Spartan FC

A:  Spartan FC’s club soccer program provides an opportunity for more committed players to compete in leagues against teams from neighboring communities.  Team members work with trained, certified coaches who develop ball skills, tactics and strategy, and provide a solid foundation to build upon each year. 

Q:  How long is the season?

A:  Spartan FC players commit to a fall and spring season that is usually 9-10 games, roughly late August through early November, and April through early June.  Practices usually begin 2-3 weeks before each season.  Teams also have one indoor session each week during the winter. 

Q:  When are games played?

A:  Generally, games are played on weekends, but sometimes games are scheduled for weekday evenings.

Q:  How far do players travel to get to games?

A:  Most games are played against other North Shore teams, with equal numbers of home and away matches each season.   Deerfield, Glenview, and Arlington Heights are common opponents.  However, almost every team will play a couple games in a community such as Crystal Lake, Schaumburg, or Elgin, and occasionally a team from as far away as Rockford or Naperville will be in the same division as a Spartan FC team.  Travel distances increase somewhat as players get older.  Spartan FC schedules a club tournament each year that generally is out of state, and some teams choose to schedule out-of-state tournaments on their own.

Q:  How often do teams practice?

A:  Teams generally practice twice a week for 90 minutes each session.  The club offers a third, 60-minute session several weeks in both spring and fall with a trainer focusing on ball skills.

Q:  When are practices?

A:  Each team’s coach determines practice times.  While coaches try to select times that are convenient for the players, often there are conflicts that players will need to resolve.  Remember, players are asked to make a commitment to their traveling soccer team.  With the exception of religious activities, absences due to conflicts (other sports, birthday parties, etc.) are not acceptable, and can result in lost playing time.

Q:  Do all children play equal time?

A:   No.  While kids are playing soccer are to learn the game and have fun, these are competitive teams and better players will generally have more field time.  At younger ages and lower divisions, playing time is more even, but game circumstances dictate playing time.  As players get older, the disparity in playing time can increase.  Also recognize that there are limits on when coaches can make substitutions.  Unlike house league, at some ages players can only enter the game in certain circumstances such as goal kicks and some throw-ins.

Q:  How much does travel soccer cost?

A:  For the 2011/2012, Spartan FC fees are $1,295 excluding uniform, which can cost $100-$200 depending on what each individual purchases.  This year the club is trying an “all-inclusive” format, with outdoor leagues, indoor training, three tournaments, and practice T’s all included.  Teams wishing to participate in additional tournaments or indoor league play will be responsible for those costs.  Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Q:  Why such a big change from past years?

A:  Spartan FC increased costs by about $350 over last year, but we now include costs that most players already incurred.  For players receiving financial aid, the all-inclusive format allows families to participate in indoor programs and tournaments without additional costs.  Overall, the club believes most players will pay about the same amount for Spartan FC as they did last year. 

Q:  How are player selections made and tryouts conducted?

A:  Tryouts are held in the spring.  Players are evaluated on technical skills, athletic ability, knowledge of the game, etc.  Of course, a returning player’s coach provides feedback on his or her game play during the season, and the player’s body of work is taken into consideration.  Every effort is made to make evaluations objective, with an emphasis on placing each player on a team that matches their ability and provides the best opportunity for the individual to thrive.

Q:  How many teams are there?

A:   The number of teams formed at each age is dependent on the kids who take part in tryouts.  The club strives to have three or more teams at the U9 and U10 levels so as roster sizes grow and the number of players on the field increases, no players are left without a team.  Usually the club fields a couple teams at U11/12 and one team at U13/14.   

Q:  What does “U9” mean?

A:  U9 (or Under 9), U10, U14, etc. refers to the ages of players eligible for each team as defined by the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.  For the 2011-2012 seasons, any child born after 8/1/2003 is eligible for a U8 team.  Children born between 8/1/2002 and 7/31/2003 are eligible for U9 teams, between 8/1/2001 and 7/31/2002 for the U10 teams, and so on. 

Q:  My son is only in kindergarten now.  Is it too early for him to become involved?

A:  Generally, yes.  Spartan FC believes that most players are not ready physically or psychologically to start playing club soccer at the U7 age.  If you believe your son or daughter is an exception, please contact our Director of Coaching to discuss your situation. 

Q:  My daughter is already in 7^th grade.  Is it too late for her to become involved?

A:  Not necessarily.  If she is athletic and competitive, she may make the team.  Understand that the later a child enters the program, the more “catching up” she will often need to do since strategies and tactics are taught in the younger age groups.

Q:  My child didn’t make the team this year, should he try again next year?

A:  Generally, yes.  Players are not guaranteed positions, and every year there is some turnover on each team.  If a child has tried out twice and not been selected, you should consider discussing his abilities with our Director of coaching before a third tryout.