FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) EDINA SOCCER CLUBFAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) – EDINA SOCCER...

Edina Soccer Club Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) – EDINA SOCCER CLUB

Immediately following is a high-level preview of what can be found in the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). Details can be

found on the pages referenced next to each sub-header below.

NEW PLAYERS (Pages 2-6)

Difference between ESC and ESA

Do I have to live in Edina to play

When should my child start traveling

Age groups

Levels of play

Registration

Refunds

Costs, fees, and payment schedule

Season timeframe

Time commitment

Schedule conflicts

Travel requirements

Games and practice schedules

UNIFORMS (Pages 7)

Costs, timeframe, ordering, etc.

Other ESC apparel

TRYOUTS & TEAM PLACEMENT (Pages 7-9)

Missing tryouts

Ages/levels

Registration

Timing

Tryout process and evaluation methods

ESC ACADEMY (Pages 9-10)

What: Players from top teams

Goal: Create optimal environment for committed players

Opportunities for Opt-ins

WHO TO CONTACT (0)

Tryouts, team issues, playing time, etc.

TOURNAMENTS (Pages 10-11)

How many should teams play in?

Who registers team for tournaments?

MYSA Playoffs & State Tournament

Coach fees for tournaments

Out of Town tournament expenses

INDOOR SEASON (Page 11)

Exemptions and other credible training options

Winter Leagues and associated fees

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS (Pages 11-12)

ODP, ID2, MRL, US Club Soccer


NEW PLAYERS

What is the difference between ESC (traveling soccer) and ESA (house or recreational soccer)?

Commitment: Participation Commitment: ESC teams have mandatory games and practices and are expected to be on the field a minimum of

3-4 times per week. This is usually a combination of practices, games, tournaments and skills clinics. Top level teams, (C1,

Premier, US Club Soccer Teams, MRL, etc.) may extend this to 5 times per week at peak times during the calendar year.

ESA has 1-2 games per week with an optional practice.

Financial Commitment: ESC’s fees are higher than ESA due to the increased number of sessions offered to each player. Please

read the ESC MUST READ document for details regarding estimated costs.

Competition: ESC teams will play teams from other communities during their league seasons. Half of the games are played in Edina and half

are played at the away team’s fields. League games do not require overnight travel. Depending on age and level, each team will

also participate in 1-3 weekend tournaments during the league season. Some top level teams participate in Metro or Regional

play, as well as out of state tournaments.

ESA teams will only play other ESA teams on Edina fields.

Coaching/Instruction: ESC pays all of their coaches and instructors and rarely utilizes parent coaches. Most ESC coaches carry a coaching license.

ESA has mostly parent coaches, and uses paid instructors.

Player Development: ESC has a year-round program for all players.

ESA has a summer season and a fall season. U7-U13 ESA players are invited to participate in an optional indoor season

program that ESC runs.

Do I have to live in Edina to play on an ESC team?

No, anyone from any community is welcome to tryout for an ESC team.

When can my child start playing traveling soccer?

The ESC entry age level is U9. Players U7 and U8 who show the ability and are able to make the time commitment are able to

play at the U9 level until they are eligible to be a “true” U9 player and then progress through ESC in the normal age

progression.

What is my child’s age group?

Consistent with the governing bodies of soccer (MYSA and US Club Soccer), your child’s age group is based on the player’s

birth year. See chart below.

Birth Year 2016-2017 2016-2017

1999 U18

11 v 11

2000 U17

2001 U16

2002 U15

2003 U14

2004 U13

2005 U12 9v9

2006 U11

2007 U10 7v7

2008 U9


What are the U15 Gap Year Options?

Under the new birth year system U15 teams will now have eighth and ninth graders on the same roster. Many of the ninth

graders on those teams will participate in high school soccer programs in the fall. Eighth graders typically do not play high

school soccer, and now ninth graders born January-July will still be eligible to play fall club soccer. Each year this will create

a "Gap Group" a group of eighth graders in the U15 age group who do not have a team for the fall of their U15 year while

their 9th grade teammates play high school soccer.

Each year the Directors of coaching will create a fall program plan, the details of which will be announced prior to

tryouts. ESC has the capability to provide fall programming for "Gap Group" players by utilizing any/all of the

following options:

-Form a fall MYSA League U14 team(s) with "Gap Group" players

-Place individuals or groups of players within existing MYSA U14 teams

-Provide programming similar to high school/MYSA fall season with a combination of scrimmages, futsal, and exhibition

games with neighboring clubs.

