Training to Train Phase
The U11-12 Premier Select Program is intended for players who are passionate about playing soccer, committed to training, and committed to competing. The objective is to create an internally and externally competitive environment for our players and our teams in development-appropriate situations.
Although results are a part of playing all sports and we are training our players to compete, the competitive environment will encourage decisions that focus on the performance and executing the training objectives, rather than solely the outcome of the game.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Practice
During the fall and spring seasons, players will be expected to train two nights per week as part of their team training. An additional Technical Development training, game session, or Individual Skill Training for Goalkeepers may be recommended for all players in this age group. All training sessions will be directed by our professional coaching staff and last approximately 60-90 minutes.
Although we will continue to be cognizant of multi-sport participants, the expectation is that our players prioritize their training and games during our key seasons of fall and spring. All players will have the opportunity to train during the winter. It will be highly recommended that our players participate in the Winter Technical Development Program.
Goalkeeping training is included in our programming
League Games
Our teams will participate in the Eastern Iowa Youth Soccer League (EIYSL) and play approximately 8 games. These games are played on 4 pre-determined Saturdays or Sundays with a double-header on each of those designated dates.
Some travel will be required for league games and the locations may be hosted at 4 of the sites listed below:
Cedar Rapids (Tuma Complex)
Waterloo (CV Complex)
Waverly (Waverly Complex)
Bettendorf (TBK Complex)
North Liberty (NL Complex)
Muscatine (Muscatine Complex)
Tournaments
All teams will strive to play in 2-3 tournaments per fall and spring season. We will adhere to our development-appropriate philosophy and assign teams to tournaments based on the projected level of competition and/or team preparation. Our Premier teams may have the opportunity to attend an elite-level tournament that will require travel and overnight stay.
Coaching Staff
All training sessions are conducted by our Professional Staff Coaches.
Team Formation
Players may be placed on either a Premier pool or Competitive pool, based on the ability and needs of the players. Player pools may experience some variation in curriculum implementation in order to enhance player development.
Premier Level Mentality - How it's defined
The difference between a Premier and Competitive player lies first in the in the level of commitment and secondly in the player's individual ability at that time.
Below are some characteristics typical of Premier level players. If your child displays a majority of the characteristics listed they are probably more suited to the Premier level of play. However, it should be noted that during a player’s soccer development, players' abilities will change over time.
Premier Level Mentality ~
• Demonstrates a solid technical foundation (control, dribbling, and shooting)
• High level of coordination and good agility
• Demonstrates a strong desire to compete during games AND training
• During games, executes training objectives
• Demonstrates high level of passion and concentration during practices and games
• Soccer is a high priority and they have a passion to play
• Practices with a ball in their own time outside regular schedule of games & practices
• Parents are committed to the Club's expectations and developmental pathway