FC Alliance U10 Program Directors
Development Program Designed for the U10 Player
The FC Alliance Premier U10 Development Program provides high level coaching, training, and competition for players aged eight and nine years old. FC Alliance, in accordance with Washington Youth Soccer guidelines, offers this development program for U10 boys and girls who are looking for a more competitive environment and longer season of play.
Tryouts
Tryouts for this age group are held in April. Players are evaluated by FC Alliance staff and professional coaches who have extensive playing and coaching backgrounds. During tryouts, players participate in small-sided games and activities. Players are evaluated on ability, coach-ability, and potential. Once the tryouts are concluded, players are placed in a player pool with will train together for two weeks. This allows coaches time to create teams of kids with similar ability, who will compete more equally against other premier development teams in the state.
Teams Breakdown
Gold (A Team) – 9 vs 9 games; roster size up to 12-14 players; This team will play up at the U11 level and will be considered U11 Developmental. This team will only be formed and play “9 vs 9” based on the level of play demonstrated at tryouts. The Gold team coach and U10 Program Director will make the final decision on what is best for the Gold team. If the gold team plays up, there is an increase in player fees. If the Gold team plays “6 vs 6”, then the cost remains the same as the other Developmental teams.
White (B Team) – 6 vs 6 games; roster up to 9 players
Blue (C Team) – 6 vs 6 games; roster up to 9 players
After the summer, Coaching Directors of every club meet to determine the most appropriate level and division for each team. The team placements are determined based on tournament results, coaches’ feedback, and compatibility level of competition.
“Play Up” Requests
Club coaching staff will support players who are physically and emotionally prepared to participate in age group play beyond their chronological age. These players must demonstrate that an advanced age group is necessary to challenge their current abilities.
The following guidelines will be followed:
1. Players are expected to try out with their age-appropriate level at least once, unless they are school grade appropriate.
2. Players who elect to compete for a position on an older team must sign a declaration form indicating their understanding of the selection process.
3. The age-group Coaches from the involved levels will decide the appropriate aged team after the tryout process is complete. The Coaching Director will decide if the age-group coaches are unable to reach an agreement.
4. Families are responsible to pay the appropriate club fees for their player’s team.
Season Calendar
· May, June, August – two training sessions a week, scrimmages, and two to three summer tournaments
· September , October, November – Fall League season begins. Teams compete in the Regional Club League (RCL) against the top teams in the state playing at the highest levels.
· December – Teams will have a few training sessions, but will have a minimum of three weeks off before returning to training in early January
· January, February, March – Teams will resume training and play in Regional Club League (RCL) Spring League season.
· March, April – optional State Cup
· April – Tryouts for next season
Team Training
Initial training consists of an introduction to the basic fundamentals with an emphasis on the technical aspects of the game. The team trains two nights per week. Schedule will be Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, with some players opting to attend optional technical club trainings, goalkeeper training, or FC Alliance Academy events.
Player Movement
FC Alliance has a policy that at any time during the course of the year players may move between teams of different levels. Coaching staff evaluates players throughout the year and ensures the players are playing on a team where they can receive optimum playing time and develop confidence and skills. At any time when it appears a player will be moved permanently to a different team, the coaching staff will meet with the parents to discuss the matter. The decision will be approved by the club’s Coaching Director.
Player Pass
The Regional Club League (RCL) has a “player pass” system which allows players within out club to guest play with other teams in our club during summer tournaments and league play. Coaches are allowed to have players guest play when they anticipate low numbers at a game or allow a player to play against different competition to further aid in their development. The benefit for the player is that she/he is playing on the proper team against similar ability level and competition.
For the Costs associated with joining the U10 Development Program, please go to our
Registration Section.