Gap Group players will rejoin the U15 teams they were placed with in November, following the fall season.

Are there different levels of play? Age Competitive

Developmental

Year-Round

Competitive

Developmental

Year-Round

Competitive

Developmental

Year-Round

Competitive

Success-Driven

Year-Round

Team

Roster Size

(Typical)

Number

of players

on the

field

U9 (U8) Gold Maroon 10-12 7

U10 Gold Maroon 10-12 7

U11 C3 C2 C1 12-14 9

U12 C3 C2 C1 12-14 9

U13 C3 C2 C1 16-18 11

U14 C3 C2 C1 16-18 11

U15 C3 C2 C1 Premier 18-19 11

U16 C3 C2 C1 Premier 18-21 11

U17 C3 C2 C1 Premier 18-21 11

U18 C3 C2 C1 Premier 18-21 11

U9 – U14 is considered club-determined “Self Select” in that ESC selects the level a team plays at.

U15 – U19 is considered “Promotion/Relegation” in that teams are promoted (moved up a level) or relegated (moved down a

level) based on the team’s performance in league and state tournament play.

How do I register my child for soccer?

Online registration for tryouts is open for the month before tryouts generally. You can find this on our website at

www.edinasoccerclub.com under the “Tryouts” tab.

What is a Club Registrar?

The Club Registrar is responsible for collecting all necessary paperwork, waivers, and payments for all players and adults

associated with any of the club’s teams. Information is submitted to MYSA (MN Youth Soccer Association) and/or US Club

Soccer, and player and adult passes are generated for each league season.

What is a Director of Coaching (DOC)?

The Director of Coaching is the technical leader of ESC. Among a long list of responsibilities, the Director hires coaches and

has oversight over all soccer operations.

If I register, will my child be guaranteed placement on a team?

No. Players are placed on teams after being evaluated based on tryouts and information received from their ESC coach for the

prior season. Most players who tryout are placed on a team, however, some players will not be placed if their skill level is not

sufficiently high for traveling soccer, or if space does not allow. Field space in Edina is a major limitation on the size of our

program.

If I withdraw my child from traveling soccer, will I get a refund?

Players planning to withdraw should review the MUST READ document. Withdrawals made prior to tryouts will receive a full

refund, including tryout fee. Withdrawals made after tryouts have begun, and before the 24 hour period after teams have been

http://www.edinasoccerclub.com/


posted, will receive a full refund less the $35 non-refundable tryout fee. Players dropping from a roster any time after teams

have been finalized (24 hours after team posting), will forfeit any deposits made up to point of departure.

All requests for refunds (for those named on posted rosters) must be made in writing and addressed with the Club Registrar at

[email protected]. All non-placements will be issued a refund automatically with no need to make a formal

request.

When will I get the refund?

Refunds are typically paid within 30 days, due to the fact that rosters are dynamic for a period of time after team placement.

How much does traveling soccer cost & why is there such a wide range?

Team fees vary depending on age group/team level, tournaments entered, coach, and indoor season activities.

There are two types of costs: Team Fees and Out of Pocket Expenses.

Team Fees: Generally, fees for an ESC player will range anywhere from $900 - $2000 annually. Some key points related to

the expectations:

Higher-level teams generally pay more than lower level teams

Higher-level teams are more likely to have higher out of pocket expenses (see below)

Higher-level teams are more likely to incur travel expenses (see below)

Out of Pocket Expenses: Other potential costs (at a team level):

Uniform: The required uniform package cost is in addition to each team’s fees. Cost for the package changes with

each new 2-year uniform cycle. Uniform information, including pricing, is available on the ESC website. You may

purchase additional items as needed at any time during the year.

Spiritwear: These items are all optional.

Travel Expenses: These costs are typically handled individually or at a team level and may include airline, bus, car,

food and hotel expenses. Travel expenses can be high, depending on the level of the team.

Team Slush Fund: Some teams prefer to have a fund that will cover random expenses throughout the year. This

could cover things like T-shirts, team parties, last minute tournaments, etc.

Coach/Manager Gifts: Teams often find ways to say thank you to their coaches and managers.

Additional Training: Individual players have the option to sign up for many Club-offered development

opportunities, ranging from individual one-on-one training to ESC-led pool training (indoor skills training, Futsal,

summer camps, etc.). Please see the ESC website for additional training opportunities.

