The U11/U12 Premier Select Program provides motivated players with advanced coaching, training and competition. Players attend tryouts and are placed on teams with others of similar skill levels. The U11/U12 Premier Select teams compete in the Premier Development League (PDL) or at the district level in leagues run by District 3.

The emphasis of the U11/U12 Premier Select Program is player development. FC AlIiance uses a graduated program that begins with mastering basic individual soccer skills and moves ahead to developing team skills. The program is administered by nationally licensed coaches to ensure an expert level of instruction and challenge. FC AlIiance has developed curriculum to guide each year of the program, and let participants know what they will learn.

What is the time commitment for the U11/U12 Premier Program?
The minimum commitment is 8 months, plus another 1-2 months if the team plays in the post-season tournament. Teams will begin practice in mid-to-late April. Teams are encouraged to enter 2-3 summer tournaments. The Fall league runs from September to mid-December. The post-season tournament has games through January – longer depending upon the team’s success. The commitment level for the U11/U12 Premier Program is much higher than for recreational programs. FCA provides substantial resources in the form of coaches, trainers, equipment and playing fields. In return, players are expected to make a full commitment to their team by attending practices, games and other team activities.

Who is a good candidate for the U11/U12 Premier Program?
This program is for those players who love playing soccer and love learning new things. It is for those who want to train and compete in a more competitive environment than is offered in the recreational program. You also need to be committed to participating in practices and games from April – December.

How are the teams selected?
Players attend tryout sessions in early March, where their skill level and athletic ability are assessed by members of the FCA coaching staff. They are then placed on teams with other players of similar ability and skill. There will be a distinct “first team” and “second team” and on down the line. Players will be notified of their placement and asked to make a commitment to the team. Within 7-10 days of the final tryout session, teams will meet to complete the necessary paperwork and fee payment, and to order uniforms.

Can my child request placement on a team with a friend?
No. Players will be placed on teams based on their ability observed at the tryouts. If a player has a conflict with a particular team assignment, we will attempt to accommodate a move to a less advanced team. If siblings the same age request the same team but qualify for different teams based on their ability, they will be assigned to the less advanced team.

Who will be the coaches?
The U11/U12 Premier Select Program involves both licensed coaches and trainers to ensure a high level of player and team development.

What are the fees and costs for the Program?
The fee level is higher than for the recreational program, primarily to cover the additional costs of fields for practices and games and to pay referees.  For individual players, you can expect to pay $1,200 - 1,800 a season, which includes uniform,  NYSA,  FCA and coaching fees.  In addition, team members share the costs of tournament fees, league registration fees and any other expenses incurred during the season. Over the course of season, players will be required to contribute an additional $50-$100 to cover these fees.  

Where/when will the teams practice?
FCA teams practice and play on grass fields owned by the Northshore School District or local municipalities. When the grass fields close in the fall, practices and games move to the lighted turf fields at Inglemoor, Bothell, and Woodinville high schools, Pop Keeney stadium and the North Creek turf fields. Teams will be assigned a Mon-Wed or Tues-Thurs practice schedule. FC Alliance also offers Club Training, an optional training program conducted by various coaches. Club Training is typically divided by age. It’s a great opportunity to learn, get more touches on the ball, and to meet other players in a unique Club atmosphere.  

Where/when will the teams play?
FCA encourages teams to participate in 2-3 summer tournaments around Western Washington. Tournaments are a great opportunity for the team to bond and get to know each other better, and they are an important tool in gauging the team’s ability and development. All U11 teams will be playing 9-a-side games beginning in 2006. U12 Select Program teams will play 11-a-side and participate in the fall competitive leagues run by WSYSA District 3. The Districts offer several levels of competition at each age, so teams can be placed at a level where they will find both challenge and success. Playing at the District level does involve more travel for away games…but keep in mind that half of your games will be at home! About midway through your fall season, each team will need to decide if it wants to enter the state cup post-season tournament. Cup play begins in early January with a guarantee of at least three games; after that, you keep playing until you lose. Finals of the Cup are held in mid-March.

What about other sports or family vacations?
Participation in other sports is encouraged at this age – we only ask that you keep in mind that your player’s development, and the development of the team, is impacted by missed practices and games. Coaches will request that soccer be your first priority sport during the fall league season and state cup.

What participation is expected of parents?
FCA is run totally by volunteers, and each family is expected to volunteer at either the team or club level – or both, if you wish! We prefer that our coaches concentrate on coaching and training and leave the organization and management of the team up to the parents. There are a wide variety of volunteer positions available with each team, so there’s bound to be something for everybody. If you have further questions about the U11/U12 Premier Select Program, please contact FCA Coaching Director, Dave Wymer at dwymer@fcalliance.net or the Club Adminstrator, Karen Renkert at krenkert@fcalliance.net