Woodbury Soccer Club

The Woodbury Soccer Club (WSC) believes that player development is the key to long term success. As each player becomes a better “soccer player” we have provided them the foundation to enjoy whatever success they will choose for their future.   More than 900 players on 50 teams will play for the club in 2009.

What is the difference between the Recreation Program and the Competitive Program?

The recreation program is an in-house program whose primary purpose is to encourage participation and provide an introduction to the wonderful game of soccer.

The competitive program is a program that plays against other clubs at one of five levels: Midwest Regional League (MRL), Premier, Classic 1, Classic 2, and Classic 3.  In addition, teams in the competitive program will participate in state, regional, and national tournaments.  The primary purpose of the competitive program is to develop soccer players so that players are provided every opportunity to excel at their highest desired level of competition.  Both programs emphasize a passion for the game in a fun environment.

What is the playing season for the Competitive Program?

MYSA sponsors league in the Fall (Sept-Oct) and Summer (May-Aug.) Team playing at the MRL,Premier and C1 levels will will train and play year-round with exception for the high school season. Teams playing at the C2-C3 levels will play in either the Fall and/or Spring MYSA league and have additional developmental training opportunties available as interested throughout the winter.

How is the Competitive Program organized?

We organize team by age, gender, and skill level.  Our goal is to offer every player an opportunity to play at the appropriate level of challenge.  We currently offer boys and girls team from U9 to U18 in MRL to C3.

What are the different flights (levels) that our Competitive Program plays in?

There are three different flights of competition they are each determined by skill level and level of competition.  They are Midwest Regional League (MRL) and Premier (only offered U14 and up), Classic 1, Classic 2, and Classic 3.  U11 compete at the C2 and C3 level.  Our U9 and U10 players compete at the Maroon or Gold level.  Maroon is the higher level of the two colors.  The club self selects the level teams play at until U14 when MYSA dictates the level of pay based upon promotion and relegation league rules.

How does a team decide which flight (level) they will compete in?

The flight is determined by the Director of Coaching with the Seasonal Committee and the coach’s input in accordance with MYSA.  The goal is to place teams in a flight that is appropriate for appropriate player development.

·         U9/U10 – If numbers allow a Maroon team and a Gold team will be formed in placed in their respective flight

·         U11 – If numbers allow a team will be placed in Classic 2 each additional team will be placed in Classic 2 or Classic 3 depending on the groups ability

How do players get placed on a Competitive team?

Every player in the program has to try-out to be placed on a team.  After evaluation at the try-outs players are offered a spot on a team that the staff feel are consistent with the players ability.

Do teams pay coaches?

Teams do pay coaches.  The WSC provides $800 towards your coach’s salary and then the team has to cover the rest.  

When are games played?

During the Summer League games are played on week nights.  Typically there are two games a week during the summer.  During the Fall League games are played on the weekend followed by a season-ending tournament.  Tournament games are played on weekends.  WSC pays up to $400 a tournament with a maximum of three tournaments a season.

When are training (practice) sessions?

Training sessions are usually held twice a week during the season with some exceptions due to league play.  The amount of training does vary at the coach’s discretion and by competitive level.

When does training (practice) begin?

Practices usually begin outside in late April depending on field availability.  Teams can train indoors at the Bielenberg Sports Complex throughout the winter during times the club offers or could get an early start in March if the team is willing to pay for time at the Bielenberg Sports Complex.

How many teams do you form in an age group?

The number of players that signs up determines the number of teams we offer in an age group.  We will try to accommodate all registered players if we are able to meet minimum roster needs.

When are try-outs held?

Try-outs are held once a year in the early August.  They are scheduled in accordance with MYSA and MN State High School rules and regulations.

What if my child is injured or we are out of town during try-outs?

If your child is unable to attend the try-out and they are new to the club then we will allow the child to try-out at a later time if there is room on a roster.  A roster position will not be held for that player only an open spot on a roster can be tried out for.

If your child has played in our club the previous season in the age group they are trying out a spot may be left open on a roster for that child to try out for.

Notice of either situation must be in writing and must be submitted 5 business days before the try-out is held.  Notice must be sent to the DOC and the Competitive Chair.

What are the criteria used for try-outs?

The staff will follow the guidelines set forth by the United States Soccer Federation for age group expectations to evaluate players. Each player will be examined by the evaluators by looking at the "Four Components of Soccer" in an age appropriate way.

1.    Technique: The ability to dribble, pass, shoot, receive, and head the ball under conditions of pressure. "Skill."

2.   Tactics: Decision making with and without the ball. "Speed of play."

3.    Fitness: Speed, endurance, strength, power, and agility. "Athleticism."

4.    Psychology: Mental toughness and competitiveness. "Coachability."

Will my child’s participation in your program guarantee my child an athletic scholarship to college?

Frankly no, we would consider it unethical for our club or staff to "promise" or "guarantee" an athletic scholarship.   We will promise that our staff will do its best to prepare our youth and "college bound" athletes for accelerated levels of play. We are successful if every child has the passion for the game and is able to compete at the highest level their commitment and ability allows.