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Progressive Soccer Development
MCFC believes that soccer should not only be fun, but that players should also have the opportunity to progress to whatever level of soccer they
desire. MCFC does not operate a recreational soccer program, but rather relies on the excellent recreational soccer programs of local leagues to
provide opportunities for youth as early as five years old to play this great sport. MCFC works closely with these leagues to afford a smooth transition
to play competitive travel soccer. MCFC has teams for youth beginning at age U-9 teams. The competitive teams are for youth who show particular
promise and aptitude for competitive soccer. A list of some of the local recreational league partners in Monterey County is provided on our LINKS page.
In general, players progress in soccer in the following steps, depending on their skill level and soccer experience. Naturally, players who start in their
early years at 5 or 6 years of age tend to command the skills necessary to play competitive soccer when they are 8 or 9 years old. Players will tend to
self-select their level of play based on skills, speed, commitment and mental deliberation.
Ages Level of Soccer
4-8 Recreational Class 4
8-11 Competitive Soccer Class 3 (entry level)
12-18 Competitive Soccer Class 1 or Premier (advanced)
13-17 Olympic Development Program (ODP) (in addition to
Club soccer for advanced players)
U16 & U18 boys Academy Soccer through US Soccer (Breaker's Academy)
18+ Collegiate soccer or local soccer leagues (Adult, Norcal Premier U23)s
MCFC believes that soccer should not only be fun, but that players should also have the opportunity to progress to whatever level of soccer they
desire. MCFC does not operate a recreational soccer program, but rather relies on the excellent recreational soccer programs of local leagues to
provide opportunities for youth as early as five years old to play this great sport. MCFC works closely with these leagues to afford a smooth transition
to play competitive travel soccer. MCFC has teams for youth beginning at age U-9 teams. The competitive teams are for youth who show particular
promise and aptitude for competitive soccer. A list of some of the local recreational league partners in Monterey County is provided on our LINKS page.
In general, players progress in soccer in the following steps, depending on their skill level and soccer experience. Naturally, players who start in their
early years at 5 or 6 years of age tend to command the skills necessary to play competitive soccer when they are 8 or 9 years old. Players will tend to
self-select their level of play based on skills, speed, commitment and mental deliberation.
Ages Level of Soccer
4-8 Recreational Class 4
8-11 Competitive Soccer Class 3 (entry level)
12-18 Competitive Soccer Class 1 or Premier (advanced)
13-17 Olympic Development Program (ODP) (in addition to
Club soccer for advanced players)
U16 & U18 boys Academy Soccer through US Soccer (Breaker's Academy)
18+ Collegiate soccer or local soccer leagues (Adult, Norcal Premier U23)s
> Skills for Competitive Team Players
Players interested in competitive travel soccer need to demonstrate, at minimum, the following aptitude(s) towards soccer:
- Ability to dribble with the ball both slowly and at high speed under control and with both inside and outside of the feet
- Ability to use both left and right foot for dribbling, passing and shielding the ball (not mastery, but basic abilities)
- Aggressive desire to win and possess the ball, both attacking and defending on the field (not afraid of the ball, ability to compete 1 v. 1 with
virtually any player in age category) - Strong trapping skills, including being able to trap with foot, thigh or chest and keep close possession of the ball
- Definitive sense of position on the field and overall “shape” of the team playing on the field
Players who are interested in trying out for a competitive team should contact the coaches for the particular age group and gender your son or daughter
is interested in playing for. The coaches are listed on our Coaches tab of the website.
> Camps & Clinics
> College Recruit Information
There are four basic avenues to look at when trying to locate financial aid. All four should be explored.
1) Local
2) Internet
3) College
4) Government
Local
The best resource you have is your high school guidance counselor. It is his/her job to help you get to the next level in your education. He/she may know
about local scholarships and can give you advice on how to apply for scholarships.
Also look at local organizations such at Rotary and Kiwanis as well as religious institutions such as your church. Many of these places have scholarship
programs in place.
Look at employers. Supermarkets, department stores, and fast food chains often distribute scholarships. Consider your parents’ or guardians’ place of
work as well. Many large companies offer scholarships to children of employees. Ask your parent(s) or guardian(s) to contact their human resources
department.
Internet
Using the internet is the quickest way to find a wide range of scholarships that apply to you. Here are some free internet sites that provide direction when
searching for scholarships.
- www.fastweb.com
- www.petersons.com
- www.princetonreview.com
- www.collegeboard.com
You will find there is an array of scholarships. Some are based on ethnicity or origin, some are awarded for strong academics, and others are given
according to your geographical location.
College
If you already know what educational institution you are going to attend research the scholarships they award. Browse the college website and contact
their financial aid office. Many colleges have endowments set up to assist students with tuition.
Government
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The government awards money for college based on your family’s income and
circumstances. This can be completed at the beginning of the year after your household has filed taxes. Typically you want to complete the FAFSA
during the second semester of your senior year. Here is the link: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm. It will guide you through a step-by-step process on
how to complete the FAFSA.
Tips
-Fill out the FAFSA. It is need-based financial aid that will help fund your education. Make sure you hit the deadlines though.
-It is never too early to begin your scholarship search; scholarships are not just awarded to high school seniors.
-Take the ACT or SAT multiple times. The higher you score the more likely you are to receive greater funding. You can take these tests as many times
as you like.
- Have your parents/guardians, guidance counselor, or coach look over any applications before you submit them. Details are important. For every
scholarship available there are hundreds of applicants, if your application is not thorough and complete it may get thrown out.
-Polish up your résumé. It will be a good reference when applying for scholarships. If you do not have one, contact your high school guidance counselor
for assistance.
> CYSA & US Club Soccer Forms
> CYSA District II Olympic Development Program
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