Following the above registration procedures allows for a more positive and relaxed experience for players as they check-in.
Age Groups
How do I determine the correct team and age group for a player?
Players should try out for the age group indicated for their birth year per the matrix below. Tryouts are scheduled for an age group as a whole where abilities are evaluated. Team assignments are based on these assessments.
Here is the age chart according to US Soccer:
| BIRTH YEAR | AGE GROUPS |
| 2013 | U7 |
| 2012 | U8 |
| 2011 | U9 |
| 2010 | U10 |
| 2009 | U11 |
| 2008 | U12 |
| 2007 | U13 |
| 2006 | U14 |
| 2005 | U15 |
| 2004 | U16 |
| 2003 | U17 |
| 2002 | U18 |
| 2001 | U19 |
| 2000 | U20
|
Tryouts start with the U9/U10 age group and my child is U8. Can he/she still play on a team?Yes, U8 players are encouraged to attend U9 tryouts. It is not unusual for younger players to participate on a U9 team - if a player has the ability and desire to play at that level, the opportunity is there.
What is the club’s policy on roster size?
AFC will strive to keep teams to a size that allows sufficient numbers for training and maximized playing time. As a general rule we keep squads of 7v7 soccer to 11 or 12 players; 9v9 we will keep squads of 13 or 14; and, 11v11 teams to 18 to 20 players depending on the age group. Individual teams will have different needs based on schedules, physical demands, and potential conflicts – all of which can influence the size of a team roster.
Can my player try out for an older age group or ‘play up’ a year?
Players are permitted to tryout for an older age group but should also attend age appropriate tryouts to ensure proper team placement if a roster position is not offered on the older team. For a player to be selected to play up with an older team, the Technical Staff & respective coach of that team must determine that the player will be an impact player who needs to play up to ensure he/she is appropriately challenged.
If a player is interested in trying out for an older team, he/she should notify the Club Manager after registering to ensure inclusion on the tryout list for the older age group.
My player is younger than U8 and just wants to train. Can he/she do that?
Yes, we do allow players younger than U8 to train with travel level teams when appropriate. Please contact the Club Manager if you would like to try a couple training travel sessions. This is a great opportunity for your player to get a feel for the level of play and training, and allow our coaches to properly evaluate your child's ability level. AFC offers multiple age appropriate training programs for younger players throughout the year.
Tryout Sessions
What should players wear and bring to the tryout sessions?
Tryout t-shirts and pinnies will be provided at the registration area. Players must wear shin guards and bring an inflated ball and water.
How are players evaluated at the tryouts?
The coaching staff evaluates players in four categories: Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychological.
Are you going to break up our existing team or combine it with another?
The differing rates of individual player development can result in a shift of players between teams. There will be many instances where players will still be with some (or many) of their teammates. Ultimately the goal will be to form teams of similar levels of ability to play against other teams of similar ability as this approach maximizes both player development and the overall experience.
Will carpooling be taken into consideration when forming teams?
The four evaluation areas mentioned above - Technical, Tactical, Physical and Psychological - are the only criteria considered by the Coaching Staff as they strive to put players in the most developmentally appropriate environment. While carpooling is not a factor in forming teams, parents frequently find themselves able to make arrangements with other team parents.
If I am offered a roster spot on a CFC team and wish to accept the offer, what’s the next step? How do I register for the team?
The AFC annual Player Registration process will be completed when accepting the roster position and will serve to confirm and reserve a player’s roster spot. Registration occurs online through our website. You will receive an email with links for confirming spot and payment options.
Will I need to order a uniform upon acceptance of an offer?
Yes, all players will order a new uniform for the 2018-2019 season. To assist with costs, we renew our uniforms very two years.
Uniform fitting will be available immediately following team configuration.
Financial Considerations
What will the cost be to play on a AFC team for the 2018-2019 season?
Details regarding player fees will be shared at tryouts for a particular age group. Fees vary among age groups as well as teams within an age group depending on planned activities for the season and the level of commitment required by a team. Within AFC, families will have multiple options and can choose a level of commitment best suited to their needs. AFC is a non-profit organization. We offer first class coaching, facilities, competition, and player development. AFC fees are priced competitively.
Uniform cost is in addition to team fees.
Do you offer discounts for families with multiple AFC players?
Yes. Families who register multiple players for the 2018-2019 season will receive a discount on player registration for the 2nd and subsequent players.
Do you offer financial aid?
Alliance FC has the capacity to provide some scholarship assistance for players’ families with financial need.
Who do I contact if I have finance related concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding financial considerations including payment of fees or our need based scholarship program, please contact our Club Manager .
Where will practices for XYZ team be held? At what time and how often?
Details regarding the frequency and location of practices for a particular team will be finalized following tryouts. AFC has access to a number of fields/facilities. Team training sessions will vary from 2-3 per week depending on the level of commitment required by a particular team.
Are practices and games mandatory?
CFC training sessions, games, and all team events are designed to maximize individual player development and team growth, as well as safety from a fitness standpoint, and are therefore highly recommended. However, we understand that other family and life commitments may conflict with training. We just ask that players/parents communicate availability on a timely basis via TeamSnap.
Can my child play another sport and soccer at the same time?
Yes, for players on the majority of our teams. For balance, motor-skill development, cross-training and other reasons, participation in multiple sports can be good for young soccer players. However families and coaches must evaluate the demands of specific teams and playing seasons for each sport. The developmental curve of a soccer player will be affected by the commitment level.
Can my child play club AND school soccer?
Yes, AFC is proud of our many players who enjoy success on their respective school teams.
*Attention should be paid to the rest/recovery needs of young, growing athletes in determining when a break from training is in the best interest of the individual’s mental and physical health. For U14 and below, two soccer teams in the same season can be very taxing on a player and must be delicately balanced.