We hope the following questions and answers are helpful to you as you consider playing soccer as part of the San Juan Soccer Club. The questions and answers are geared to younger players U10-U13.

What is the difference between Select and Competitive soccer?

First and foremost it is superior coaching. Many of San Juan’s coaches hold USSF National coaching licenses. To earn a National license the coach must attend an in-depth weeklong course that educates them on how to teach technical skills, advanced tactics, and how to plan a focused training session for the accomplishment of specific goals. Applicants must pass a rigorous on field and written examination to complete their National license. It is a challenging process. Most of our coaches have played at the college or professional levels. All of San Juan’s coaches are highly experienced and have demonstrated the ability to teach and coach soccer at a high level.

Second, the level of skill of competitive players is higher. Playing with and against skilled players accelerates the learning process. Generally, the level of commitment and enthusiasm of the competitive player is greater. These combine to provide a great experience for the players.

What is the time commitment?

For U11-U14, practice generally starts in June with the league season starting in August and ending in November. From U-11 up, all San Juan teams participate in the State Cup tournament that can run from January into the first week in March, if your team makes the final round. During the summer and fall these teams play four or five tournaments. In total the schedule is not much different than a Select team that plays in the Association Cup tournament.

For U10s the rules for games jamborees and practice time are identical to the rules for Select soccer. This means practices start in June and the year is completed in November. District rules keep them to a limited schedule.

Many of our San Juan players excel academically, participate in other sporting and extra-curricular activities. While competitive soccer is a big time commitment with some planning you can participate in other activities. Players do have to prioritize their commitments and obligations to be successful. (Another important lesson that competitive soccer teaches!) The San Juan families are great at helping each other out with car pools, etc., to meet all of the players’ time commitments. 

What does it cost?

The costs associated with competitive soccer are higher than in Select and Recreational soccer primarily because of the salary of the professional coach. A projected budget and tournament schedule will be provided at the tryouts for each team. In addition there are costs associated with traveling to away games and tournaments. 

Is there too much emphasis on winning?

In the younger age groups the emphasis is on teaching the fundamental skills of the game. This is called technical training. The players are taught how dribble, trap, pass and strike the ball correctly. They are taught the fundamentals of defending and attacking.

Competitive soccer is almost a misnomer because the goal at the younger age groups is to teach the fundamental skills of the game. The bottom line for our coaches is how well they teach the children to play, and not their won-loss percentage.

What is the bottom line?

The kids have a great time. Last year’s rival is this year’s teammate. Parents are amazed at how quickly the players form new friendships. If you watch closely you can see it happening during the tryouts.

The synergy of excellent coaching, better teammates and strong competition provide a perfect environment for the development of the player’s skills. Over the course of a season, the improvement of the team and its’ players can be nothing short of amazing.