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Level of Competition
The club’s goal is to find the right level of competition for all teams. Communication with the teams will help to guide players’ learning opportunities and challenge them as they approach high school and beyond. There are three levels of competition:
• Recreation travel ~ Western Suburban Soccer League
• Select travel ~ Western Suburban Soccer League
• Premier travel ~ Michigan State Premier Soccer Program
Recreation travel is an introductory level of competition for players who are gaining more interest in the sport, but are still developing individual skills and gaining more knowledge of the game. The competition level will vary based on team competency. Players do not need to attend the tryouts unless they would like to be evaluated for a higher level travel team. Teams select their uniforms.
Recreational teams play 8 games a season in WSSL recreational league against teams from surrounding communities with commute distances for the 4 away games of typically 20-40 minutes. Depending on the team, they typically have practices twice a week, play between 1 and 3 indoor sessions and may play in a tournament. Recreational teams are typically coached by a parent volunteer, though they have full support from United in all respects (e.g., clinics, coach training, etc.)
Such teams are often composed of all or portions of previous Ann Arbor Rec&Ed teams and other individuals that are looking for higher and more consistent competition than what is available in Ann Arbor Rec&Ed. However, it is designed for those who truly enjoy soccer and being on a soccer team, but also truly enjoy other sports and activities. As a result, attendance at all practices and games tends to be less obligatory than for higher level teams. The annual cost for players on such teams varies a bit depending on age group, numbers of indoor sessions, and tournaments, but typically could be expected to fall in the range of $350 to $600
Select travel is the transition stage for players who display a little more comfort with their individual skills and would like to pursue a higher level of competition than the Recreation travel. There are different levels of competition within select travel. The experience of teams within the age group as well as the number of teams representing each of the organizations helps to determine the level of competition. Teams wear the club uniforms.
Select teams play 8-10 games a season in WSSL Select league against teams from surrounding communities with commute distances for the 4-5 away games of typically 20-45 minutes. They typically have practices twice a week, play 2 or 3 indoor sessions and play in 1 or 2 tournaments a year. Select teams are typically coached by a liscenced soccer coach supplied by United and have full support from United in all respects (e.g., clinics, coach training, etc.) Such teams are formed through tryouts in June, though they may often have groups of girls that had played together on previous Ann Arbor Rec&Ed teams or Recreational teams.
Individuals on such teams have a strong desire to excel at soccer and to play with other players with a similar desire and commitment to the game of soccer over other sports and activities. This commitment is expected of them by the coaches, with attendance at practices, games, tournaments expected if at all possible. Players typically take part in summer soccer camps. The annual cost for players on such teams varies a bit depending on age group, numbers of indoor sessions, camps, and tournaments, but typically could be expected to fall in the range of $800 to $1200, plus travel costs for tournaments.
Premier travel is the highest level of competition and requires the highest level of commitment. Players demonstrate greater game awareness and improved technical proficiency. Preseason and/or in-season tournaments should be expected. Travel distances can be greater for these teams because of statewide competition. Teams wear the club uniforms.
Premier teams play 8-10 games a season in MSPSP league against teams from surrounding communities with commute distances for the 5 away games of typically 20-90 minutes. They typically have practices twice to three times per week. They typically play 3 indoor sessions and/or have indoor practices during the winter, and play in 2 to 4 tournaments a year. Premier teams are coached by a level C or higher liscenced soccer coach supplied by United and have full support from United in all respects (e.g., clinics, coach training, etc.)
Such teams are formed through tryouts in June and are comprised of the best players from across Ann Arbor. Individuals on such teams have a strong desire to excel at soccer and to play with other players with a similar desire and commitment to the game of soccer over other sports and activities. This commitment is expected of them by the coaches, with attendance at practices, games, tournaments expected if at all possible. Players are expected to take part in summer soccer camps and to take advantage of other training opportunities. The annual cost for players on such teams varies a bit depending on age group, numbers of indoor sessions, and tournaments, but typically could be expected to fall in the range of $1000 to $1600, plus travel costs for tournaments.
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