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Select/Premier Soccer Overview
The Select/Premier Program provides the opportunity for motivated soccer players with advanced coaching, training and competition. Players attend tryouts and are placed on teams with others of similar skill levels. Select teams compete at the district level in leagues run by WSYSA District 3. The emphasis of the Select Program is player development that begins with mastering basic individual soccer skills and moves ahead to developing team skills and is administered by licensed coaches to ensure an expert level of instruction and challenge.
What is the time commitment for the Select Program?
The minimum commitment is 8 months, plus another 1-2 months if the team plays in the post-season state tournament. Teams will usually begin practice in mid-to-late April. Teams are encouraged to enter 2-3 summer tournaments. The fall league runs from September to mid-December. The post-season tournament has games through January – longer depending upon the team’s success. The commitment level for the Select Program is much higher than for recreational programs. Players are expected to make a full commitment to their team by attending practices, games and other team activities.
Who is a good candidate for the Select Program?
This program is for those players who love playing soccer and love learning new things. It is for those who want to train and compete in a more competitive environment than is offered in the recreational program. You also need to be committed to participating in practices and games from April – December.
How are the teams selected?
Players attend tryout sessions in March or May, depending on age/gender, where their skill level and athletic ability are assessed by members of the CSC coaching staff. They are then placed on teams with other players of similar ability and skill. There will be a distinct “first team” and “second team” and on down the line. Players will be notified of their placement and asked to make a commitment to the team. Within a few weeks of the final tryout session, teams will meet to complete the necessary registration paperwork and organize the team structure.
Can my child request placement on a team with a friend?
Typically, no. Players will be placed on teams based on their ability observed at the tryouts. If a player has a conflict with a particular team assignment, we will attempt to accommodate a move to a less advanced team. If siblings the same age request the same team but qualify for different teams based on their ability, they will be assigned to the less advanced team.
Who will be the coaches?
The Select Program involves both licensed coaches and trainers to ensure a high level of player and team development.
What are the fees and costs for the Select Program?
The fee level is higher than for the recreational program, primarily to cover the additional costs incurred with tournaments, equipment, etc. For individual players, you can expect to pay between $400 and $600 a season in addition to the registration fees. Team members share the costs of 2 uniforms (home & away), warm-ups, practice equipment, practice fields, tournament fees and any other additional expenses incurred during the season. Teams are encouraged to find sponsorships and organize team fundraising events to offset the costs.
Where will the teams practice?
CSC teams practice on grass fields owned by the Renton School District or local municipalities. When the grass fields close in the fall, practices move to the lighted fields at Petrovitski Park, Lindbergh High School, or Renton Stadium. Teams will be billed by the club for the use of these facilities. Practice locations are usually limited to within the CSC club boundaries during the season. Teams may want to rent practice fields at the Starfire Complex in Tukwila but that is organized independent of the club.
Where and when will the teams play?
CSC encourages teams to participate in 2-3 summer tournaments around Western Washington. Tournaments are a great opportunity for the team to bond and get to know each other better, and are an important tool in gauging the team’s ability and development. All U11 teams will be playing 9-a-side games and participate in the fall competitive leagues run by WSYSA District 3. District 3 offer several levels of competition at each age, so teams can be placed at a level where they will find both challenge and success. Playing at the District level does involve more travel for away games…but keep in mind that half of your games will be at home! About midway through the fall season, each team will need to decide if it wants to enter the state cup post-season tournament. Cup play begins in early January with a guarantee of at least three games. After that, you keep playing until you lose. Finals of the Cup are held in mid-March.
What about other sports or family vacations?
Participation in other sports is encouraged at this age – we only ask that you keep in mind that your player’s development, and the development of the team, is impacted by missed practices and games. Coaches will request that soccer be your first priority sport during the fall league season and state cup.
What participation is expected of parents?
CSC is run totally by volunteers, and each family is expected to volunteer at either the team or club level – or both, if you wish! We prefer that our coaches concentrate on coaching and training and leave the organization and management of the team up to the parents. There are a wide variety of volunteer positions available with each team, so there’s bound to be something for everybody.
If you have further questions about the Select Program, please contact the CSC VP of Competition or VP of Coach & Player Development.
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