What is covered in the Team Fee?

There are seven factors that comprise the Team Fee (and do not include out of pocket expenses). These include:

Registration Fee: Everyone in the club is assessed the same Registration Fee. The fee demonstrates a commitment to Edina

Soccer Club. The registration fee will be applied to your final deposit for the year.

Tryout Fee: Everyone is assessed a fee to tryout for Edina Soccer Club.

Club Fee: Everyone in the club is assessed the same Club Fee. It covers all costs related to running the club such as MYSA

team and player/adult pass fees, insurance, background checks, referees, field use fees, clinics, grants, payroll, postage, facility

rentals, coach equipment, coach licensing, state and district tournament fees, annual audit, website fees, credit card fees, etc.

Coach Fee: This is team specific. The coach fee for each team is divided amongst the number of players on each team.

Tournament Fee: This is team specific. The tournament fee for each team is divided amongst the number of players on each

team and includes tournament registration and coach travel costs if they apply.

Indoor Season Fee: Indoor Season opportunities fall into two buckets: 1. Club-provided training (coach/trainer and facility)

and 2. Team-determined training and/or game play. All Club-provided training fees are assessed across the entire team. Fees

for team-determined training can be assessed at a Club level, a Team level or even an individual Player level. It is important

that your team discusses the best way to handle Team-determined activities in consultation with the Director of Coaching.

Dome Fee: Each player pays $30 annually for the Edina Dome Priority Use Fee per ESC’s commitment to the City of Edina

for use of the Braemar Dome.

What is the schedule for making deposits on the season?

$35 (Non-refundable Tryout Fee) + $500 Registration Fee = $535 Due with Tryout Registration (Registration

Deposit)

Fall Team payment is due by September 15th

(for U9-U14 fall teams only)

$300* Deposit due by February 1st for teams that have substantial Indoor Season activities. Teams will be notified if

this payment will be due for them. *This fee could be higher depending on the amount and type of training.

Balance of Team Fees due by June 8th

. Team fees vary based on several key factors listed in prior answers.

mailto:[email protected]


NOTE:

All deposits are non-refundable.

All Fees & Deposits are due on the dates provided by the Club Registrar. Late payment may result in reduced playing

time, loss of roster spot, confiscation of player pass, or collections.

Waitlisted players will need to pay all fees due at the time they are placed on a team, according to schedule above.

Why is there a difference in coach fee? Coach fees vary based on the age and level of team, roster size, as well as experience and qualifications of the coach.

What is the difference between the Registration Fee and the Tryout Fee?

The tryout fee and the registration fee make up the Registration Deposit. Since it is possible to tryout without registering, a

non-refundable tryout fee of $35 can be assessed separately from the registration fee. Registering with ESC, coupled with

accepting placement on a roster, binds a player to ESC for the year, per MYSA bylaws.

Can I tryout without registering?

Yes. If you are interested in a non-registration tryout, please contact the club Registrar ([email protected]) with

this request prior to online registration closing (see website for registration deadline). Players may not be able to sign up online

for a non-registration tryout. Players opting for a non-registration tryout after online registration closes will be charged an

additional $50 late fee in addition to the tryout fee.

Why would I tryout without registering?

Players who are looking to tryout for more than one club would likely choose to postpone their registration until after tryouts

are completed. The Registration fee would need to be paid within the 24 hour period after teams are posted in order to lock in

their roster spot.

What is the benefit of Registering prior to tryouts?

Registered players obtain preference when teams are selected, since these players have shown a commitment to Edina Soccer

Club.

What are the MYSA rules regarding Registration? Edina Soccer Club follows MYSA rules and bylaws. Registering with Edina Soccer Club reflects your intent to play for Edina

Soccer Club and not tryout for another club’s team. Once placed on a roster after tryouts, any registered player is bound to

play for ESC. Once bound to a club, a player is subject to MYSA transfer policies.

When does the season begin and end?

July Tryouts signify the end of one “soccer year” (July to July) and the beginning of another.

Fall League Season begins the week of Labor Day and goes until mid-October. There may be a couple of practices in

late August or early September.

Fall Tournaments may extend the season until the end of October.

Indoor Season begins November 1st and runs through April.

Summer League Season starts in April with Coaches and/or ESC Skills trainers (there is overlap between the Indoor

Season and the Summer League Season).

For summer league season play, team practices start in March.

