Freeport United Soccer Club: Frequently Asked Questions
Friday, July 28Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between club soccer and recreational soccer?
A: The principal difference at young ages is the level of competition and hence preparation. Club soccer teams typically play more games, participate in leagues made up of teams from neighboring towns, and practice two or more times a week. Recreational soccer teams play games only against teams formed within their immediate town, do not compete against teams from other areas, and have shorter seasons. At older age levels, club teams aim to participate in the State Championships whereas recreational teams do not. Last, soccer clubs actively develop players for competition at increasingly difficult levels of play.
Q: What’s the difference between club soccer and travel soccer?
A: There really is no distinction between the two. Soccer teams that play in competitive leagues, travel outside their local area for league play, and/or compete in tournaments and State Cups, are known as club soccer teams in most other regions of the country. In Maine, where “travel” hockey team programs existed prior to soccer clubs, the “travel” label moved from the world of competitive ice hockey to competitive soccer.
Q: What is player development?
A: The range of possible experiences as a soccer player are vast. For now, Freeport United’s teams concentrate on playing competitively against other soccer clubs of similar philosophy and abilities. In that context, player development refers to teaching the skills and knowledge for club level games.
Beyond playing for a Freeport United team, older players might participate in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) run by the Soccer Maine coaching staff. The purpose of ODP itself is to identify and nurture players to move on to state, regional, and eventually national level teams. Other possibilities as teenagers and young adults include scholastic soccer at the high school or collegiate level and professional soccer at Division I, II, or III levels. Although Freeport United’s teams are a long way, both in terms of age and intensity, from the highest levels of soccer, the club aims, through a planned program of player development, to help each player reach their full potential as soccer players.
Q: How “intense” is Freeport United? How much commitment is expected of my child?
A: Most of Freeport United’s teams are in age groups where children are just beginning their athletic careers, whether in soccer or any other sport. The ages of 9 to 14 clearly represent an enormous span of child development. As a club, Freeport United hopes to build a love of soccer, friendship and comradeship amongst one’s teammates, and the necessary soccer abilities for those latter teenage years (ages 16-18) when expectations rise accordingly. Although each coach will communicate to his or her team the expectations for success, Freeport United hopes that every player and their families will have such an enjoyable experience each season that they will want to return for the next.
Q: What is the parents’ role with Freeport United?
A: Parents play a very important part of each Freeport United team. They assist the coach with administrative tasks, provide transportation (of course!), and encourage their children to practice soccer at home. They make sure that their children arrive on time for practices and games with the correct equipment. Most importantly, at all times, they model high standards of sportsmanship and good conduct. The Club's Board, its Director of Coaching, and the Coaching Staff encourage you to give your children the freedom to practice and play soccer for the joy of sport. To that end, if you have the chance to come watch a practice or game, relax, enjoy the company of your fellow club parents, and appreciate the hard work of your child.