Competitive Soccer FAQs
Many Parents are new to the sport of soccer and have multiple questions about our Competitive Program and teams. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers. As always if you have further questions, please contact our
Director of Competitive Team Operations via email: [email protected]
How far do players have to travel?
The amount of travel and distance involved depends on which teams are in your division for league play and which tournaments the team enters. Tournaments are decided on by the coach and the parents and vary greatly. There are plenty of opportunities within our area (West Chester, Delaware County, Hockessin, USTC, etc) but there are also some very popular tournaments which are a further away (Baltimore/DC, Gettysburg Blast, Virginia Beach).
Doesn't competitive soccer cost much more?
The competitive fee will all inclusive. This fee is set at the beginning of the competitive year and is for the entire year and the only club fee. This fee covers league registration, insurance, equipment, referee fees, training fees and tournament fees. It does not include uniform fees and uniform estimates are around $100-$150. The trainer/coaches are responsible for managing the budgets of the team and staying within the team allotted funds.
For our Financial Assistance Program and application, please click here
When and where do they play competitive games?
In recent years, most teams chose to play in the EDP/USYS National League, APL/PAGS, or Central Leagues. Away games are generally within an hour distance of Kennett Square, though higher level leagues/teams will travel farther. All home games for U12 and under are played at the club's grass fields and all home games for U13 and up are played on turf at KHS Legacy Fields and/or the clubs grass locations.
Isn’t the competition much more serious at this level?
The leagues that we play in offer many levels of competition with the National League and/or Division 1 being the most competitive, Division 2 being a little less, Division 3 a little less, etc.. There are often as many as 10 divisions in some of the age groups. Our goal is to place each team in a division where they are competitive with their opponents. This offers the best growth opportunity for the players. Tournaments also offer different levels of competition. The coach, along with consultation with the Competitive Committee and the Director of Coaching, dictate the level of competition and intensity of training schedules. Also, division placements within the league are closely reviewed to try and avoid any misplaced teams.
Do I have to give up other activities to play competitive soccer?
Many players are able to balance several sports successfully. However, players do seem to be more committed to their competitive teams and often stay together for consecutive years building friendships and team rapport. It is difficult to play competitive and another sport simultaneously in the fall season. Parents should have an open and honest conversation with the coach to set expectations regarding expected participation.
Don’t competitive teams play all year round?
Competitive soccer is a yearlong commitment and the expectation is playing opportunity will be provided all year round. Most teams begin practicing in the summer to prepare for the fall season. Practices tend to be twice a week in through the fall. Many teams enter a summer tournament to prepare for the fall and another tournament Columbus Day weekend. Winter and spring schedules vary team to team and may include outside training, indoor season, Spring tournaments, Spring League play and Pennsylvania Cup competitions.