| Select/Competitive soccer requires a significant time commitment. Most teams practice at least 2 or 3 times a week and many teams play in 30-40 or more games per year. Player tryouts usually begin July 1. Teams frequently have training/conditioning camps in late July. League tryouts are usually the first 2 or 3 weeks in August.
Most leagues begin in late August or early September and continue right up to Thanksgiving (sometimes beyond). The Spring season usually begins in February (with practice before that) and continues until May (and sometimes beyond). Some teams play in tournaments before the start of the Spring season. Many teams play in multiple tournaments from Memorial Day weekend through the end of June. And then it starts over for the next soccer year.
Practices are MANDATORY. Please do not expect to play -- unless you attend each scheduled practice with your team or a substituted practice. Players must realize that this is not recreational soccer. Players must bring a ball, shin guards, water, and a serious attitude to learn and train hard to each and every practice. Traveling to games on a regular basis is a part of playing select soccer.
In recreational soccer, the focus is most often on social interaction, "having fun" with friends, which often comes at the expense of instruction. In select soccer, the focus in on teaching in an enjoyable manner that is appropriate for the child's age level. Individual skills and team tactics are taught and implemented in order to more fully develop the child's level of play. |
