Austin United Capital Soccer Club's Select Program
The Select Program of AUCSC offers a competitive, comprehensive program, uniquely designed to provide the best player development environment for every player. With a training structure guided by the US National team staff and “Best Practices” model, our players are poised to maximize their soccer experience with a specialized training style. Designed to assist you in reaching your ODP, high school, collegiate and personal goals, the AUCSC program nurtures the process of excellence from the Under 11 Club level all the way through Under 18. A team of professional trainers are ready to train boys and girls who want to play and compete at their highest level possible.
TRYOUTS
For selection on AUCSC team players must first attend annual try-outs. Try-outs are held in the spring, usually in May/June. The Club advertises the open try-outs to inform the public of the times and dates. The Select coaching staff evaluates players to determine selection to an appropriate level Select team. Player performance will be evaluated by observing the player during the Club’s regular season and in annual try-outs. These try-outs are open to all and are conducted under the supervision of the Directors of Coaching. Selection decisions are based purely on soccer decisions, not on politics, friendships, personal relationships or financial contributions to the Club. Coaches are responsible for making decisions for the good of the player, team and Club. Our coaches are given the freedom to work objectively, and each player will be given a fair opportunity to make the Club. Consideration is also given to a player’s previous AUCSC experience.
LEVELS OF PLAY
AUCSC offers every level of play at the select level. Select teams can compete at the following levels based on the abilities of the players and team.
- Premier – The highest level of club soccer only available for a very limited number of teams U14-U18 qualification process based on National Cup results.
- Division 1 – Traditionally the top level of select soccer for all age groups U11-U18 (with the exception of the very few elite premier level teams)
- Super II – This a predominantly a transitional level where teams compete to become Division 1
- Division II – The least challenging level for select teams, provides an environment for those players who desire professional training and more serious soccer than recreational but not as competitive as top select soccer
It is not out of the ordinary for AUCSC to have a team at each age group in each of the different levels of play. The level of play is highly dependent on the readiness of the individual team to participate in any given level and is also dependent upon the team’s ability to qualify for the higher levels such as Premier.
AGE GROUP DEVELOPMENT
The AUCSC select program is designed for the youth athlete who enjoys soccer and is interested in playing at the most competitive level. However, in order to promote the development of personal skills,
creativity and a life-long passion for the game players must be placed in a positive environment and receive the correct training and information from an early age.
U11 –U12
“True player development focuses on the development of the player, not the development of the team! Up to age 12, this should be the only criteria used in designing and running youth soccer
programs.”
Ron Quinn, US Youth Soccer
AUCSC is dedicated to and understands that the true value of long term success comes through the development of both technical skills and team work over any individual game result. This is especially true at the formative ages of U9–U12. It has been shown time and time again that except in rare cases, the
player pool picked as “the best” at U11 is very different than that picked at U13.
The AUCSC program looks to form competitively balanced teams if there are two teams in a specific playing level. This removes the ‘A’ Team v ‘B’ Team mentality that can negatively affect young players, causing them to feel disillusioned about the game. Usually at U11 teams are competitively balanced but within the structure of their level of play. For example, if there are 40 players selected from tryouts at U11 the coaching staff must determine if the club forms DI or SII teams. This will depend on the player pool and may vary from one year to the next. This policy may also be used at the U12 age group if the coaching staff determines that it is for the best.
There may also be times when the coaching staff selects ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams at U11 depending on the player pool. It is also our policy for the age group (for example U11) to practice together. Joint practices enable all players to get to know each other and for all coaches to get to know all of the players in the age group. This approach is club and age group centric instead of team centric, reduces results oriented pressure and facilitates focus on individual player development. As the players move forward in the club they are likely to be dispersed onto different teams each year. The joint practices approach makes this transition smoother for our players. It has been fairly well established that at least 70% of all youth quit organized sports by U13. When seeking a solution it must be noted that it is not what we are doing at U13 that poses the problem but what the players have experienced prior to that (at U9-U12). Sports specialists and child development professionals repeatedly indicate that the problem revolves around too much pressure to achieve “winning” results too soon instead of focusing primarily on individual development. Such pressure on young children reduces intrinsic motivation, leads to perceptions of failure, diminishes enjoyment and promotes a determination to get out as soon as they get more control over their lives. It is the intention of AUCSC to provide an environment for players to play at the select level without the stigma of failure and that negative experiences will be reduced.
