Question 1

In general, what should I consider when choosing a soccer club for my player(s)?"

Accepted Answer

Whether you are starting your player(s) in club soccer for the first time, or have just moved to a new area, choosing the right soccer club for your kid(s) is important. All coaches are not the same, and all programs are not created equal. It will be worth your time to do some research before choosing a program for your player(s).
Soccer Kids
Check with the players and parents who have been in the a program in previous years. Did they learn? Did they have opportunity? Did they enjoy it? What do they have to say about the coaching staff?
 Coaching Ratio
It is important for players at the youth age to get the specialized attention they need to help them develop. Ask about the ratio of players to coaches when checking out soccer clubs.
 Experienced Coaches 
Find out how long the coaches have been coaching youth soccer, and what are their credentials? The coaches are key to the program. An inexperienced coach could mean a year of chaos for your kids.
 Lesson Plans
Ask how the training program for players is set up. Is the structure for younger players different than the experienced players? It should be. Understanding the structure of the program is key to understanding how your player(s) will be taught.
Weekly Sessions 
Find out how many weekly sessions there are for the different levels. Introductory teams should start with two per week, while those practice sessions should increase with the higher skill levels.
Attend the Practices
If you really want to know whether you've made the right decision for your player(s), you need to attend the practices. That is where you will see the interaction between the coach and the players. You'll see how they are being taught and how the players are being treated. You shoul not be dependent on your kid(s) to relay this information.

Question 2

How long does my child play for?

Accepted Answer

CESC is a year-round program. Our annual cycle begins on January 1st for youngers and March 1st for olders.  For players who aren't in high school, the annual cycle ends in around December of the same year. For high school players, their cycle ends in November of the same year.

Question 3

Is there any vacation time during the year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there's a break in the summer between the end of June to the beginning of July and a break in the winter between the beginning of December and New Years.

Question 4

Are your coaches experienced?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our coaching staff is comprised of licensed coaches, with an extensive soccer background, who posses risk management clearance.

Question 5

What should I look for when comparing the various club cost?

Accepted Answer

First and foremost should be value. Is the group focused on development or wins? Development comes first!  When valuing, make sure you are comparing "apples to apples". What is the bottom line cost for a year of play.
Who will be developing your player(s)? Have they been educated in childhood developemnt teaching methodologies?
What is the experience (background) of the coach/trainer responsible for development?
Is there consistency in structure and organization within the club?
Does the club have a structured plan for development based on what is developmentally appropriate?  Ask to review the curriculum.
What is the cost of an entire year and what does it include?
Does registration include the registering club fees, gaming circuit fees, team registration and player registration fees, team bond fees, as well as the club fees (i.e. uniform and its quality, practice gear, referee fees, field cost etc.)
Will a club/team trainer be included in the club tuition?
Is the team going to hire a trainer and if so, what is the additional cost?
Does the club offer fundraisers? Are they mandatory?
Does the club/team offer scholarships for players in need?
Is the cost of the team consistent with club structure or does each team determine its own cost?
Where will the club/team play their home games?
Where will the club/team practice?
Is there a difference in the cost of travel for practices, games, tournaments, etc? Are referee fees included in tution or an extra cost?
How many tournaments does the team participate in per year? Does this include League Cup and State or National Cup?
Does the club offer individual development?
How many players typically attend practices?
Are players being developed for the "Next Level"?
What has the pattern of success (development, opportunity, etc) been for past and present players with the club?  How long has the club been established?
Has the experience for past and present players been valuable and enjoyable?

Question 6

How many tournaments does the club go to?

Accepted Answer

6 Tournaments. Our teams typically play approximately 4 tournaments during the spring/summer tournament season, as well as League and State Cup.

Question 7

How many games does one team play every year?

Accepted Answer

One team in our club plays approximately 35+ games per year.

Question 8

How likely is it that my child could have opportunity to continue playing soccer at the high school or collegiate level after playing in CESC?

Accepted Answer

It is very likely. Our club continues to feed players to numerous high schools and colleges at various levels throughout the local areas, state, and nation.

Question 9

Is there practice on holidays?

Accepted Answer

No, we NEVER have practice on holidays.

Question 10

What gaming circuit does CESC register with?

Accepted Answer

Our club registers with Cal South and competes in Coast Soccer League, one of the largest and most competitive gaming circuits in the Nation.

Frequently asked questions

In general, what should I consider when choosing a soccer club for my player(s)?"