Football/Soccer and Our Club’s place in it.

Washington youth soccer has several “levels of play”. It is important to understand those levels of play in order to determine your/your child’s placement for healthy play that will help in their physical, social and emotional development.

“Levels of Play”

Washington youth soccer(note solely WYS) has several levels of play. Each with its own merit. This is not ” All Inclusive” and their are other ways to be involved in the game.

Recreational or REC
Rec Soccer is an introduction to the game. Players will learn basic skills and fundamentals with the highest priorities on safety and entertainment. Coaches will be expected to have a base knowledge of the game and encourage players to learn to cooperate and begin to demonstrate good sportsmanship. Some teams will develop a competitive drive and may seek advancement and others may enjoy the relaxed play and exercise. No matter your physical aptitude, this is a wonderful introduction to the sport.

Select

Select Soccer will focus more on the game and development of player abilities. Players will learn the rules of the game in a more detailed way, learning positions tactics and how their skills work on the field. Play will be competitive and players will enter into a selection process. They are not guaranteed team placement or game time. Coaches at this level will be required to have licenses appropriate to the age group they coach. They will be expected to have game experience and will provide development plans to help the players hone their efforts and skills. This is a great place for players who thrive on development and enjoy competition.

Premier

Premier Soccer In Washington is the of highest level of youth play. Clubs that participate in Premier Soccer are considered Regional Clubs and are expected to have a fair amount of travel for their games. Players should expect intense training, high pressure and competition. Players will have their strengths and deficiencies tested and evaluated. Development plans will be much more detailed and progress will be documented. Coaches will be expected to have extensive game knowledge and experience. They will be licensed and undergo consistent training and education to ensure they are able to provide the greatest chance of success for the player. Play at this level is aimed at the player who strive to be the best and has plans to incorporate the sport into their lives. Play at this level often includes national and collegiate scouting exposure as well as development plans that focus on play or placement in their adult life.

Our club participates in “Select and Premier” level Soccer. This means that the level of competition will be inherently higher than “Rec”. Because of this we do have a selection process, some qualifying criteria, and some disqualifying criteria. It is important to remember that if you love or even like Soccer, YOU CAN PLAY! If you are not yet ready, or are not interested in higher competition levels, let us know. There are other wonderful programs we can guide you to so you can still enjoy the sport. If you are, or think you are ready, come try out.

Our selection process

There are three stages a player will go through to join the our Academy. But once you’re in, your family and we fight tooth and nail for our family. Speaking of family, the whole process starts with you and your family.

Tryouts

With your interest, and your Parent/Guardian permission. Sign up! Fill out a tryout form and come spend a few hours with us on the field. We will do some drills, play some games and see where you stand. On tryout day its important to get to know each other a little bit because if you make the team, we rely on each other for the season. At tryouts our team will be looking for-

  • Physical ability to play the game
  • Athletic aptitude to compete at Select or Premier level
  • Demonstrate the ability to follow direction from leadership

Recommendations

After tryouts, our coaches and assistant coaches review. They will make a recommendation for team placement to our Board of directors based on a few things.

  • Knowledge of the Game
  • Interactions with other players
  • Interactions with Coaching Staff
  • Initiative and decision making ability
  • Finally, “Heart”

–A quick note on ” Heart”. If you love something, you should never give up. Never stop. You may find defeat, loss, discouragement, but never failure. The best in the world faced adversity. They continue to face it. Let no body take away your love for yourself and your love for the game.

Acceptance

Finally, our board will review the recommendations of of the staff for each player and approve or deny Applicant Players based on the full review of the Player Applicant’s performance and recommendation from licensed coaches. Player Applicants not accepted may appeal this decision. Appeals May be submitted by email or handwritten letter. The letter should contain a statement from both Parent/Guardian and from the Applicant Player explaining why there should be a re-evaluation. If the statements are accepted, the Player Applicant will be offered a second evaluation.

Accepted Player Applicants

Player Applicants Must-

  • Have Parent/Guardian Consent to play
  • Be a Legal citizen of the US
  • Maintain a Primary home residence in Washington State
  • Parent/Guardian must accept, Code of Conduct and Ethics, our Player Contract, a Liability waiver and Medical Release form.
  • Applicant Player must accept, Code of Conduct and Ethics, our Player Contract, a Liability waiver and Medical Release form.

Player Applicants may not participate in the Academy if they-

  • Intend or expect to play on any Rec Team for one seasonal year (if accepted into select)
  • Are dismissed from an Educational Institution (yes, all players must stay in school)
  • Violate our, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, or Player Contract
  • Enter into Legal Proceedings WYS, GHFSA, or GHFC, during active play season