Why play select soccer?

The whys are easy but playing select is not for everyone. Select soccer players need to be committed players seeking to improve their playing skills and knowledge. The main benefits of select or competitive soccer are:
• Experienced, licensed coaches and trainers
• Player and skill development
• High level of play and competition

Playing in a club environment creates a spirited and supportive network of coaches, fans and players.  We like to think that our players have dozens of coaches along with hundreds of team mates and fans.

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Isn’t playing select soccer expensive?

Compared to recreational soccer, select can cost more. However, we feel that the select soccer program offers more value to the player. Scholarships are available if financial assistance is needed. Many teams do team fundraisers to help with the costs. Also the club collects the fee payments in installments to help ease the burden of a lump sum payment. Players pay a flat fee at the beginning of the season that covers the cost of tournaments, insurance, registration and coaching expense. Fees are typically in the $350 range per season for full travel teams.

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When is the select season?

There are two seasons during a calendar year. Our U-9 through U13 teams play a fall season which begins in August and ends in November. Then in the spring our U-10 through U-18 teams play beginning usually in March and ending in May or early June.  Preseason camps are typically held prior to the start of the season.  Camps and start dates may vary due to weather, scheduling and other factors.

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What about travel?

Select teams do travel. Most of the travel is within Kentucky and surrounding states. Several of the tournaments are localized and do not require overnight stays such as in Evansville and Bowling Green. We also sponsor a fall and spring tournament here in Owensboro.

Teams make every effort to find discounted and affordable motel accommodations when overnight stays are required. Players and family members alike will tell you that traveling with the team is fun and lasting friendships are made.

For some age divisions limited travel teams may be formed within United Soccer Club.  These teams will have only localized travel.

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What is the difference between full and limited travel teams?

Great question.  Limited travel teams are relatively new to our club and provides the younger player a slower transition into competitive soccer.  Limited travel options are available for players in the U9-U12 age groups.  The club also has flexibility with our U17-U18 age groups.  A brief comparison follows:

What are tournaments like?

Tournaments are hosted by other soccer clubs or civic organizations. They provide a great opportunity to play teams from states across the mid-west. Typically, you are guaranteed a minimum of three games depending on the size of the tournament or number of teams in your age division. Normally, trophies, plaques or similar awards are given to the first and second teams. Most tournaments offer a host of offerings such as vendor booths, t-shirts, pictures and exhibition games.

The Club likes to travel together to the same tournaments that are selected by the Executive Director and Coaching Director. However, they do listen to input from individual teams based on level of competition and player availability.

Older teams may plan to go to college showcase tournaments.  These types of tournaments provide players an excellent opportunity to be scouted and seen by college coaches and recruiters.

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Do you play on Sundays?

Some league games may be scheduled for Sunday afternoons. During a tournament, Sunday play can be expected. Many tournaments provide a list of area churches and worship times. Some tournaments host non-denominational services at the fields as well.

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What is the time commitment?

Typically select teams practice 2-3 times a week for 1 ½ hours per session. During the fall season, ideally teams will play 5 “friendly” or scrimmage games against other select programs and participate in 4 tournaments. In the spring, United teams play in the Evansville Area Soccer Association’s select league or the Kentucky Select Soccer League. Most teams will have 8 games scheduled in the league and then play in 4 tournaments.

This year for the U-9 and U-12 age divisions, limited travel teams are an option.  Those teams will average 2 localized tournaments a season and one training session per week.  Players on limited travel teams are encouraged to play recreational soccer as well.

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Playing time, is it equal?

Select soccer is competitive. Coaches try to provide ample game time for all players, however it is not always equal depending upon the game situation. However, training is focused on each and every player and their development. Our coaches are experienced and while they may want to win, they are sensitive to the needs of the players.

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How is United organized?

United has a governing board that consists of a Chair, Vice-Chair of Planning, Vice-Chair of Facilities,  Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar and Public Relations Coordinator along with two parent representative from each team. The board meets monthly to conduct the business of the club. Each team in turn has a team manager and usually a treasurer. The team manager helps coordinates the activities of the team. They are not involved in coaching. However, they can also serve as a liaison between the parents and the coach. The treasurer collects the fee money from the players and makes payments to the Club on behalf of the team. Many teams also have a parent volunteer who makes the travel arrangements.

Essential to the success of the Club is the Executive Director and Coaching Coordinator. They oversee the general business of the club along with the selection and training of all the players and is responsible for recruiting, assigning and oversight of coaches.

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How about the Coaches?

The Club is very proud of its coaching staff. All coaches have a minimum of an “E” license and receiving ongoing training and oversight by the Coaching Director. A large number of our coaches coach at the high school or collegiate level. Several of the coaches have also played at higher levels.

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How are you chosen to play?

Annual try-outs are held each year. Each perspective player is assessed based on four components: Technical ability – passing, receiving, dribbling; Tactical ability – decision making with and without the ball; Physical ability – speed, agility, strength, power; and Psychological – composure, coachability. Players trying out will receive a letter after try-outs informing them if they have been placed on a team or not.

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What if I am not chosen for a team?

Unfortunately, not everyone may make a team. While it is disappointing, you are encouraged to keep trying. Players develop differently. One year can make a big difference.

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Must I play in my age group?

While there are limited exceptions, players usually play within their appropriate age divisions. “Playing Up” is a decision made by the coaching director with various factors weighing in the decision.

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What do I need to bring to tryouts?

Dress in appropriate soccer gear including cleats and shin guards. Bring a ball and water bottle as well. There is a $10 non-refundable tryout fee and every player receives a numbered USC t-shirt. All players must have a completed medical release form and a player registration form.  Click here for forms

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If there is more than one tryout for my age group, must I attend both?

You are encouraged to attend both sessions. The coaching staff will have a better opportunity to evaluate your skills.

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Do I have to live in Owensboro or Daviess County to play for Owensboro United Soccer Club?

No. Over the past several years we have had several players in our club that are from neighboring cities and states.

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Are uniforms furnished?

The Board selects the uniforms for the club. All teams should wear the specified uniform unless a change has occurred and your team is in a transitional period. Players pay for their own uniforms which consist of two jerseys, shorts and socks. The average price is $75. Typically uniforms are changed every four years. For limited travel teams, a red and a white t-shirt will be provided by the club and the player furnishes socks and shorts.

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What’s a player card?

All players and coaches registered with the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association as a select player carries a U.S. Youth Soccer Association member pass.  The card has the player’s or coach’s photo, birth date, team information, member identification number and signatures of the cardholder and registrar.  The card must be stamped and signed by a KYSA designee to be valid.

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Can I play both recreational “rec” and select soccer?

If a player wishes to participate on both a recreation and select team they may do so.  However, if there is a conflict in match schedule, the player must play for the team of the highest level of competition (i.e., Select before Recreational).

 

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Is there a conflict playing high school soccer?

Absolutely not. We want our players to play for their schools and fully support their endeavors. That is why our older teams, U14 and above, do not train and play select soccer in the fall. You will note that the majority of standout high players are or have been a part of United.

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