What is Select Soccer?

Select soccer is an advanced, more challenging level of soccer play.　 Select teams play teams from other clubs in one of several the statewide leagues and may also participate in tournaments. Any player who wishes to excel in soccer should consider the select program.

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How are Teams Formed?

Tryouts for select teams are held in May at the ESAB Soccer Complex. Dates and times for tryouts will be published in local newspapers and on the Florence Soccer Association web site (www.flosoccer.org). Teams will be formed for the age groups that allow the most qualified players to play and competitive teams to be formed. Teams will NOT be formed just because they played together in previous years. We expect to hold tryouts for ages U9 through U18 (The soccer age is based on the player’s age as of July 31 of the year).

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What are the Expectations for Select Players?

All players agree to follow the rules and guidelines of the Florence Soccer Association, the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association, and the United States Youth Soccer Association.　 Players who do not follow these rules can be dismissed from the team. Players cannot play select and recreation soccer at the same time.

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How are Players Selected?

FSA coaches evaluate players based on soccer skill, athletic ability, and attitude.　 Playing time is based on a player's ability and players are not guaranteed a certain amount of playing time.　 Coaches are considerate of the time and expense families put forth for their players, but must also balance that with putting the best team on the field for the opponent.

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When do the Select Teams Play?

All select teams play a fall season running from September to November.　 Play can extend into December if a team goes into the state play-offs. Teams U-14 and under also play in the spring.　 The spring season runs from February until May. Note: Signing up for ages U14 and below is a two season (fall/spring) commitment. Fees for both fall and spring seasons may be due prior to releasing a player from a team.

Games for select teams are usually on Saturdays or Sunday afternoons.　 Occasionally games may fall on Sunday mornings.　 Leagues try to avoid the Sunday morning hours, but sometimes travel time falls on Sunday mornings.

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Where do Teams Play?

Most games are scheduled at a site most easily accessible to both teams.　 All league games are played in the state. Most games are in Columbia; however, a team may be required to travel to Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, Aiken, Rock Hill, or other cities in any given season.　Teams may play some games at the ESAB soccer complex.

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When do the Select Teams Practice?

Teams begin practice during the summer.　Teams normally practice two or three times a week.

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What is the Level of Commitment?

There are two kinds of commitment we ask of select players and their families. The first is time.　 Players are committed to becoming the best players they can be by attending all practices and games. The second kind of commitment required of our players and their families is funding.

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How are Teams Funded?

Select teams are self-funded.　 The Florence Soccer Association organizes tryouts, provides the fields, and assigns coaches to teams. A fee is paid to the Florence Soccer Association for the team training fee (includes coach’s pay), SCYSA fees, and league fees. Note: Coaches will be paid by the Florence Soccer Association beginning in the fall 2008 season. Parents are responsible for all other expenses including tournament fees, referee payments, coach’s expenses, uniforms, and equipment.　 Parents of the team make decisions about tournaments, etc.　The total cost to play select soccer averages $300-$500 per season plus travel expenses.

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