Achievement+ Perspective+ Perseverance

WEST SIDE ALLIANCE

SOCCER CLUB

CHOOSING A CLUB PERSPECTIVE

WHICH CLUB IS CORRECT FOR MY CHILD
MIGHT NOT BE THE CORRECT QUESTION

WSA Soccer ackowledges that the most important aspect of the game, at any level, is the player.  The supporting cornerstones of the player will become the team and parents.  The club will add some value and benefits, such as education of coaches, facilities, a philosophy, core values, a teaching methodology (curriculum), league platforms, and specific programs to enhance learning and experience of the player.  

However, while many clubs will contend to be the "best", "biggest", "most successful", WSA contends any such claims are myth and at best conjecture.  WSA Soccer believes the priorities that should drive the game are:
 
1. Player
2. Parent
3. Team
4. Club 

The key to deciding on a club is not the "biggest", "most successful" or the one that claims it is the "best", but finding the right fit on the right team, with the proper coach, mentor and leader for your child.  While it is true that each child will aspire to different heights in the game, an overriding default theme of why children (and adults) play sport is to have fun.  The fun can be found in the challenge, the triumph, the trial, the socialization, and the mastery.  Eventually, if experienced properly, fun and value will be found in the overriding lessons of team sport that endure throughout life, and the experiences that generate meaningful memories and relationships.  

If you have any questions on steps towards finding the right fit for your child, we are happy to help.  We encourage you to consider first your child, then the team, including the coach and the culture of the team, and then the club.   We believe our community contains many great options for clubs, great coaching leaders, and great environments, unique and able to fit different needs, desires, and expectations. 

In 2022 WSA can boast as the largest soccer club in Oklahoma by membership, largest participant in Oklahoma Premier Clubs, as a 3X back-to-back-to-back Red River Club Champion, recently 3X Regional Champions, a 2X National Champion, 47 National Qualifiers since 2018, two new semiprofessional teams (men's and women's) and several WSA players who signed to pro contracts in the past year.  None of these are the best reasons to choose The Side.  We believe we have a community of servants prepared to lead, coach, administrate, cooperatively on your child's behalf.  But we know each child, each player is uniquely special, and consideration must be given to what is best for that child.  

 



CLUB CONSIDERATIONS CHECKLIST IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

Location, Geography 
History 
Culture of Community 
Values of Leaders 
Risk Management Processes 
Facilities 
Instructional Plan (curriculum) 
Coaching Credentials 
Player Pathways 
On Field Success
Resource Access 
Community Partners
Finances 
League Platforms 
Programming Goals
Programs 
Strength of Brand 
Communication Patterns 
Coach Education 
Retention of Players History 
On Field Success 
Periodization Schedule 
Priorities (money, player, coach, leader centered) 
Structure (consistency of leadership) 
Uniforms 
Experience 
The "Feel" of the Organization for the player 
Graduation Rate (how many senior teams graduate annually) 
College Search Program
Professional Pathway Programs 
Player ID Opportunities (regional & national team) 
Club Officers Professional Experience 
Club Directors Soccer Ops Experience/Credentials 
Parent Education 
Equipment for Proper Training 
Tools for Proper Communication 
Player Pool Depth to help Insulate Teams 
Coach:Player Ratio 
Training Curriculum 
Unity of Coaching Staff 
Resources for Team Managers 
Opportunity for Feedback 
History of College Placement
History of Professional Placement 
History of National Team Placement
History of Alumni Coming Back to Coach
Consistency of Coaching Staff 
Turn-Over, Attrition Rates of Staff or Players