What is competitive soccer? Competitive soccer is a selective soccer program for players seeking to advance their game to the highest level—usually with the help of professional coaches/trainers. Comp soccer emphasizes player and team development and winning, and it requires a greater commitment from players and parents. There is no guaranteed playing time. Teams play locally, regionally or may enter statewide or national tournaments.

What is the difference between Competitive Teams vs. Rec Teams? Rec soccer is open to all players regardless of skill level and every player should receive at least 50% playing time. Competitive soccer requires a tryout or invitation and there is no guarantee of minimum playing time. Competitive soccer also carries a higher annual registration fee and a separate uniform fee ranging from $80 to $100 on top of registration fees. Travel distances may also increase for competitive soccer teams. It is not uncommon for driving times of 45 – 60 minutes to sites outside of Polk County for away games. Competitive teams may also decide to participate in weekend tournaments throughout the year. Contact your teams’ coach for information on training fees, uniform costs, likely travel distances and what tournaments might be scheduled for play.

 

Does it cost more to play comp soccer? Yes. The competitive registration fee does not include uniforms, but covers FYSA fees, and budgeted referee fees, paid trainers, equipment and tournament entry fees. Parents often find team sponsorships to offset these additional expenses.

 

How much does it cost? Typically annual fees range from $400 - $800 per player, significantly lower than the overwhelming majority of local competitive clubs.

What if I can’t afford the fees? Lakeland FC would like every child in our area to have an opportunity to play competitive soccer.  Scholarships for financial hardship are available. Please contact our Gerry Armitage at garmitage2001@gmail.com to discuss your situation.  All information will be held strictly confidential.

What time commitment is involved? Teams usually have two 90 minute practices and one game each week during the season.  Players are expected to attend all practices and games. Games may be on Saturdays, Sundays or occasionally, both. When teams travel, it is usually not more than 45-60 minutes away. Although substantial, the time commitment is easily manageable with good planning.

 

How does my player get on a comp team? Playing comp soccer requires an invitation or a tryout. Coaches will offer positions to those players most able and qualified. See our website for up to date info on age group tryouts. Please note that once registered, a player has a moral obligation to remain with her/his team for the seasonal year. FYSA and LFC prohibit moving players to another club without the approval of the current coach, the club’s board designated committee, and FYSA. Additional fees may apply.

 

Is my child good enough to make a team? Soccer teams are fairly large - usually 11-14 players for under age 10 and 14-18 players for age 10 and over.  While cuts do occur at some age groups, the vast majority of children who try out will make a team.  If there are enough children in any age group to form more than one team, both "A" and "B" level teams will be formed.  Our club registers teams for leagues based on ability, so all teams will find an appropriate level of play.

How do tryouts work? Try-outs are held each June to re-form teams for the following season.  Those trying out are evaluated on their ability to perform a series of soccer skills and then grouped for small-sided (4v4 to 8v8) scrimmages.  Players are ranked by a combination of outside evaluators and the competitive team coach.

Who chooses the team? The LFC Head Coach, with the assistance of the competitive tryout committee determines who will be on the team roster based on a combination of the results of the tryouts and a pre-evaluation by the team coach of the players that they are familiar with. 

 

How long is the season? Practices usually begin in early to mid August.  Typically, teams participate in a preseason tournament or two. League games run through the fall and winter with a hiatus for high school soccer in those age groups. Most teams will attend another couple of tournaments during the year.

 

How can I help the team? Teams need more than coaches to survive and thrive.  Every team needs a Manager, who is the team’s chief administrative officer. The Manager ensures that player passes, game reports, and referee fees are ready at all games; retains medical release forms; coordinates all communication; prepares league and tournament registration materials; and ensures that fees are paid, and team funds are monitored.

 

What is coach’s licensure and why does it matter? It is coaching education. As players develop, different challenges appear, requiring different coaching knowledge. The levels of coaching education are designed to reflect and enhance a coach’s training in relation to the player development process. For further information on coach education and future coaching courses visit www.FYSA.com