“Too often in this country, youth coaches sacrifice learning skills
for winning games”
US Women’s National team Member, Mia Hamm
Our aim is to develop individual players for the long term and not compromise for victories in the short term. For example some coaches (and a great many parents) encourage the youngsters to play a long ball game because they are uncomfortable with their players under pressure at their own end of the field. This long ball philosophy is counterproductive to long term development. At AUCSC we allow our players to play from the back in order to keep possession. They will occasionally give up the ball and more goals may be scored on them in the short term, but they will be comfortable with the ball and technically more competent in the long term. Soccer is a game of mistakes, we will allow our players to make them and learn from them. This is a vital form of development.
“The easiest stage for a player to develop skill is between the ages of 8-12. Players have a more difficult time mastering tactics at this age due to a short attention span, inability to understand high level concepts and level of skill. Therefore, at an early age, skill development should be stressed and the player’s must learn to master the ball”.
Ajax Amsterdam Journal
U13 –U14
At U13 the club begins to become more selective following tryouts with the creation of the first Caps’ team. With the advent of the 11v 11 game, adult standards and formalized rules start to shape a players’ soccer development. However, in spite of this AUCSC staff is still very conscious that players develop at different rates.
A Navy team player at U13 could be a Caps team player at U14 or U15. Therefore movement between teams is promoted. Players may be chosen to move up or down a level (or color) during the season if it is felt to be in that players best interest. Sometimes this can be detrimental to results if, for example, the best player on the Navy team gets promoted to the Caps team. However, if it is deemed to be in the players’ best interest it must and will be done. All AUCSC staff is encouraged to promote players to play at a higher level. Sometimes players are asked to train up or to guest play with another AUCSC team as a test of ability and compatibility with the other team or sometimes as a reward for good play and a positive attitude. Our goal is to provide a ‘club’ and not ‘team’ culture.
“Youth sports have become about more than kids having fun," says Marshall. "Frankly it’s beginning to get out of control. It’s almost a national obsession.”
Steve Marshall, University of North Carolina
The club is aware that at these ages players are going through coordination difficulties and hormonal changes due to growth and the onset of puberty. It is also a period where there is a likelihood of overuse injuries if practices/games are not monitored correctly. The start of middle school soccer and participation in other sports can be harmful to the player in terms of burnout and injury unless restrictions are placed on the athlete. A compromise can usually be reached with Middle school soccer and AUCSC whereby the player skips middle school practice to attend AUCSC practice and can skip AUCSC practice to attend
middle school games. As the players within the select program are still playing over the course of the year (fall and spring seasons) the club is careful to plan and organize training and games so not to impact the athlete negatively without compromising the program.
“It is difficult for parents to let go and allow a coach to do her/his job. The coaches are there, however, to help and guide youngsters through the sport. Sport is not only physically challenging, but it can also be mentally challenging. Criticism from coaches, parents, and other teammates, as well as pressure to win can create an excessive amount of anxiety or stress for young athletes. Stress can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and research has indicated that it can
lead to burnout.”
Preventing Youth Sport Burnout, Susan E. Stoker
U15 –U18
By high school age the club has the players for one long fall season and a short spring cup play sandwiched in between high school . It is therefore very important that standards of dedication and participation increase by the player. Movement between teams and the promotion of players still exists within season but the window is now smaller. There may be slight overlaps with the tournament schedule and high school soccer but schedules are made under the provision that high school soccer is the players first priority in high school season and that AUCSC is first priority in AUCSC’ season. There is a high level of expectation from the player by the club. While AUCSC does not restrict player’s participation in other sports, the competitive nature of club soccer demands that the player make a decision when conflicts arise. To be fair to teammates and the coaching staff, once a player becomes U15 they need to have made the decision that soccer is their priority(especially at the higher levels of the club). Players are expected to make training sessions, tournaments and games a priority over all other sporting interests.
