Coaches Paul Allen and Steve Wexall's U11 girls team finished in 2nd place at the Michigan Coastal Soccerfest in Holland, Michigan over Memorial Weekend.  Great job, team!

Below are the frequently asked questions about the Tri-Cities Strikers U8 Academy:

What is the U8 Strikers Academy?

The TCS U8 Academy is designed to give U8 boys and girls the opportunity to experience select soccer in an environment that is developmentally appropriate for the seven year old. It is the bridge between recreational soccer and select soccer.

How is youth soccer in Michigan organized?

 Much of competitive youth soccer in Michigan is overseen by the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA). Organized soccer leagues, such as the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA), belong to and are obliged to take direction from MSYSA. Clubs such as Tri-Cities Strikers are members of GVSA.

What are the different levels of organized youth soccer?

 • Recreational: This experience encompasses almost all players U8 and younger as well as older players. The primary focus is development but also equal participation.

• Select: A competitive soccer experience that can start as young at U8. Players attend tryouts and teams are typically formed based on the skills demonstrated in the tryouts. Playing time etc. is not equal, although there are minimal playing time standards per league rules. This level requires a greater commitment, and is often more expensive than recreational soccer.

• Premier: This experience is comprised of the “best” players from U13 and above who are on a development path to play high-level soccer. It requires a greater dedication by players and parents because of more extensive game, training, and travel time.

 What level is the U8 academy?

The U8 academy can be seen as a transition between recreational soccer and select soccer. Because of the players’ age, many of the philosophies of recreational soccer are still very important, but we also believe, when done right, players can begin to enjoy more focused training.

How will players be selected?

 Players will be required to register and attend tryouts. At tryouts the Academy Director, Strikers Director of Coaching, and independent evaluators will select the U8 Academy pool of players. Given the young age of the players we want to minimize the stress associated with typical tryouts.

How will teams be formed?

 Teams will be balanced based on ability. There will not be an A and a B team. The idea is to create a U8 pool of players who will all train together under the guidance of the Academy Director.

Are we trying to win games?

Players will be asked to try their best in practices and games. However, the focus is developing players at U8 and not necessarily winning games. What is best for players is that they have fun, become better individually while experiencing all positions, and begin to understand the concepts of team soccer. Game scores or league standings are not important at U8 and we will measure our success in the improvement of our players. If we do a good job of developing talent at the U8-U14 age groups, then they will have the opportunity to enjoy winning when they are old enough to truly appreciate it.  

  What is the time commitment?

 Players will have two 1.5-hour practices per week and 8 games in the fall and 8 games in the spring. The U8s will not attend a fall tournament, but may attend one in the spring. There will also be a mandatory parent meeting prior to the beginning of the season.

 What is the cost?

 The cost will be similar to the U9 age group cost which can be found on the Tri-Cities Strikers website.

In Summary:

 • Players will be evaluated at tryouts.

• Multiple teams to be created that have approximately equal skill levels.

• A head coach and assistant coach will be assigned to each team formed (parents needed for this). • Each team will play in the GVSA U8 division.

• All teams will train as a pool under the direction of the U8 Director. Teams will train at the same time, at the same place, under the same curriculum.

• Mandatory parent meeting prior to the start of the season.

• Emphasis is on individual player development and becoming accustomed to playing in the GVSA league.

• Players will play approximately equal time and in a variety of different positions.

 June 14th, 2012: 7pm TCS Board Meeting at the Grand Haven YMCA

June 18 - 21, 2012 Tryouts - Harbor Island, Grand Haven

July 11th, 2012: 7pm TCS Board Meeting at the Grand Haven YMCA

August 13th, 2012: 7pm TCS Board Meeting at the Grand Haven YMCA

September 10th, 2012: 7pm TCS Board Meeting at the Grand Haven YMCA

October 8th, 2012: 7pm TCS Board Meeting at the Grand Haven YMCA

November 12th, 2012: 7pm TCS Board Meeting at the Grand Haven YMCA

December 10th, 2012: 7pm TCS Board Meeting at the Grand Haven YMCA

Thank you to all the teams that participated and the volunteers who made the 2011 Tri-Cities Strikers 3v3 Summer Soccer Classic a tremendous success! 
We look forward to seeing you again next summer on July 21, 2012

A special THANK YOU to our sponsors!

With a strong youth soccer organizational model, dedicated board and parents, and successful teams, why not put your coaching abilities to work for the Tri-Cities Strikers?

Learn more here!