Summer League Season games start the last week of April or the first week of May.

From May 1 until July 15, ESC expects that each team is on the field a minimum of 3-4 times per week (this can be a

combination of practices, league games, and tournaments)

Summer League Season games go until mid-July.

Districts, Regions, and State Tournament (U11 teams and older only) run from mid-July until the end of July.

What is the time commitment for traveling soccer?

Players are generally on the field 3-5 times per week, games, practices, and tournaments included. All players are expected to

attend all games and practices.

What if my child has a conflict with the schedule?

ESC Standard Excused Absence Policy: Excused absences include required academic and religious functions, illness or

injury. Each coach has his/her own rules and policies regarding absences that should be respected by the player and parents.

Unexcused absences can result in decreased playing time and, if excessive, possible dismissal from the team.

Communicate directly to your coach as early as possible about any conflicts that you may have.



Academy players are required to have “calendar checkpoints” periodically with their coach and manager. See ESC

ACADEMY below.

How much ‘traveling’ is required?

Most of our teams are in the MYSA West District and would play such communities as Plymouth, Wayzata, Eden Prairie,

Minneapolis, Chaska/Chan, etc. Occasionally, we have a team or two that must play in the MYSA South, North or East

Districts. Half of the games are played on home fields in Edina and half are played at away sites in the opposing communities.

What days are games and practices?

GAMES:

Summer league games are played either on Mon/Wed or Tues/Thu depending on age and level of team.

MYSA Playing Nights for Summer Season:

Age/Division Girls Boys

U9 Tue-Thu Mon-Wed

U10 Mon-Wed Tue-Thu

U11 Classic 1 Tue-Thu Mon-Wed

U11 Classic 2 Mon-Wed Tue-Thu








U14 Premier Tue-Thu Mon-Wed




U15 Premier Mon-Wed Tue-Thu








U17 Premier Mon-Wed Tue-Thu





U18, U19 or U18/19 Combined Classic 1 Mon-Wed Tue-Thu

U18, U19 or U18/19 Combined Classic 2 Tue-Thu Mon-Wed

U19 Premier Sun-Wed Tue-Thu

Fall league games are played on Saturdays and Sundays.

PRACTICES:

Practices for both summer and fall can be on any day of the week and are dependent on both coach and field availability.


When will we know our game and practice schedules? Specific game and practice schedules will not be available until the week before each season begins.

UNIFORMS

How much do uniforms cost?

The required uniform package cost is in addition to each team’s fees. Cost for the package changes with each new 2-year

uniform cycle. Specific costs can be found at www.edinasoccerclub.com. You may purchase additional items as needed

anytime during the 2-year uniform cycle. See the ESC website under the “uniforms” tab for price and ordering info.

How long are ESC uniforms used?

The current uniform style will be used through Fall 2016 season. New players are required to purchase a uniform package for

participation. The next new uniform 2-year (4 seasons) cycle begins spring/summer 2017.

Can I try on sizes somewhere?

ESC offers one or two uniform fitting sessions prior to the start of each season.

Can I pick my own number?

All jersey numbers will be assigned. No two players within the same age group should have the same number. Jersey numbers

will follow the player through U18. If you miss playing a season with the club, your number may be reassigned to another

player.

How do I order a uniform?

ESC has one or two uniform fitting sessions prior to each season start. Complete uniforms or pieces can be ordered at those

times, or anytime during the year. Uniform order information is posted on the ESC.

Can I order ESC Spiritwear?

Spiritwear items include warm-ups, sweatshirts, soccer bags, t-shirts, hats, rain gear, etc. These items are available by special

order only at certain times of the year, usually prior to the start of the summer season, and again before fall. These times

usually coincide with uniform fitting sessions.

TRYOUTS

Are there tryouts for all levels of play?

ESC has tryouts for all levels from U9 to U19.

When are tryouts held for ESC?

Tryouts for U9 are held in mid-late July and again in February. All other players from U10-U18 have tryouts in late July or

early August. See www.edinasoccerclub.com under the “tryouts” tab for specific tryout dates and times. Teams are posted

soon after the tryouts have been completed for both Fall (U9-U14 teams) and Summer League Seasons (U10-U18 teams).

Why do U9’s have tryouts in July and February?

Current and prospective U9 players participate in two tryouts. These tryouts serve the changes in development and the

increased pool we typically see at this age group. U9 players have a July tryout to determine placement on Fall teams and also

in February to determine placement for Summer teams.

