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Expectations and F.A.Q. about soccer

New to Club Soccer?

Club Soccer (F.A.Q.)

What is Club Soccer?          

           Club Soccer provides an option to parents and players who are willing to invest the additional time and expense in the development of their child’s soccer skills. The level of play helps to push players to achieve their maximum potential. Advanced competition serves as an additional way for the players to learn the game. Club soccer is not for everyone. Club soccer is for players who want to take the next step in learning the game and serves as method of teaching players skills that are useful in the event they wish to pursue the next level of soccer (i.e. High School, College, Professional)


How does club soccer differ from the regular recreation soccer league?

           Recreational leagues are great to gauge a child’s interest in the sport and to develop initial skills. club soccer is a more competitive option than recreational soccer. The competition will have much greater skill level, and the players must allocate more time to perfecting their craft. Wetumpka United is an affiliate of US Youth Soccer, which requires coaches to be certified at a higher level.

           In recreational soccer all players are placed on a team roster regardless of playing ability. Recreational soccer also has unique requirements to encourage participation by all players such as all players must play equal time in each game. In club soccer, Making the roster, and staying on the roster, must be earned by the player.

          Playing time is based on the team’s needs and is at the coach’s discretion.  It is performance based.  Kids who work hard are rewarded with more chances to play, especially at this young age were skill levels are close.  Recreation soccer leagues typically play other teams within their league that are local. Club soccer teams play teams near and far. Club soccer requires more skill level, time, money, travel, and investment from the families involved.

              Try-Outs for travel soccer are bi-annual. Roster spots are limited and awarded based on factors including the player’s skill level and attitude. Players will be notified a week after tryouts if they have made the team, and have a short period to accept the position and sign a commitment form.

            Club soccer is more expensive than recreational soccer. With Wetumpka United, that cost is offset by the number of games we play.   The best way to learn soccer is to play soccer at  young ages.  Legends in soccer learned the game from being constantly exposed to it.  We want to develop your player and our costs are much lower than most travel soccer clubs in the region because we want people to have access to the game. 

         Included in the fees are a home kit, a travel kit a travel bag, and a practice uniform.  Some tournaments will require extra fees and expenses such as hotel and meals. Depending on tournament commitments these fees will be due at the time of registration.

What do I need to buy for my child?

            You must provide your child with a soccer ball. You must check with your coach. U8 - U10 will need a # 4 ball and U12 - U19 will need a # 5 ball. A water bottle, shin guards, and cleats will be required for every practice and game. These items can be purchased at any sporting goods store, Wal-Mart, or Target.

What does traveling involve?

            Academy teams will play teams in the region.  In addition to games in Elmore County,  road games are against teams within a 2 hour radius of the our training field.  Tournaments are within a 3 hour radius and a usually last 2 days.

            Alabama State League teams have four home and four away games and play within a radius of 3 hours.  We try to schedule multiple games for our teams traveling great distances to make sure they take advantage of playing diverse competition throughout the state.

Do I have time for this?

           Yes!  Your time is important to us and we want to be as efficient as possible.  Games are scheduled well in advance to plan around.  Club soccer takes commitment, but we also understand our players in high school and junior high have school commitments.  We do our best to accommodate busy family schedules with training and games.  Long distance games are not frequent.

How much does it cost?

             Prices range from 550-650 depending on academy or league play.   Payment plans prior to the beginning of the season are available.  We will do our best to make sure that people who play the game can play it.  We have financial aid and scholarships available.