2024 CLUB TRYOUTS 

Ever wonder what the difference is between Competitive and Recreational soccer? 

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Competitive Soccer is also known as "Club Soccer" and "Travel Soccer" , but is one of the same. This is meant for the aspiring player who wants to take soccer to the next level including college and beyond.

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These are some of the areas you will see the difference between Recreational and Competitive soccer.

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Training

• Competitive teams train a minimum of 2 times per week and, in some cases, 3 times per week for 1.5 – 2 hours each time. A strong slant is put on the technical ability of the player and also tactical awareness (this starts around age 13).

• Recreational teams typically train 1-2 times per week for 1 – 1.5 hours each time – varies greatly depending on age.

• Both groups learn teamwork and how to translate that to the field of play. Training typically includes information, skill training and fun!

Coaches

• Competitive coaches are normally licensed and have played at a high level of soccer. Coaches receive fees for their services, which vary depending on licensure and experience. Coaches normally serve a period of 3 years with any given team, unless a just reason can be given for an extended period.

• Recreational coaches are typically parents who play or have played soccer. This level of service fulfills the parental volunteer requirement for their child/children.

Commitment Level and Attendance

• Competitive players agree to a much higher commitment level and are required to attend all scheduled training sessions, games and tournaments. Lack of attendance may reduce game playing time.

• Recreational players are expected to attend all scheduled practice sessions, games and tournament at the end of the season. Lack of attendance at practice may reduce game playing time.

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Contract

• Competitive players’ parents sign a contract for the season agreeing to both expectations and financial commitments.

• Recreational players’ parents agree to expectations and financial commitments when signing up online.

Cost

Competitive soccer is more expensive than Recreational soccer.

Travel

• Competitive game travel is normally within 60 minutes of your home base and requires approximately 50% of games to be away games. Tournament travel can be further, depending on where the tournament location is.

• Usually, all recreational games are played at a local park or city. Occasionally, teams will play a team nearby once or twice per season. The one recreational tournament included in a season is typically no more than 45 minutes away.

Tournaments

• Normally, Competitive teams will attend 2 to 3 tournaments per season and All tournament fees are funded by the parents (often accomplished with fundraising).

• Recreational teams play in one end of season tournament typically. There are options for additional tournaments.

Uniforms

• Competitive players are required to wear training uniform to all training sessions and are required to purchase and wear both home and away game uniforms.

• Recreational players receive the one game uniform they need from the Club. Practice attire is any appropriate soccer clothing (cleats, shin guards, socks, athletic shorts, t-shirt).

Game Schedules
Competitive

• Junior Season, ages 8-14, normally starts at the end of October and finishes in February or March.

• Senior season, ages 15-18, starts in August and pauses in October (for school soccer season) then resumes in February until April.

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Recreational season is similar to the competitive Junior season – normally starts the end of October and finishes in February or March.

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