Parent Guide & FAQ

I believe each child and family is unique. Personally, my philosophy for my three kids has been to keep things simple when they are young. I believe in providing an environment that a) is supportive, b) is challenging but fun, c) is consistent (schedule-wise) but gives us free time to still be a family, d) limits travel but still allows games against similar competition, and e) provides opportunities to practice on a regular basis. I also believe in my children getting opportunities with other sports and activities over the course of the year is IMPORTANT; not deciding ‘soccer is the only thing’ at an early age prevents injuries, keeps them fresh, and allows them to learn games that can all ‘carry over’ to the other. We (as parents) do set a limit on one ‘select team’ – other choices are recreation.   

• My son started his select soccer experience in third grade. He currently plays at an age group above his age as he plays with classmates’ grade level; he has a late September birthday. 
• My oldest daughter played recreational through 5th grade and then jumped to select in 6th grade. She has moved on to x-country and track which was always a goal of hers. 
• My youngest is in first grade and plays recreational, with time in the Stars program as well. I am not sure if or when he will make the jump to the next level.   

There are MANY different paths to success with no universal answer to when a player should enter a select league or specialize in soccer. Further, the current path in US Soccer is MUCH different relative to the rest of the world where players have much less structure at the younger ages but play on a daily basis in a much more pick-up style environment. But, a common denominator to success in all countries is the following three attributes: the child (1) is a good athlete (has speed, endurance, and coordination), (2) has JOY for the game (has FUN playing and even has FUN watching the game when not playing), and (3) is conscientious about getting better (plays on his/her own). If your child possesses these three qualities, he/she is likely READY for a select league.

I believe that players will not ‘fall behind’, if they have the attributes listed in the last question answer (i.e., athleticism, JOY, and a desire to improve). But, if your son/daughter has these three qualities, playing in on a select team within Worthington United 94 with other players of his/her caliber certainly would help him/her improve, if he/she enjoys the atmosphere. Thus, while certainly not required to be successful, a select team could help bring success. 

While I cannot comment on injury, burnout is a real concern as the dropout rate for soccer players spikes dramatically at age 11 and 12. And, the age of dropping out has continued to lower as competitive select leagues continue to lower age groups. Thus, it is critical that your child has a real passion for the game and a real interest in learning. And, as stated above, I highly recommend that your child engages in other activities during the year, which will prevent both burnout and possibly injury.

United 94 is a great option for many reasons. First, United 94 is sponsored by WYB and has community ties that provide ample resources and fields. For example, Phoenix Middle School (south fields) is used as United 94’s hub, providing a consistent, central practice location for team practices, camps, and clinics. Other local Worthington fields (e.g., Perry Park, Fishing Access Park, Worthington Parks and Recreation land, and school fields) are made available for games and other uses. 

Second, United 94 fees help pay for field usage, as well as the upkeep of these “public” resources (i.e., these dollars are reinvested in the community). 

Third, having access to fields in Worthington limits rush-hour drives to practice outside of our community. Our goal is to create a local club where children can develop in a supportive, fun, and challenging environment RIGHT here in their community! 

United 94 continues to grow its staff through outreach to the community, through investing in coaches within our club by paying for continuing education licensing, and through the vision set by the Player Development director. 

United 94’s coaching philosophy is to help develop players and teams to the best of their ability through the guidance (and unpacking) of the new US Soccer Curriculum presented in 2012. We want our teams and players to (1) compete and (2) have freedom to try new skills in practices and games. We believe this balance allows individuals and teams to progress (focusing on just one area stifles players in the long run). 

Our goal is to help players develop through encouragement; not through fear or threats of losing their position within their team or club.  

Our fees are comparable and in some cases lower than surrounding select clubs. Player fees go to equipment (e.g., goals, field maintenance), staff (our Player Development Director is the only paid position overseeing the club currently), individual coaches (for their work with teams), league and tournament fees, and administrative fees (web, WYB, insurance, etc.). Most of the fees stay in Worthington, which helps develop/ invest into our community. We strive to create programming that seems “worth it” for players/ families who want to have the challenge of playing at a higher level. 

Official seasons occur during Autumn (from August through the end of October) and Spring (mid-February through late May/early June). During summer, informal (pick-up) playing opportunities occur at places like Thomas Worthington High School (turf field) and Evening Street Elementary (playground), with camps and clinic opportunities as well. During the winter, some teams/ age groups play informal pick-up games (street soccer, gym time, turftime pickup, with some teams/players choosing to play in an organized indoor league). United 94 also offers optional, indoor programming once a week during winter. In other words, the decision to play year-round is left to the families.

We strive to achieve an overall ratio of two practices to every game (recommended by US Soccer). This ratio changes from time to time due to tournaments and occasional scheduling difficulties. Our coaches do their best to set a consistent schedule to help families manage their schedules. 

The majority of games take place within central Ohio. Tournaments are generally limited to Ohio.

Our goal is to field at least 3 teams from age groups U8-U10; 2-3 teams from U11 to U14; and 2 teams at age groups U15 and above. 

Our ideal roster sizes are: 

• 10 players for 7v7 teams; 
• 12 players for our 9v9 teams; 
• 16 players for 11v11 teams. 

Coaches are strongly encouraged to play all players at a minimum of ½ total minutes (i.e. 50 minute game = minimum of 25 minutes) in all league games. Tournament knockout games, playoffs, and state cup matches are competitive situations which may limit time to less than ½ of a game. Coaches will communicate to parents and players at an appropriate time if playing time is less than the minimum stated. Parents and players are encouraged to communicate to coaches if playing time drops below the minimum. 

Players are locked into their team for the year UNLESS a player leaves a team midseason (moves, etc.) and then there may be a played moved. We do have players move from time to time up an age group (for a tournament, league game), if there is a need from a team (a player is sick, hurt, etc.) or within an age group. This provides great opportunities for players, although it is limited. We believe in not burning players out (always a conversation with parents) and keeping them fresh! We also do not roster a team if they will constantly need guest players. 

Yes, players are engaged in activities that showcase their skill such as small-sided games, full- sided games for their age level, and activities that allow them to showcase their skill in repetitions (finishing, dribbling, passing).  

Basic soccer skills – dribbling, passing, finishing – are important. Checking out www.isoccer.org – and getting familiar with those assessments is good. Juggling the ball in the backyard helps ANY player as well.  

If we do not have enough players to field a second or third team, we will first look to find players to join. If it is a situation where we cannot form a team unless we have to draw from other teams in-season to play games; we will not field the team and help players find another situation (OCL or even another club).  

Every year is a new set of tryouts; however, coaches communicate with players through assessments (Fall and Spring) to let them know where they currently stand on the team and where they are individually. The communication is done in an encouraging fashion with specific feedback provided to help the player develop at his/her appropriate level and speed.