What is the tryout process?

ESC holds “game situation” tryouts, where players compete in small sided games and are evaluated on their skill level. The

data is then compiled and teams are selected based on the previous season player ranking and the tryout data.

How are the players evaluated?

Players are evaluated based on a combination of their tryout performance and prior season coach evaluation if they played on

an ESC team in the prior season.

What if we miss one or more of the scheduled tryouts?

Team placement will be based on available tryout information as well as coach ranking from Summer ESC teams. Players are

strongly encouraged to attend both scheduled tryouts to ensure that there is a sufficient body of work for evaluation. Players

missing tryouts that did not play Summer will not be placed on a team initially. If space is available after tryouts, players may

be asked to attend a fall or winter practice or two to have a tryout and may be placed on a summer team. Due to the short

season and quick turnaround, new players missing tryouts will most likely not be placed on a fall team.




We missed the scheduled tryouts and are wondering if there is space available on a team? Can we join late?

Yes. If a player is new to ESC, and does not attend tryouts, he/she will go through the waitlist process. Waitlist players will

undergo a tryout at a team practice or at a Club training event. Following the tryout, player may be placed on a team or placed

within a waitlist pool comparable with their tryout in the age group. Waitlists can and will change throughout the course of the

calendar year. Please contact the Club Registrar at [email protected] to inquire about space for a certain age

group.

If a current ESC player does not attend tryouts, that player’s placement decision will be made using all available data and may

go through the same waitlist process.

If you are unable to attend tryouts but intend on playing, indicate this within the online tryout registration. Please email the

club if you suddenly discover that you cannot attend because of illness, injury, etc. Tryout results for both seasons will be

posted on the ESC website as soon as they are available following tryouts.

What is the “Waitlist”?

The waitlist is the pool of players who have gone through an ESC tryout process but will not be placed on a team until space is

available. In the event that no space is available, ESC will collaborate with the waitlist families so that they can pursue other

options. There is no permanent, fixed order to the waitlist – it is a pool of players. See TEAM PLACEMENT for factors that

will be considered.

TEAM PLACEMENT

Can you share tryout data so that my child can use it to improve their game:

As a parent, it is helpful to know what our child can ‘work on’ to improve as a player. The best source of information for this is

their most recent coach, who has seen them in practice and game environments. Tryouts, the Tryout Process, nor Tryout Data

are useful in this regard, whatsoever.

ESC does not share tryout scores. The tryout assessors are not looking at players in terms of their future potential, but instead

how they compare to the entire pool of players on that particular day. The assessors generally don’t know the players – they are

independent to assure the most accurate scores. Each assessor gives each player a score between 1-4. That score is all

encompassing and has no ‘notes’ or metadata around it – just a score that attempts to encapsulate the player’s soccer skills on a

particular day. A minimum of four assessors provide scores for each player. Scores are tallied for the two days of tryouts and

provide a key component for the process of Team Placement.

Do players have the opportunity to “move up” to higher-level teams?

Absolutely. There are three main factors to remember when concerning yourself with your child’s ability to advance:

1. Skills – If your child puts in the time, his/her skills will develop. With better skills, the better chance your child has to

be placed on a better team. Will there always be the special athletes out there who put in very little time but seem to

stay up on their skills? Yes. But, in general, your child can “work” their way onto higher-level teams. It just takes

time and effort.

2. Roster Sizes – As you can see from the grid above, roster sizes increase with age. Increased roster sizes allow the

potential for more opportunities for movement onto a particular team. The biggest opportunities lie at U11 and U13.

3. Attrition – Historically, 70% of players in most youth sports opt out as they get older. This trend is true in soccer as

well. It is a reality that our society is pushing for single-sport athletes at younger and younger ages. Sometimes Edina

Soccer Club is the beneficiary of this. Sometimes not. Simply put, if your child is working on their skill

development, they will have an opportunity to move up to higher-level teams as they improve and others drop out.

How do you determine who makes what team?

The criteria for Team Placement is based on three key factors:

1. Coach Evaluation – At the end of each season, coaches rank all players on the team based on several factors, not

limited to skill level as an individual player, teamwork, attitude, position, and commitment. Typically, players ranked

in the top third of a team are candidates to remain at that level or move up, while players in the bottom third may be

candidates to move down.

