Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to www.gvsoccer.org for additional information regarding GVSA select soccer.

Our club's select teams are registered with theGrand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA), which organizes the game schedules of all GVSA registered clubs. Our club’s bylaws follow those of GVSA

The Sailor Soccer Club and tryouts are open to all area players.

• The 2009-2010 club fee for select soccer is $250 per year. $130 will be charged in the fall. $120 will be charged in the spring. Examples of what the fees cover: a. GVSA league fees. b. Home game referee fees. c. New stocked coach bags for new coaches and restocking of coach bags for returning select coaches. d. Field maintenance at the Sailor Soccer Complex, such as the lining of fields, field equipment, goal and net repairs or replacements as needed. e. Seasonal portable johns, 2 at the Sailor Soccer Complex and one at the Porter fields. f. Continuing field development at the Porter complex. g. Field maintenance at the Porter complex, including mowing, seeding, fertilizing, etc. h. Concession costs and clubhouse equipment replacement and/or maintenance.
• Most select team coaches will choose to play in one tournament per season, which will mean additional team costs. A team tournament fee can be in the range of $325-$450 (divided by the number of players), plus travel and hotel accommodations, if necessary.
• In addition, a team may at some time choose to hire a paid coach, which will increase the team fee per team player. These fees are per player and per season and are determined based on the coaches licensing, qualification and experience. The club has a minimum fee structure for coaches. These are E License - $50, D license - $80; C License - $110; B License - $150 & A license - $200.

Do not just show up at the tryouts. Be ready to work. Players need to ensure they are properly equipped for the tryout. This includes, boots /cleats , shin guards, water and an age appropriate ball. Do not wear any Sailor Select jerseys, uniforms or socks. Tryouts can be fun, but they are also serious. Tryouts may be the only time you have to show the coaches what you can do. Have fun and give it your best shot! Don't slow down or 'dog it'. Try your best all the time. Coaches look for players who are always ready - even if they are resting or on the sidelines.

Remember not everyone can - or should - make a select team. Sometimes a coach is looking for a certain type of player to fill a gap in his roster. Sometimes he may need a striker, other times a defender, maybe a keeper or a utility player. Don't be a one position player, you can increase your odds by being versatile. Play all positions with your current team. Don't just say "I'm a forward" or "I'm a defender". Play as many positions as you can. Then when the evaluator at the tryouts asks, you can tell him you can play anywhere.

The purpose of the Sailor Select program is to serve as an avenue to develop young players for the next step beyond recreational soccer and to identify players of a higher caliber who have set their goals on reaching higher standards. The commitment is for two practices a week (1.5 - 2 hrs.) with a typical eight (8) weekend game schedule against area teams and, at least, one weekend away tournament. This commitment is a one year commitment to both fall and spring sessions for all players age U14 and below. High School players are only committed to the High School off-season in the Sailor Select program. This opportunity will provide each player the chance to play with some of the better players from our Western Michigan area and prepare them for High School competition and beyond.

Select soccer also involves an additional cost commitment. Registration fees are higher than for rec soccer. Tournament entry fees and family travel will also add costs. Many tournament involve overnight stays because the tournaments will run for three days - usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The coach of the team will make team selections. If there is no coach for the team at the try out, the Select Coaching Director will ensure there is a qualified evaluator at the try out. Along with various skill level evaluations, the coach will be looking for good sportsmanship and player ethics, and also commitment. If the evaluator's score for the player is below Select standards, the player will be encouraged to play another year of recreational soccer. Each player develops at his/her own rate and if he or she is not ready for select this year, it does not mean that he/she will not be able to play at this level the following year.

Select soccer is for players that are ready to compete on a higher level. The competition is much greater than at the recreational level and advanced skills are required. There is often travel involved and more time is spent practicing.

No, there is no tryout fee for the 2009-2010 season.

Tryouts for select teams will be held June 15-17 with a make up date June 22. No player commitment can be requested by the coach until June 22nd. This is a league rule.

See below for more information regarding tryout dates.