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Youth Teams

U9 and U10

Philosophy

• Players in this age group are strictly playing for fun. The primary focus is technical development and developing a life-long love for the game of soccer.  A successful program by our standards would have a pool of young players who develop individual, creative competence with the ball and who at age 17, 27, and 57 still can't get enough of the game.  Developmentally appropriate activities will be incorporated in order to allow each child an opportunity for success.

Training

• These teams train approximately twice a week from November to the end of July.

Competition

• Teams in this program will typically only play a couple of friendly games during the indoor season.  For the outdoor season each team will participate in festivals, friendly scrimmages, one tournament, and Upstate Premier League play.  Decisions about competition are based on player readiness levels.

Rostering

• Players will be required to tryout for a position in the program.  Only players who are considered capable of benefiting from the program will be accepted.  Typically player groupings will be divided out by readiness level versus age level for 8's, 9's, and 10 year old players.  Registration numbers may affect programming.  New players will be added throughout the season on a tryout basis.

U11 and U12

Philosophy

• In these age groups players begin to start to process information like adults.  The focus is still on developing technical soccer players and creating a fun learning environment.  In evaluating teams and players we focus more on our player's ability to manage the ball while under pressure from an opponent.  Low level tactical decision making is developed as players begin to become more proficient with the ball.

Training

• These teams train about twice a week from November to the end of July.

Competition

• The competition schedule slowly becomes more intense through the age groups of the club.  At this age players are playing in a good mix of moderate and high level competition.  Typically teams will compete in the Upstate Premier League, compete in a series of friendly competitions against other premier clubs regionally, and attend one to two tournaments appropriate for the level of the players.  While competing and playing to win are important in the development of our players, results are not emphasized.  Player development takes precedent over results and trophies. 

Rostering

• Players will be required to tryout for a position in the program.  Only players who are considered capable of benefiting from the program will be accepted.  Player groupings will be divided out by age level and then readiness levels.  Registration numbers may affect programming.  New players will be added throughout the season on a tryout basis.