2. Tryout Results – Tryouts are very objective. Players wear numbered pennies and are evaluated by 4-6 independent

evaluators. Evaluators give a score to each player for each day of the tryout. All scores are tallied at the end of

tryouts and entered into an application that incorporates the Coach Evaluations. The output of this application is a

report that suggests an overall ranking. DOCs and Coaches then use this report to create the teams. The DOCs and

Coaches depend heavily on the overall ranking that is generated by this two-part process. The process is objective and

fair.

3. Ongoing knowledge – Players are under observation year round by ESC training staff as part of the development

process. Anomalies in the Coach Evaluation and Tryout Results can often be corrected by our ongoing knowledge of

our players.



Is the Team Placement process too objective (should it be more subjective)?

No. It is important that we use that data available to us. If a player has a great tryout and is ranked in the top third by his

coach, he should likely play at the next highest level – even if that means someone else moves down.

Is the Team Placement process too subjective (should it be more objective)?

It is important that the DOCs and Coaches have the ability to move players within the age group. And please remember, these

subjective decisions almost always center around “bubble players” – that is, players who are right on the bubble of moving up

or down. Two examples illustrate this point:

1. Example 1: A team cannot be made up of all Defensive players. If the numbers objectively show that a team should

be rostered with 18 players who all play Defense as their primary position, the DOCs and Coaches would likely

determine that some Midfielders, Forwards, and a Goalie who are on the bubble should make the team. We are

putting teams together, not a collection of individuals.

2. Example 2: A coach might like the permission to take a chance on a “raw”, athletic player over a polished player who

is less aggressive. We think it is important that coaches have this type of leeway when determining which bubble

players make the team.

Are we trying to create teams that win games or best develop players?

Both. But we emphasize development over winning at the early age groups. Winning should be a by-product of development,

but emphasizing winning at early age groups tends to negatively impact long term development.

When does ESC start to emphasize winning?

U11.

How do you determine the number of Maroon and C1 teams?

Up until U14, Edina Soccer Club can select its own levels (club determined “Self-Select”). Starting at U14, teams get

“promoted” or “relegated” by MYSA based on the team’s performance the prior year. During the Self-Select years, ESC

determines the number of teams at each level based on the overall talent level in that age group.

Does ESC try to advance teams to the MYSA Premier level?

Yes. MYSA Premier status is one of many levels. There are many other advanced levels of soccer in Minnesota and the US

available to ESC players, including State, Regional, and National play (US Club Soccer, MRL, State Cup, ODP, and ID2 etc.).

See pages 11-12 for descriptions of these programs.

My child seems to always end up on the second-best team. Why should we continue to put in the time?

First of all, there is nothing wrong with having a child who plays soccer on a C2 or C3 team. Remember, there are no C3

players, only C3 teams. Secondly, if you and your child are committed to development, they will get better at this sport and

will have a chance to compete for a higher-level team. Historically, time rewards those who commit to developing. Thirdly,

each player will mature physically at a different rate and timeframe relative to his/her peers.

ESC ACADEMY

What is the ESC Academy?

The ESC Academy is made up of all the players from our top teams who are encouraged to train and play approximately 10

months out of every year with built-in breaks. The ESC Academy may also include players from lower level teams who wish

to opt in individually. Opt-ins are encouraged and will be considered based on skill level and if space is available. The goal of

the ESC Academy is to cater to our most committed players while developing our top-level teams in a consistent, competitive

environment within an appropriate game-to-training ratio throughout the year. The ESC Academy is a 10 month commitment

made up of Fall league play, Indoor Season, and Summer league play.

What is the goal of the Academy?

The goal of the Academy is to create the ideal environment for our most committed players.

What is the ESC Academy time line?

The ESC Academy Indoor Season time line is November 1st through the end of February.

Is there gameplay during ESC Academy Indoor Season?

Yes. ESC Academy teams will be participating in regular and frequent competitive games against other, regional top teams.

Opt-in players, depending on each Academy team’s needs, may or may not participate in gameplay.

Who is in the ESC Academy?

Participation in this programming is required for players on the top teams in the U10-U19 age groups, and is available to

committed players from second and third level teams on an individual, opt-in basis.


Can I be an Academy player but only participate seasonally?

Yes. However all Academy players (and therefore top team players) are financially committed regardless of participation and

commitment. There is no pro-rating of your Academy fees. Once you accept a position in the Academy, you are required to

pay the full fees associated with your Academy team.

