Georgetown HEAT Select Soccer
Questions & Answers.
What is HEAT Soccer?
A new select soccer option in the Georgetown area that provides quality training, commitment to players, and increased flexibility for a fraction of the cost of other select soccer programs in the area.
What’s the objective?
To provide a low cost opportunity for players in Georgetown and the surrounding area to learn and play soccer at an advanced level while also emphasizing teamwork, self esteem, character, and success in school. Achieve this in a community based environment that is fun, friendly, and flexible enough to allow players to participate in other sports and activities when possible.
How much does it cost?
The base fee for the year (fall/spring) will be $230. This covers everything but uniforms, tournament fees, and other unexpected expenses.
What are the “extra” costs?
Uniforms will likely be around $100. Tournament fees are usually $25-30 per player depending on the cost of the tournament and the number of players. Teams will usually play 3-4 tournaments per year. Teams may elect to participate in fundraisers or seek sponsors to off-set these costs
How can select soccer be so inexpensive?
By using public facilities for practice, qualified volunteer coaches instead of paid trainers for training, and eliminating unnecessary overhead expenses, it is possible to play select soccer for roughly the same price as recreational soccer at this age.
Don’t all “Select” teams have paid trainers?
No. There are many successful select teams that are coached or assisted by qualified “volunteer” trainers. These volunteer trainers typically have a tie to the team (family member, friend, etc) and are often as capable of training an advanced soccer team as a paid trainer.
Many of today’s soccer dads and moms grew up playing soccer themselves, many at advanced levels. In addition, the USSF coach’s education programs are available to any coach. This allows willing volunteer trainers to acquire the same licensing and advanced training as many professional trainers.
Obviously, there is value in the paid trainer model at certain levels of every youth sport, especially when qualified volunteer trainers are not available. Unfortunately, the cost introduced by the overuse of paid trainers in youth soccer has made select soccer in the U.S. an expensive and many times exclusive opportunity, thus leaving behind many of the players with the greatest potential.
What qualifications will HEAT coaches have?
The volunteer coaches responsible for each team will be required to be licensed thru the USSF coaching education program. Licensing must be appropriate for the age/level of the specific team. The USSF coaching education program is designed to ensure that the same type of training methodology is being used to develop soccer players regardless of age, gender, club or location. Coaches will also have applicable coaching and/or playing experience.
Special “guest” trainers may occasionally be utilized to conduct special guest sessions or provide additional training in specific skills (goalkeeping, etc) to supplement training provided by the volunteer training staff.
Will the teams have appropriate administration and oversight?
The individuals that will be responsible for the administration and governance of the HEAT team(s) have over 10 years combined experience in the administration and leadership of youth soccer in Central Texas. Administrators have served on the CAYSA governing board for many years as well as volunteered in many positions within the STYSA / Western District system of play. Administrators will continue to be actively involved in governing associations to ensure the best interest of players and teams.
Will there be tryouts? How will HEAT teams be formed?
The team formation/tryout process will be less formal than in other clubs. We hope to form teams based on prior knowledge of a players experience, ability, and potential. Informal evaluations may be conducted in a group setting if necessary to evaluate players of unknown ability.
What age groups are eligible for HEAT Soccer?
For the Fall of 09, we are primarily targeting the 98 (U12), 97(U13), and 96 (U14) age groups, although consideration will be given to forming additional boys or girls teams if enough players are interested and enough qualified volunteer coaches are available.
What Division will HEAT teams play in?
All teams will play at least Division II. Depending on the potential of the team, they may choose to play in the Super II qualification tournament in the summer to earn a Super II spot for the fall. Once a team is established in a fall division, they will be eligible to play in multiple spring divisions which may then lead to fall placement in DII, S2 or D1.
Will HEAT Players still be eligible for tournaments and activities sponsored by CAYSA and STYSA?
Yes, we will be registered thru STYSA just like any other select teams. We will be eligible to play in the same leagues and tournaments as other area select teams. Players will also be able to participate in STYSA sanctioned events such as ODP, state tournaments, etc.
When are the seasons?
The fall season begins in early September and ends in mid November. The spring season starts in early March and ends in mid May. Pre and/or post season tournaments or playoffs are likely.
Where will practices and games be held?
Practices will be held in Georgetown at public (ie: schools, parks, etc) and private locations that are available at no charge. Home games will normally be played at Williamson County Regional Park (Hwy 1431 & Sam Bass). Away games will be played in the Austin and/or Central Texas area depending on the league we participate in.
What Days and Time will we practice and play games?
Although exact days and times will be determined after teams are formed, practices will be scheduled to avoid as many conflicts as possible with school activites/sports, etc. Practice days and times can be easily changed during the season to accommodate for significant conflicts or other situations (ie: day light savings time, team conflicts, etc)
Games will typically be on Saturdays with an occasional Sunday afternoon game.