COMPETIVE SOCCER GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS

Program Goals

• Develop players in all phases of the game
• Provide a positive playing environment for players to grow
• Foster an enjoyment and passion for the “beautiful game”

 

Program Expectations
• Soccer is your primary sporting activity from April to July
• Communicate to coaches and managers
• Be on time to scheduled events

 

COMPETIVE SOCCER age groups

Soccer Age groups have always used the “Ux” naming convention. “U” really stands for Under and the number is the age. Therefore, a U10 Group is for players under 10 years old. Age Groups are grouped into 2-year increments, so you end up with either even (U6/U8/U10) or Odd (U5/U7/U9) age groups.

 

Season Birth year	21-22	22-23	23-24	24-25
2017			U7	U8
2016		U7	U8	U9
2015	U7	U8	U9	U10
2014	U8	U9	U10	U11
2013	U9	U10	U11	U12
2012	U10	U11	U12	U13
2011	U11	U12	U13	U14
2010	U12	U13	U14	U15
2009	U13	U14	U15	U16
2008	U14	U15	U16	U17
2007	U15	U16	U17	U18
2006	U16	U17	U18
2005	U17	U18
2004	U18

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT U9-U10 SOCCER

Why the Competitive Program over the Rec. Program? Recreational soccer is an in-house program where the focus is to encourage participation and introduce players to the excitement soccer provides. The Competitive Program competes against other TCSL Member Clubs at various playing levels. The focus of the Competitive Program is to develop players to reach their highest playing potential. Both programs look to foster an enjoyment and passion for the sport. See the new player page and handout: Competitive Versus Recreational Soccer.   

  

How is the Competitive Program Organized?
We organize teams by age, gender, skill and commitment level. Our goal is to provide every player a place to play where they are challenged at the appropriate level. Currently we offer 9U through 18U teams for both boys and girls at all skill and experience levels. 
 
How many teams do you form in an age group?
The number of players registered dictates the number of teams offered in an age group and also the competitive level. HFCUnited tries to accommodate all registered players if we are able to meet minimum roster needs. 
 
What is the commitment?
HFCUnited is typically played in the southern metro or eastern city area, with half the games played in Hastings and the other half played in other nearby communities. TCSL assign teams to regions. For summer, game schedules generally come out in April, with games starting in May.  In fall, game schedules generally come out in mid-August starting in September.  See new player page and handout: Competitive Soccer
 
What size ball and field is used? What is the length of the games?

Age Group: 9U & 10U
Games: 7v7
Size Field: 40x50 yards
Ball Size: 4

Age Group: 11U & 12U
Games: 9v9
Size Field: 60x70 yards
Ball Size: 4

Age Group: 13U and up
Games: 11v11
Size Field: 70x120 yards
Ball Size: 5

 

Where are practices and home games played?

Home games and practices are held at the Vets sports Complex. The practice schedule will be determined based on age group, field availability as well as  coach's schedule. On average, you can plan for two practices a week. 

 
What are the different competitive levels for HFC United Competitive Program?
There are multiple levels of competition for 9U-18U players.  Each level is determined by the level of skill and competition, along with results from previous seasons.

How does a team decide which level of competition is appropriate?
The level is determined by the Director of Coaching, board, Travel Director,  along with the evaluation committee and the team coach. The goal is to place teams at a level that is appropriate for proper player development. 

What if my child is unable to attend tryouts?
Register your child for the season and contact the Travel Director. Attendance at tryouts is important but we are willing to work with families who communicate conflicts ahead of time. If your child does not attend tryouts, team placement will be determined from the previous year’s performance. If your child did not play with HFCUnited previously, arrangements will be made to have your child evaluated. Roster spots will not be held for players who do not register and communicate with HFCUnited before evaluations/tryouts.     

What if my child would like to tryout for a team at a higher age level?
Register your child for their age appropriate group and contact the Travel Director as well as the Director of Coaching  notifying them of the intent to tryout higher(there will also be space on sign up to give notice). Your child may planto attend tryouts at their age group and  up to two years difference.  Keep in mind, attending tryouts does not guarantee a placementon a higher age group team. Sometimes teams may be more competitive at a different age bracket and the Travel Director/DOC will place as appropriate.

Who will be coaching my child’s team?

HFCUnited is volunteer based, but also believes high quality coaching is important at all skill levels and ages. While volunteer coaches are generally utlized at the younger age groups, HFCUnited is in the process of increasing training and skill base for coaches at the older age  competitive level.

 
What else does HFCUnited provide for player development?
In addition to winter training, HFCUnited offers a summer skills training that is included with your summer registration. HFCUnited works with organizations such as Coever to help with discounts towards training programs.