseys as they move into the U13 (2005) age group if they have already been playing for some time.  

SFL Players (U13-U19/*2005-1999) Jersey Numbering System

The older age groups at Burke Athletic Club play with the Suburban Friendship League (SFL), which does not allow for duplicate jersey numbers on a team.  As players get older, age groups and teams often merge and rosters will change.  In order to avoid numbering conflicts each season,  jersey numbers will now be managed by the club for the following age groups playing in this league;  U13 (2005), U14 (2004), U16 (2002 & 2003) and U19 (1999, 2000, & 2001).

Burke Athletic Club introduced a jersey numbering system when our new jerseys became available for purchase in the Fall of 2015.  Each age group now has a set range of numbers, but we would like players to have the option of choosing their number within the specified range.  Therefore, either the coaches or a club representative will contact each family for input on a jersey number, which will then be issued on a first come, first served basis.  Please respond as quickly as you can to the messages that are sent each pre-season and we’ll do our best to honor requests.  More than likely there will be some conflicts, so please be patient as we work through those.  If your child does not care about a jersey number, please respond in that manner and one will be assigned.  

A list of players with their assigned/chosen jersey number will be sent to Burke Sporting Goods.  When families go in to purchase their jerseys, Burke Sporting Goods will ask them their child’s birth year and will refer to the master list for all players U13 (2005) and older.  If you do not respond to the jersey message that is sent, Burke Sporting Goods will not have a number assigned to your child and will not print a number on your jerseys.  Therefore, please make sure you respond to our message before going to store so we can get each player an assigned number.  Please keep in mind that numbers are assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Number Retention:   As a player moves into the U13 (2005) age group or as they first begin playing with BAC in the *SFL age groups, a jersey number will be assigned.  Burke Sporting Goods will have a master list to work with that will remain with a player until they are no longer eligible to play or they no longer wish to play soccer.  Many players take a season or two off at times and their assigned number will remain theirs for two seasons.  If that player is still not in the system by the close of on-time registration during that third season, their number will be re-issued.  If they do end up returning after two seasons and the number has not yet been re-issued, they can certainly still use their old jerseys.  If it has, though, new jerseys will need to be purchased or the old jersey number modified at Burke Sporting Goods per the newly assigned number.

Passing Down Uniforms:  Families often pass down uniforms to siblings or to friends and that can certainly still be done, but please understand the number on the jersey will need to match that assigned to the player that is receiving the jersey.  Burke Sporting Goods has been very accommodating in the past with modifying jerseys and they are still willing to do this.  Of course, the jerseys will not look perfect, as completely covering a number means using a transparency to cover the old number and putting a new one on top of that.  Please understand this will not look the same as purchasing a new jersey, but Burke Sporting Goods is kindly working with us in an effort to save people money and help us avoid having to purchase new jerseys to comply with the rules of SFL.  

Moving from U12 (BAC league play) to U13 (SFL):

As stated above, many players will be ready for new jerseys as they move into the U13 (2005) age group if they've been playing with BAC for some time.  For those that would like to continue using their current jersey set as they move from U12 (2006) to U13 (2005), we will do our best to help you avoid having to purchase new jerseys.  Please keep in mind we will need to de-conflict any duplicate jersey numbers within the age group.  Burke Sporting Goods will kindly modify numbers free of charge, so we ask that you work with us to get any issues resolved smoothly.  For those players that are able to use their current jerseys when moving to the U13 age group, the goal will then be to have those players using numbers within the assigned range by the following fall (U14).  Those numbers are distributed on a first come, first served basis.             

Where to Purchase:  Burke Sporting Goods provides BAC’s uniforms.  They are located at 5616 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.  703-239-9000.

* Age groups are now referred to by birth year.  The first year of play with the Surburban Friendship League begins with U13, which is now called the 2005 age group, or the 05's.  The SFL age groups are as follows:

1)  U13 (players born in 2005)

2)  U14 (players born in 2004)

3)  U16 (players born in 2002 or 2003)

4)  U19 (players born in 1999, 2000 or 2001)