1. Question: Why have the Columbia YMCA and Columbia United FC chosen to combine their recreational youth soccer programs?
Answer: More Friends. More Fun. More Soccer! Both organizations firmly believe that valuable life lessons can be taught to the children of our greater community by engaging them with one another through organized recreational youth soccer in the Columbia United YMCA Recreational Youth Soccer League (“League”).
2. Question- At what age does the League let children start playing soccer?
Answer- We will allow children to join the League at the age of 3. Some may think this is rather young but frankly many children are ready to begin at that age. We do not want to discourage anyone from participating if they think they are ready and would like to try. At our U4 level, most parents get as much exercise as their children as they help hold their hands and point them to kick the ball in the right direction!
3. Question- How often do the U04, U05 and U06 teams practice and play?
Answer- These youngest teams will not have weekly practices but will play games on Saturday and occasionally on Friday nights. Games will be (4) 10-minute quarters. U06 teams however will be allowed 1 practice a week but attending such a U6 practice is certainly not required!
4. Question: Do I need to provide a birth certificate for proof of age?
Answer: Yes, the first time you register with the Columbia United YMCA Soccer League you will need to mail a copy (not the original) if Columbia United or the YMCA does not have a current copy on file. We apologize for the inconvenience, but must verify that all players are placed in the proper age group.
5. Question: Will the Age Groups of teams still consist of 2 ages, i.e. U07/U08 and U09/U10?
Answer: For most Age Groups, teams will be formed in single age groups. We will have Girls Teams for girls only for the U07–U14 age groups if the numbers permit and Coed Teams for boys and any girls who wish to play on those teams for the U04–U19 age groups.
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Age Group
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Coed
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Girls Only
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U04
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Yes
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No
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U05/U06
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Yes
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No
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U07
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Yes
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Yes
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U08
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Yes
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Yes
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U09
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Yes
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Yes
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U10
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Yes
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Yes
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U11
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Yes
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Yes
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U12
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Yes
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Yes
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U13/U14
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Yes
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Yes
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U15/U16
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Yes
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No
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U17/U18/U19
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Yes
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No
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6. Question: What does the “U” stand for in the phrase U08?
Answer: The “U” is short for the word “Under.” Pursuant to SCYSA registration guidelines, the playing age of a player is determined by his or her birth date as compared to the August 1 cut-off date. As such, whether your child is a true U08 versus a true U09 player for registration and team formation depends on which side of August 1 your child’s birth date falls. To make things simple, please see the chart below. Simply scroll down the month group column in which your child was born until his or her birth year appears. Then look to the far left-hand column and that is the Age Group in which your child will be registered.
7. Question: Is a player allowed to “play up” in an older Age Group?
Answer: Yes, but no higher than one Age Group without evaluation and permission of the Community Soccer Officer. This rule is in place for safety reasons.
8. Question: What will the maximum number of players be on any team that is formed and what match format will be used?
Answer:
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Division
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Roster Size
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Match Format
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Ball Size
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U04
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10
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4v4, no goalkeeper
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3
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U05/U06
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10
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4v4, no goalkeeper
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3
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U07
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9
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5v5, with goalkeeper
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3
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U08
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9
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5v5, with goalkeeper
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3
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U09
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10
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6v6, with goalkeeper
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4
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U10
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10
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6v6, with goalkeeper
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4
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U11
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12
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8v8, with goalkeeper
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4
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U12
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12
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8v8, with goalkeeper
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4
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U13/U14
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12
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6v6, with goalkeeper
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5
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U15/U16
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12
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6v6, with goalkeeper
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5
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U17/U18/U19
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12
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6v6, with goalkeeper
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5
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9. Question: How will limiting the number of players rostered on a team that is formed change the team selection?
Answer: The team selection will only change in terms of roster size. That is we will do our best to place players on teams they request so they can play with their friends. But at the same time our program is a great way to make new friends with new teammates! Also, please note that any Spring 2008 Columbia United FC team or any Spring 2008 YMCA team that had more players on it than the roster limit in the chart above will need to be divided up into two teams with new friends to be added!
