Q: What is Select soccer ??
The term “select” can be somewhat misleading – it does NOT mean only the best soccer players in an area (they are not all little Davy Beckhams!). It generally means that the players must try out and be selected to play on a team. Players are placed on teams with players of similar skill level so that every player has an equal chance to develop as a player. Select soccer teams are broken into Division (levels) of play:

• Division II (practice twice a week)
  • Competitive, athletic, lowest commitment level
• Super II (practice twice a week)
  • More Competitive, skilled athletes, more committed to skill development
• Division I (practice 3 times a week)
  • Very Competitive, highly skilled athletes, high commitment level
• Premiere (practice 3 times a week)
  • Highly Competitive, advanced athletes, highest commitment level.
  • Open to only U14 and above

Q: What are the benefits to playing Select soccer?
Select soccer has benefits that transcend the game itself. Playing Select soccer helps build character in young people and is a great investment in your kids. Players learn:

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  • Teamwork
  • Friendships
  • Conditioning
  • Commitment
  • A healthy activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime

Q: What are the differences between Select and Recreational soccer?
There are 3 major differences

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  • Level of Development & Training
  • Level of Competition
  • Level of Commitment

Q: How is the Development & Training different than for Recreational Soccer?
Teams are trained by a professional coach. All AUCSC Select coaches are professionally accredited, highly qualified and have extensive soccer experience. Our coaches are former professional players, US National team players or college coaches! They have all played the game at its highest levels and understand what it takes to develop a player’s potential.

Q: How is the level of competition different for Select?
Select soccer teams play at a skill level appropriate for their development levels against teams of similar skill. Typically Select teams are better trained and more skilled than recreational teams, and thus provide a chance for players of higher skill to compete against other higher skilled opponents. This advanced competition hones the skills of the individual players and the team.

Q: If my child plays select soccer, will soccer dominate our lives?
Players are asked to commit to a team for a year, that is, for BOTH the Fall and Spring seasons. It is expected that once a player accepts a position on a team, he/she will commit to regularly attending practices and games.

Q: How many times a week will my child have to practice?
Depending on the level of play, either 2 times (DII and SuperII) or 3 times a week (DI & Premier League)

Q: Will we have to travel all over the state to play select soccer?
No. For teams in Division II and SuperII, all games are played at home or at opponents’ club site. This is essentially the same as for Recreational teams above the U10 age group. For DI teams, all games are played either at Northeast Metropolitan Park in Pflugerville or at Soccer International (formerly Pepsi Soccer, Texas) in Schertz.

Q: What about soccer tournaments?
The number and type of soccer tournaments a team attends is determined by the Director of Coaching in consultation with the professional trainers. For the younger ages, it is usually 2 per year (one in the Fall, one in the Spring). These tournaments are an added expense and so travel is usually limited to the Houston, Dallas or San Antonio regions.

Q:How much does Select soccer cost (2008-2009)?
Monthly payments may be set up by Credit Card or ACH. There is a $10 per payment convenience fee to assist in offsetting administrative and credit card fees.

• Division II
  • $1120 ($250 commitment fee + $145/month for 6 months)
  • $275 uniform fee
• Super II
  • $1510 $250 commitment fee + $210/month for 6 months
  • $275 uniform fee
• Premiere/Division I
  • $1816 ($250 commitment fee + $261/month for 6 months)
  • $275 uniform fee

Q: What to do you get for the cost?
The fee covers June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009 and includes:

• Professional coaching staff (2 or 3 90-minute training sessions per week + games)
• Governing body fees (USYS, STYSA, WD, WDDOA, CAYSA)
• Fields and field maintenance
• Administrative wages
• Voting membership in Austin United Capital Soccer Club
• Registration and injury insurance
• Referee fees

Q: When do the seasons begin and end?
Professional training starts in August (the specific date will depend on whether a team chooses to participate in a preseason tournament). League play starts the weekend after Labor Day and finishes before Thanksgiving (number of games depends on number of teams in league). Teams that advance to the playoffs will continue training and playing games as far as they advance (the state tournament is usually the 2nd weekend in December). Professional training resumes in February (team may decide to go to preseason tournaments in February). Spring season play generally starts the first weekend in March and the playoffs are in May.

Q: Whom should I contact for more information about AU*Capital Soccer Club?
Contact any of the administrative staff, Board of Directors, professional coaches listed on the club webpage (www.austinsoccer.org)