Because the goal of the Academy is to create the ideal environment for our most committed players, any choices that an

Academy player makes to be more seasonal in their commitment may affect their placement in future years.

Furthermore, all Academy players are required to do occasional “calendar checkpoints” with Academy coaches and managers

to help forecast player availability and commitment relative to the pool of Academy players in your age group. Full disclosure

of each player’s availability is entirely the responsibility of each family. The purpose of the calendar checkpoints is to assure

that the Academy pool is at its optimal numbers and strength for the purpose of training and game play.

If I want to opt in, does that mean I am on a top team?

No, opt-ins to the Academy are given the opportunity to train with the Academy player pool for fixed periods of time,

depending on the pool of players and the skill level of the opt in. There are no guarantees that any opt in will have the same

opportunities as a top team Academy player. Opt-ins may also play in Academy games. We anticipate that some of our

Academy multi-sport athletes will, based on calendar constraints, be seasonal in their commitment levels. This may open the

door for some of our opt-ins to train and play with the Academy. Opt-in Academy gameplay payments are pro-rated.

What if I get placed in the Academy, want to play competitively, but don’t feel like I can truly commit to the Academy?

We have teams at all levels of play. The best choice for you may be to play at a lower level with the possibility of “playing up”

periodically on a top team. Second and third level teams still have access to indoor season training, coaches, and tournament

play.

WHO TO CONTACT

Who should I contact with issues, concerns or compliments regarding:

Tryouts/Team Placement- Boys/Girls Directors

Team Issues- First, contact Team Coach, then Age Group Director, then Vice President

Coaching- First, contact Team Coach, then Age Group Director, then Vice President

Playing Time- First, contact Team Coach, then Age Group Director, then Vice President

Practice Schedule- Team Manager or Team Coach

Club Fees- Club Administrator

Tournaments- Team Coach

TOURNAMENTS

How many spring/summer tournaments are teams expected to play in?

ESC encourages all U9 teams to participate in 1 summer tournament. U10 and older teams are expected to participate in 2

tournaments. A third tournament requires approval of the Director of Coaching.

Who registers our team for tournaments?

The Club Registrar will register all U9 teams for one tournament. For U10-U18 teams, the team manager will register the team

for all tournaments. Managers then can submit a reimbursement request to the Club Administrator. Tournament fees will then

be billed back to the team in their final Team Fee payment.

Does ESC recommend any particular tournaments?

ESC sends out a list of tournaments to all coaches and managers in the early spring.

Does our team need to play in the MYSA League Playoffs and State Tournament?

Yes, all U11 and older ESC teams are expected to play in the MYSA State Tournament if they qualify for summer and fall

seasons. This is given priority over all other tournaments.

For the different tournaments my team participates in, is all Coaching included in the Coaches fee?

All coaching fees for tournaments held in the summer season i.e. April 1st to August 1

st, are covered in the coach fees.

All coaching fees for tournaments held in the fall season September 1 to October 31 are covered in the coach fees.


When participating in an “Out of State” Tournament, who pays the Coaches expenses for hotel, travel and "per diem

money"?

When traveling to an out of state tournament or out of town tournament, the coach is entitled to receive compensation from the

team for hotel, travel and “per diem” money. The team is responsible for paying the hotel costs and a $30 per diem for meals,

as well as airfare or mileage of 45 cents/mile if driving. Coach travel costs may be included with team tournament fees.

INDOOR SEASON

Can players who participate in a high school varsity sport get an exemption from the indoor season requirement? No. Training and participation in other sports is not a viable substitution for soccer specific training that involves high

frequency soccer ball touches.

Is ESC training available to any player not on an ESC team? If a player is not registered on an ESC team, that player will need to be invited by ESC and they will need to fill in the

necessary paperwork/waiver in order to participate in the training.

If my team plays in an indoor league and my child cannot make any of the games, can they be exempt from the fees? No. If a majority of the team chooses to play in an indoor league, all fees are divided equally between all players on the roster,

regardless of participation. Similarly, if a team signs up for indoor training team practices using ESC acquired space, all

players on the team will be billed equally for facility and coaching costs, regardless of participation.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:

Olympic Development Program (ODP)

Purpose The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was formed in 1977 to identify a pool of players in each age group from

which a National Team will be selected for international competition; to provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the

development of players at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for

the exchange of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.

What are the Benefits of Participating in US Youth Soccer ODP? 1. Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best player's in one's age group.

2. Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.