10. Question: Will the rules change?
Answer: All SCYSA micro small-sided rules will be followed unless modified by the Columbia United YMCA Soccer League. These are basically the same playing rules which the YMCA and Columbia United FC have used in the past. The League will be an "in-house" recreational league operated by Columbia United FC pursuant to South Carolina Youth Soccer Association guidelines. The League is open to all players who sign-up to play recreational soccer through either the Columbia YMCA or Columbia United FC and thereby become registered members of Columbia United FC.
11. Question: How many players will be allowed on the field of play at any one time?
Answer: See chart above.
12. Question: Does each child get equal playing time?
Answer: According to Columbia United YMCA Recreational Soccer League Rules, every child must play at least half a match. Coaches will do their best to ensure that all players get equal playing time.
13. Question: What size soccer balls are used?
Answer: See chart above.
14. Question: Can we sign up to play for a specific area of town?
Answer: Yes, we will have 4 Basic Community Service Areas split into 6 Community Divisions as outlined below:
- The Northwest Community serving the greater Irmo, Dutch Fork, Chapin, Ballentine, Harbison, Broad River and surrounding areas and these matches will be played at Ballentine Park and at the NorthWest YMCA located on Kennerly Road.
- The Northeast Community serving the greater Northeast Columbia, Lake Carolina, Blythewood, North Columbia, Dentsville, Arcadia Lakes, Forest Acres, Fort Jackson and surrounding areas and these matches will be played at the Polo Road Soccer Complex, at Summit Middle School, at Blythewood Middle School and at the Jeep Rogers YMCA at Lake Carolina.
- The Downtown Community serving the greater City Center, North Main, Olympia, Waverly, Shandon, Heathwood, Rosewood, Bluff Road, Hamptons, Garner’s Ferry, Leesburg, Atlas Road, Southeast Columbia and surrounding areas and these matches will be played at Owens Field and at the Garner’s Ferry Sports Complex.
- The Lexington Community serving the greater Cayce, West Columbia, Oak Grove, Springdale, South Congaree, Red Bank, Lexington and surrounding areas and these matches will be played at the Lexington Family YMCA near I-20 and Hwy 61.
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Division
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Age Group
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Practice
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Play Games
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Downtown Community Division
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U04-U08
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Owens Field
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Owens Field
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U09-U12
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Owens Field
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Owens Field, Lexington YMCA, Polo Road Complex, Ballentine Park, Kennerly Road YMCA
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Lexington Community Division
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U04-U06
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Lexington YMCA
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Lexington YMCA
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U07-U12
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Lexington YMCA
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Lexington YMCA, Ballentine Park, Kennerly Road YMCA. Owens Field
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Northeast Community Division I
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U04-U08
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Jeep Rogers YMCA*
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Jeep Rogers YMCA, Polo Rd
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U09-U12
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Jeep Rogers YMCA*
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Jeep Rogers YMCA, Polo Rd, Owens Field, Ballentine Park, Kennerly Road YMCA, Lexington YMCA
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Northeast Community Division II
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U04-U08
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Polo Road Complex*
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Polo Road Complex
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U09-U12
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Polo Road Complex*
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Polo Road Complex, Ballentine Park, Owens Field, Lexington YMCA Kennerly Road YMCA
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U13-U19
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Summit Middle School, North Springs Park
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Garner’s Ferry, Summit Middle School, North Springs Park, Ballentine Park, Blythewood Middle School
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Northwest Community Division I
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U04-U06
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Kennerly Road YMCA*
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Kennerly Road YMCA, Ballentine Park
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|
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U07 – U12
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Kennerly Road YMCA*
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Kennerly Road YMCA, Ballentine Park, Owens Field, Lexington YMCA Polo Road Complex,
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|
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Northwest Community Division II
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U04-U06
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Ballentine Park*
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Ballentine Park, Kennerly Road YMCA
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U07 – U12
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Ballentine Park*
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Ballentine Park, Kennerly Road YMCA, Owens Field, Lexington YMCA Polo Road Complex,
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U13-U14
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Ballentine Park
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Garner’s Ferry, Summit Middle School, North Springs Park, Ballentine Park, Blythewood Middle School
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*Note: We will make every effort to honor requests for U04-U12 players to practice at the requested fields, however, players selecting Northeast Community Division I may have to practice at Polo Rd, players selecting Northeast Community Division II may have to practice at the Jeep Rogers YMCA, players selecting Northwest Community Division I may have to practice at Ballentine Park and players selecting Northwest Community Division II may have to practice at the Kennerly Road YMCA.