“One of the characteristics of a top player is that they are able to deliver a genuinely honest assessment of their own performance and abilities”
ArseneWenger 2007
TRAINING STAFF
At AUCSC, we believe that better trainers produce better players. To help facilitate this vision, the Directors of Coaching provide the Coaching leadership for the club. They are assisted by a team of professional trainers specifically chosen for their first-class training, as well as their desire to develop players. The result is a better training environment and a more complete program. This environment is also achieved through the AUCSC training staff pursuing advanced certifications from the USSF and NSCAA. For more information about the staff, please view our Training Staff page.
COLLEGE PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE
For players who want to play at the college level, we offer the AU*Capital SC College Program which is a combination of programs, leadership and opportunities to support the ongoing goals of the talented and committed player and to assist players in marketing their abilities to college coaches. In addition to hosting and participating in a number of College Showcase Tournaments, the Club is excited to offer an on-line service to enhance the access to our players for College Coaches. This service provides individual player profiles that are utilized as part of a comprehensive program for creating opportunities for each player who wishes to pursue a collegiate opportunity in soccer.
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 David Beckhams!). Select is 8V8 or 11v11 soccer with full-time professional coaches. Teams are formed through a try-out process where players are selected to a roster based on their ability. These teams are trained and coached by a professionally licensed soccer coach, and will compete against similarly competitive teams. Select soccer allows those players who desire the environment to train and compete at the next level an opportunity to do so.:
- Challenge- Division III (train once a week with AUCSC professional trainer & once with volunteer coach)
- Division II (train twice a week)
- Competitive, athletic, lowest commitment level
- Super II (train twice a week)
- More Competitive, skilled athletes, more committed to skill development
- Division I (train 2-3 times a week based on competitive calendar)
- Very Competitive, highly skilled athletes, high commitment level
- Premier (practice 3-4 times a week based on competitive calendar)
- 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:
-
- Teamwork
- Friendships
- Life Lessons
- 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
-
- 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 licensed, highly qualified and have an extensive soccer background as players and coaches. Our coaches are former collegiate and professional players, US National/Olympic Development staff, players or college and professional coaches! They have all played and coached 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 all calendar events (training, tournaments 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 Super II) 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/III and Super II, 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, Town and Country Park, Williamson Park or at San Antonio complexes. Premier teams will typically travel to Oklahoma, Dallas or Houston.
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
- Super II
- Premiere/Division I
**Please see the Finanical Assistance FAQs for more information
SPRING ONLY OPTION - The AUCSC Spring Only fee structure calls for 29% of total fees, with a transfer discount of 10%. All fees for Transfer and new players must be paid in full, or over a two-month period, beginning with the initial registration date.
Q: What to do you get for the cost?
The fee covers June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010 and includes:
- Professional coaching staff (2 or 3 90-minute training sessions per week + games)
- Governing body fees (USYS, US Club, STYSA, WD, WDDOA, CAYSA)
- Post Season Tournaments and coach travel expenses
- College Program
- 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 begins in August (specific date will depend on the team and level of play). League play starts the weekend after Labor Day and finishes mid-November (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 mid-January for U11-U14 and mid-March for U15-U18. Spring season play generally starts the first weekend in March with Cup playoffs in May. A team calendar will be provided at the Club wide meeting to occur after tryouts. Below is a typical select calendar year:
U11-U14: August-May
U15-U18: August-December (High School break) then March-June.
Q: Whom should I contact for more information about AU*Capital Soccer Club?
Business or administrative questions contact the Executive Director, Board of Directors or administrative staff. For technical questions the Director of Coaching or professional coaches listed on the club webpage (www.austinsoccer.org).
Select Soccer FAQ’s |