3. Quality competition. Games against other state association ODP teams.

4. Exposure to regional and national team coaches.

5. The opportunity to represent one's state, region, or country in competition.

6. Exposure to college coaches.

What is ESC’s stance on ODP Participation

Players are encouraged to participate in the ODP program. ODP provides a setting for ESC players to meet players and coaches

from other communities, and to experience a high level of competitive play within their own age group.

ODP Schedule Conflicts

ODP programming may conflict with ESC schedules. In these instances the expectation is that players communicate

proactively with their team coaches, and place ESC commitments before ODP opportunities. In these scenarios team coaches

and Directors of Coaching will advise players on the best course of action.

MN ODP FAQ page: http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0033/8943/odp_faq.pdf

ID2

Established in 2004, US Club Soccer’s id2 National Identification and Development Program provides an opportunity for the

country’s elite youth soccer players to be identified and developed, and scouted for inclusion in U.S. Soccer’s National Team

programs.

The id2 Program is open to all players regardless of U.S. Soccer affiliation, or lack thereof.

There is no cost to players to be identified for or participate in the id2 Program. For id

2 Training Camps, all lodging,

meals and training gear are provided at no cost by US Club Soccer and Nike. For National Selection programming,

airfare/travel is also provided at no cost.

http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0033/8943/odp_faq.pdf


Players should be initially scouted within the environment they are most comfortable – their club training and

competition environment. Clubs have the largest impact on player development, and club coaches and club

competitions must be an integral part of the id2 Program.

Players are rated and evaluated for inclusion in the program based up on a combination of: (i) objective and

independent scouting information; and (ii) information from the players’ regular trainers and coaches.

The id2 Program does not create significant additional demands on the calendar of the elite player.

ESC Player Identification

ESC Coaches and Directors will identify players and contact them about potential inclusion in the ID2 program.

ID2 – more info: http://www.usclubsoccer.org/programs/player-identification/id2-program/

MRL

About MRL The MIDWEST REGIONAL LEAGUE (MRL) mission is to provide the highest standard of competitive play for youth teams

in US Youth Soccer Region II (the Midwest Region) and to assure the continued growth and development of elite level

players.

League Structure The MRL features competition in five Age Groups (U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18) for both Boys and Girls. Two seasons are

offered – Fall and Spring. Based on the number of teams in an Age Group, Premier and First Divisions are offered. Teams

earn spots in the Premier Division by qualifying through their play in MRL competition. Within the Premier and First Division,

sub-divisions may also be formed. A promotion and relegation system has been adopted ensuring that success on the field

results in teams participating at the highest levels of the MRL. Teams in the Premier Divisions compete for the two Wild Card

slots that are available in each age group. Each year, more than 100 MRL teams participate in the Region II Championships as

either state cup champs or MRL wild card entries.

Is my team eligible for MRL play?

ESC coaches and directors will identify teams that are eligible and suited for MRL play. The decision to play in the MRL will

be made by team coaches taking into account the significant level of commitment necessary for success in this program.

How much travel is required for MRL participation?

Generally teams participating in the MRL will be required to travel two or as many as three times within the Midwest during

the months of April and May.

MRL – more info: http://www.midwestregionalleague.com/about.htm

US CLUB SOCCER

A National Association member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, US Club Soccer is an organization committed to the

development and support of soccer clubs in the United States. Among US Club Soccer’s guiding principles:

Mission Statement:

US Club Soccer will foster the growth and development of soccer clubs throughout the United States to create the best possible

development environment for players of all ages in every club.

Which ESC teams should participate in US Club Soccer?

ESC coaches and Directors will identify teams that are well-suited for US Club Soccer participation.

How does the club registration process work? Clubs first register with US Club Soccer, using the online club registration form. If accepted for membership, they will then

receive a password to access the Members Area section, and will complete the online registration of their players and staff.

What are the US Club Soccer passcards like? The player passcard will be issued by us after you register your players. We will return them to the club (either via the mail or

an emailed .pdf file) and the club will affix each player’s picture to his/her card and laminate it. Also, the back of the passcard

states: “In all US Club Soccer competitions, this pass is valid for any team in this club at or above the player’s age group.”

US Club Soccer – FAQ: http://www.usclubsoccer.org/about/faqs/

http://www.usclubsoccer.org/programs/player-identification/id2-program/

http://www.midwestregionalleague.com/about.htm

http://www.usclubsoccer.org/about/faqs/

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