Q: What is the commitment?
A: Players in this age group commit to each season of competitive traveling and competitive prep programs individually (not full year). There are 2 competitive traveling seasons with games against TCSL (Twin Cities Soccer League):
- Fall Season (late August through the first week of October)
- Spring/Summer Season (April through the first week of July)
Additionally, there is Winter Training and Summer Camps.
Q: What nights do you play?
A: League games take place on the weekends during the fall season (6 games starting weekend after Labor Day) and on weeknights during the main spring/summer season (teams are assigned a Mon/Weds or Tues/Th league schedule with normally one game per week) starting early May and ending late June or early July. Those assigned playing nights are not known until August for the Fall Season and January for the Spring Season.
Q: Can my player play another sport while playing competitive soccer?
A: The team is competitive so during the season, we expect players to prioritize training practices and games. At the same time, we pride ourselves on being an accessible program for multi-sport athletes. If your child plays multiple sports, please work with us ahead of tryouts to discuss if it would be a fit.
Q: Does the club take friend requests?
A: The club does not accept friend requests for the competitive program.
Q: Where are games played?
A: League games are split between home games in Bloomington and an away schedule in nearby communities in the Twin Cities. Tournament games are also in nearby communities. All practices will be in Bloomington.
Q: When is the main season for Competitive Traveling?
A: Our main soccer season is in the Spring/Summer with an April/May start and July 1 finish. Fall competitive traveling play includes a few training sessions in mid-to late August with games played weekends after Labor Day and concluding the first weekend in October. Fall soccer is a condensed season with one game and practice each week once league play starts.
Q: Is there a uniform?
A: The club uses an Addidas uniform kit purchased through Soccer.com by each family for $125. It comes with a home and away jersey/shorts/socks combination.
Q: How much does it cost, what do fees cover?
A: Coach pay, fields, turf time, refs, tournaments and league due. The uniform kit is an additional expense paid directly to the uniform vendor. If teams agree to do additional tournaments or travel for tournaments, there would be additional expenses shared by each member of the team.
Q: Are there tryouts?
A: We are committed to placing all U9/U10 players on a competitive traveling team. We host tryouts, assessments and player identification sessions in July and January for players to attend. At these sessions, we identify players interested in a competitive team and evaluate their level of play to determine team placement. If players miss or are unable to attend those sessions, they simply need to register and the club will notify them of team placement.
Q: What competitive level will my player be at?
A: During the tryouts, assessments and player identification sessions, players are evaluated on technical skill and ability. Once we assemble a roster, the club will determine which of three competitive levels; red (highest), white, or blue (lowest) to place the team at.
U9/U10
COMPETITIVE SOCCER
SPRING Team Formation / Player ID / Tryouts scheduled Jan 13 and Jan 20.
Intent to Play registration (free) is required!
Information and Registration via the link below in PlayMetrics. If you have questions, contact the club at admin@bysc.org
Some kids arrive to U9/U10 competitive soccer having played rec soccer for years, others arrive totally new to the sport.
The shift from recreational soccer to competitive requires a focus on skill development and a competitive spirit. To play competitive soccer at this age, there must be a desire to play, have fun competition and get better.
The focus of the coaches for this age group is to develop foundational soccer skills, understand field formation and positions and to fall in love with the game.
Program Summary
U9/U10 Competitive
- Families elect to participate in each season (Fall, Spring/Summer, Winter Training and Summer Camps).
- Teams are coached by a licensed, paid staff coach with a parent manager who helps with team communication and planning.
- There is minimal travel with all games being played in the Twin Cities area.
SCHEDULING
Spring/summer teams have one to two training sessions per week with a combination of games/practices and are assigned a game night of Mon/Weds or Tues/Th based on age and competitive level. Spring/Summer Season starts early April and ends late June/early July.
Fall Season teams train twice during the week and play weekend games (6 total). Season starts mid August and ends second week of October.
Winter I and II competitive prep training session schedules will be posted by Summer.
BIRTH YEAR
Competitive teams are comprised of players born in the same year. The soccer year starts August 1 so for 2023/24 players born in 2015 are considered U9.
Players born in 2014 for 2023-2024 Season are considered U10.
It is possible to play up with club approval based on roster sizes and player ability. Some kids born in 2016 are ready for competitive soccer and they are welcome to try out.
Teams may also be based on grade level of players with the team having to play at whatever age group the oldest player on the roster represents.
COACHING
Bloomington United competitive teams are coached by experienced coaches, including some who may be parents. All coaches are supported by the Director of Coaching (DOC) to ensure consistent and effective player development.
The focus of the coaches for this age group is to develop foundational soccer skills, understand field formation and positions and to fall in love with the game.
United coaches focus on the four pillars of soccer including technical, tactical, physical and psychological. Feedback and communication between coach/player/parent is valued.
FEES
Bloomington United subsidizes the cost of U9/10 soccer to allow families an easy entry point.
- Fall Competitive Traveling $315
- Winter I Competitive Prep TBD
- Winter II Competitive Prep TBD
- Spring/Summer Competitive $545 Traveling
There is an additional $125 for the uniform kit.
Financial aid is available.
2023 FALL/2024 SPRING
PROGRAM
| FALL 2023 | Bloomington United |
| DATES | Practices start the week of August 14th and games start August 25th. Fall season ends October 8, 2023. |
| SCHEDULE | Two weeknight practices with weekend game |
| COST | 2023 Fall $315, Winter TBD (plus $125 uniform kit if not already purchased) |
| REGISTRATION DEADLINE | Before tryouts on July 17th and 20th, 2023 |
| SPRING 2024 | Bloomington United |
| DATES | April through late June/early July |
| SCHEDULE | Two to three days per week (between training practices and games) + two weekend tournaments |
| COST | 2024 Spring/Summer $545 (plus $125 uniform kit if not already purchased) |
| REGISTRATION DEADLINE | January 2024 |