Achievement+ Perspective+ Perseverance

WEST SIDE ALLIANCE

SOCCER CLUB

WEST SIDE ALLIANCE S.C.

Competitive Soccer 101

WEST SIDE ALLIANCE S.C.
Recreational to Competitive Transition
What is the difference?
“Youth Soccer Culture – Navigating through the Landscape”

Recreational Soccer Competitive Soccer

In a true club concept the majority of players will be recreational players. All players regardless of ability are given the opportunity to play. Teams are formed within their home club (i.e. Sand Springs or Sapulpa Soccer Club) and the community’s basic geographical setting. our member associations conduct separate Fall and Spring seasons.

Coaching
-Usually a volunteer, most often a parent
-Paid coaches are not allowed
 
Cost
-Only costs are registration, uniforms, personal gear
-Minimal costs usually applied
 
Leagues
-Formed by member association
-Attempt to form all "in-house" leagues if adequate number of teams
 
Team Formation
-No tryouts allowed
-All players who meet deadline will be placed on a team
 
Practice Location/Time/Frequency
-Usually local
-Usually 1-2 weekly for approx 1 hour
 
Travel
-Minimal
 
Tournaments
-Team option to participate in recreation tournaments, usually one per year
 
Travel
-Minimal
 
Tournaments
-Team option to participate in recreation tournaments, usually one per year
 
Player/Parent Commitment
-Involvement is usually more relaxed
-Soccer is not necessarily a primary activity
 
Playing time
-Mandatory playing time rules, 50% per game
 
Advanced Competition
-State Festival tournaments and district tournaments available
Competitive Soccer
Play involves a smaller and more select group of players who strive to play at higher levels of competition. Teams are formed by tryouts in which players are chosen based on qualitative factors. Geographical boundaries become less meaningful. Players must be at least 10 years old before August 1st of the current year. Play is more "year-round" than seasonal.
 
Coaching
-Usually a paid coach with an advanced coaching license or college/pro background
-The coach often coaches more than one team
-The coach sometimes depends on soccer as a primary source of income/support
 
Cost
-Cost varies per club and includes monthly training fees and travel/costs. For WSA’s cost breakdown see "explanation of fees" on this website.
-Some clubs will offer "financial hardship" scholarships or fee waivers.
 
Leagues
-Competitive teams cannot play in recreational leagues
-Tulsa has GCSA Competitive Leagues tiered into "A", "B" and "C" divisions
-Oklahoma Premiere League for state’s "elite" teams involves travel between OKC and Tulsa.
 
Team Formation
-Open player tryouts in June for u11s - u14s and July for u15s - u19s
-Tryout window of dates are set by member association
-A player’s spot on the roster is not assured for more than one soccer year
-Players are expected to enter a one-year contracted agreement with the team via the member associations rules
 
Practice Location/Time/Frequency
-Usually at the coach’s discretion
-Twice weekly is the norm, although teams may train more at certain times of the year
-Training takes place "year round"
WSA teams train at the WSA home fields
 
Travel
-Possible travel commitments for practice, league play and/or tournaments
 
Tournaments
-Depends on team and club
-WSA teams participate generally speaking in two tournaments per season (in addition to state/regional/national competitions)
 
Player/Parent Commitment
-High commitment expected
-Soccer is often a primary activity
 
Playing time
-No mandatory playing time
-WSA embraces a younger age group player development philosophy that encourages participation
 
Advanced Competition
-Participation in Olympic Development Program and US Club ID2 Program encouraged
-State, Regional, and National tournaments
-College Showcase events for high school players recruiting opportunities