15. Question: Can I still request a particular coach and/or a particular team?
Answer: Yes, but there is no guarantee that your request will be honored because we are limited by the size of each roster we can form for each team. Again, the purpose of limiting roster sizes is to ensure that all children get a chance to play half a match and be actively involved in each match so as to get more touches on the ball, take more shots with the ball and have more fun actually playing the match! Also, please note that we will always honor a request not to be placed on a team with a particular coach.
16. Question: How can I sign up to coach?
Answer: When you register online or by paper application, you will be given the opportunity to volunteer as a coach. Coaches will be required to attend an in-house training class. Once the coach has completed all required training and paperwork, he/she will receive a Coach’s shirt.
All coaches for the Columbia United YMCA Soccer League must also have a Coach’s certification or license. New coaches will be given a 1-year grace period to receive the certification/license requirement. Recreational coaches U06–U12 must have a minimum of a youth module certification. Recreation coaches U13–U19 must have a minimum of an “E” certification. The Columbia United YMCA Soccer League will reimburse a coach for the cost of his/her certification and/or license once the class is successfully completed. More details will be available soon on dates for the certification and/or license.
17. Question: What does my son/daughter need to play soccer?
Answer: 5 “S’s”
- Shoes – Soccer cleats are not required, but are recommended for the older players. Sneakers or running shoes are acceptable. Metal cleats and/or baseball cleats are not allowed (baseball cleats have the front spike under the end of the toe, which is dangerous).
- Shin guards – Shin guards are a must. No child will be allowed to practice or play without shin guards!
- Shorts
- Soccer Ball – see chart above for proper size ball.
- Smiles
18. Question: What do I need to do to be a referee?
Answer: All referees for the Columbia United YMCA Soccer League must be certified. The Columbia United YMCA Soccer League will be hosting a Referee Certification Clinic to be announced soon! You may also look at http://www.scref.org for other referee clinics located throughout the state.
19. Question: Can my business still sponsor a team or teams in the new League?
Answer: Subject to (1) any exclusive sponsorship restrictions already in place and (2) our ethics and association rules prohibiting certain subject matter and content, the answer is a resounding “YES!” When you sign your child up to play, you will be given the opportunity to submit an application to sponsor a team. For your accepted sponsorship dollars, your company’s name will appear on your child’s uniform and those of his or her teammates. In the event your child’s team is already sponsored, we will place your company’s name on the uniform of another team in the League which is in need of a sponsor! Team Sponsorships for the Fall Season are available for $250 per team or $1,000 for 5 teams.
20. Question: I have heard of the “Shoe Exchange.” How does the “Shoe Exchange” work?
Answer: Before each season begins the league holds a shoe exchange at Soccer Plus (located in Diamond Point Mall on Two Notch Road). The shoes provided at the shoe exchange are used shoes that have plenty of soccer left in them. These shoes have either been given to us or traded at a previous exchange. If you come to the exchange without any shoes and find a pair your cost will be $3. If you come to the exchange with a pair of shoes and find a pair of shoes then it is an even exchange. If you come to the exchange with a pair of shoes but do not find any shoes then we will pay you $3 for the shoes.
21. Question: I see on the Columbia United FC website that there is a PDP program. What is the difference between PDP and the Academy?
Answer: The Player Development Program (PDP) is a new program that is designed to provide extended training to the U7-U12 recreational players that are seeking to further develop their soccer skills to prepare for the next level. Quite often the “next level” is the Academy, which is the beginning level of competitive travel soccer for 8-12 year old players. The goal of the PDP is to provide players quality training and in-house, inter-pool match play, while also permitting them to practice and play on a regular recreational team. Training is held normally on Friday evenings, three times a month, for three months. PDP training will be available in each Community Division. For cost and more information regarding the PDP program, please see Player Development Program. 
