FAQs
How many tryout or evaluation sessions should I attend?
Players should attend all tryout sessions for the age group they are trying out for. In the event that a player has a conflict, the player will be evaluated based upon their performance at the tryout or evaluation sessions that they participate in. If a player is unable to attend any of the tryout sessions, the player should contact Nathan Carlisle, the Director of Coaching at 256-755-0634. This is especially important if the first tryout or evaluation session will be missed by the player.
What is the difference between Division I, II, III and IV teams?
Division I (ages U-13 thru U-18) teams participate at the highest level of play. Division I teams compete locally, statewide and regionally and work toward the goal of competing at the national level. This playing level requires a very high level of responsibility and commitment from players and parents. Division I players are registered to a team for one full registration year (August 1 thru July 31 the following year)
Division II (ages U-11 thru U-18) teams participate at the second highest level of play, requiring local and statewide competition as well as optional regional play. Players with significant time commitments other than soccer can elect to play on a Division II team, but should be mindful and committed to the Division II league schedule. Division II players are registered to a team for one full registration year (August 1 thru July 31 the following year).
Division III (ages U-8 thru U-12) are formed to facilitate local league play and opportunities for player developing at the younger ages. Division III is a SEASONAL commitment. Teams are formed based on roster spots and coaches available to facilitate the greatest opportunity for development. Division III players participate in at least one-half of each game except for reasons of injury, illness, or discipline.
Division IV (U-6 thru U-12) is defined as intramural, developmental play.
All Valley Futbol Club teams are coached by licensed coaches who are paid for their services.
What are the goals with respect to team formation in the U9 through U12 age groups?
In these age groups, it is our goal to develop players and teach them the skills they will need to compete at higher soccer levels. The focus is not on wins and losses, but on the development of the individual player.
What if I want to tryout in an older age group?
Players should attend the tryout for their age group. If a player wishes to tryout in an older age group, he or she must notify a VFC staff member prior to or at the time of tryout/evaluation registration. This does require the permission of the club’s Director of Coaching. As a general rule, players will only be allowed to play up if a coach would consider them to be a “starter” on the older team. However, being considered a “starter” in this sense does not guarantee an actual starting position. If a player “playing up” at tryouts is not being selected for a competitive team after their first tryout session, he/she should attend the remaining sessions for their age appropriate group.
How many days per week are players expected to train?
All teams are scheduled to train two times per week. Exceptions are for weather related cancellations. Practices will be rescheduled as fields are available. Division I and II teams will practice additional hours as competitive schedules allow and as fields are available.
What about goalkeeper training?
Valley Futbol Club will provide regularly scheduled specialized goalkeeper training during fall and spring seasons.
What about technical skills training outside of team practices?
Valley Futbol Club will provide regularly scheduled technical skills sessions for all of its players during fall and spring seasons.
What about speed & agility training?
Valley Futbol Club will provide regularly scheduled speed & agility training for players who can benefit from this training.
PLEASE NOTE REGARDING SPECIALIZED TRAINING:
Cancellations due to weather/field conditions or unforeseen circumstances (Swine flu, etc.) will be made up ONLY as coaches and fields are available.
The costs for sessions as described above are included in fall/spring club fees.
Optional special events or camps in addition to regularly scheduled training may have an additional cost.
How long is my commitment to a Division I or II team?
Players are selected during open tryouts and sign on as members of the team for the entire seasonal year. (August 1, 2010 thru July 31, 2011) Teams are committed to participating in State Cup competition. Fall State Cup includes Division I ages U-15 thru U-18 and Division 2 ages U-14thru U-18. Spring State Cup includes Division I ages U-13 thru U-14 and Division 2 ages U-11 thru U-13. Those teams winning the Division 1 and Division 2 State Cup Championship are committed to train in the months of May and June of the following year and participate in Regional competition. Teams winning regionals will compete for the National Championship in July. While Valley Futbol Club is fully committed to working with players playing other sports, any conflicts with a player’s ability to fulfill their commitment to Valley will need to be addressed with the coach and Director of Coaching on an individual basis.
When will I know if I have been selected for a Division I or II team?
Valley Futbol Club will make every effort to provide up to date information related to the player selection process on its website at http://www.valleyfutbolclub.org at the end of each tryout/evaluation day. While some teams form rather quickly, others might require the full tryout/evaluation period to select their team members. Should a player not find their name on the team selection list, they are strongly encouraged to participate in the remaining tryout or evaluation sessions as teams continue to form and players continue to be selected in each age group. The team selection site will be updated throughout the tryout/evaluation period. Additionally, players will be notified by a member of our coaching staff of their selection prior to June 20, 2011.