THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
RIVER CITIES FOOTBALL CLUB
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
If there are enough players for 2 teams in an age group how will teams be divided?
Team creation within an age group will be decided on by the coach and sporting director based on multiple factors. Individuals within an age group are considered to be part of a single team. The purpose of dividing into two or more teams, for competition, in an age group will be primarily driven by providing the best opportunity for the players in that age group.
Where will trainings be held?
For the immediate future trainings will be held at the site of the Mason County Soccer Fields and the stadium behind the high school. We are working with multiple entities to secure other training sites including sites in Gallia County.
What does a club year look like?
The River Cities FC club year will run from August through May of the following year. River Cities FC will provide two trainings per week during the fall (August-October) and spring (March-May) seasons. Depending on availability of indoor sites a minimum of 1 training session per week will be held during the winter (November-February) season. We will attempt to participate in four tournaments per season.
Is playing time guaranteed?
Our goal is to provide maximum developmental opportunities for all players. However we also respect the competitive nature of competing in tournaments and leagues. Playing time will be guaranteed based on age group. Athletes on teams U12 and younger will be guaranteed to play at least 55-60% of each game. Teams in U14 will be guaranteed to play 40% of each game. Teams above U14 will be guaranteed to play 30% of a game.
What is the time commitment for club soccer?
A typical week will consist of two 90-120 minute training sessions. If it’s a tournament week then expect games on Saturday and Sunday.
What is the financial commitment for club soccer?
For many clubs across the United States the financial commitment is often thousands and thousands of dollars. One of the goals of River Cities FC is to provide a high quality, big club, experience that is affordable to the families within our geographic footprint. Below is a breakdown of the estimated current financial commitment for RCFC:
Annual Registration: $99.00
Monthly club fee: $60.00
Uniform: $115.00*
Training kit: $25*
Tournament fee: estimated $80-90 for outdoor tournaments, significantly
less for indoor tournaments**
Room, meals, travel during tournaments: depends on family preferences
* Once registered players will be assigned a number for their entire career so some athletes may get more than 1 year’s use out of their uniforms and training kits. RCFC is going to do everything they can to help off-set uniform costs.
** See fundraising and sponsorship question for additional information regarding finances.
What does the monthly club fee cover?
100% of the money stays in the club. This club does not help fund any other entities.
The $60 monthly club fee breakdown is as follows:
- $35.00 goes toward paying the sporting director*
- $10.00 goes toward compensating coaches for expenses incurred
- $8.00 goes toward field rentals
- $7.00 goes toward club expenses (equipment, website, communication app)
* For information on the roles and responsibilities of the sporting director see the question regarding sporting director.
If a player misses a training session do we get a refund?
No. The monthly fee is a club standard it is up to the guardians of the athlete to make sure they get the most out of that fee. However the sporting director or coach may be willing to provide a discounted or free individual training session to make up for the lost developmental time.
Can an athlete play up an age group?
Per US Youth Soccer rules athletes may play up two age groups. This means for example a 2012 birth year athlete can play on a 2010 birth year team. The club policy for this practice is as follows: The parents of the athlete must request in writing that their child be able to play up an age group. This request will be evaluated by the sporting director and club administration. If approved the athlete will be permitted to train at a 1:1 ratio with an older team. This means for every training session they train up they must train with their age group once. Selection for athletes to play up during contests or tournament will be decided based solely on need. For further clarification of this policy contact the sporting director.
When should kids start playing club soccer?
River Cities FC believe that athletes should start to seek high level opportunities as athletes become more passionate about soccer and their guardians are comfortable with the higher commitment required for club soccer. However currently we will only be offering U10 opportunities as our youngest age group.
Is attendance at trainings required?
In a typical “pay to play” club system practices are not mandatory. As long as a player is in good financial standing with the club they will be permitted to attend contests or tournaments. However the River Cities core values require that a player who does not attend training be provided only the minimum playing opportunity per contest. Please reference the RCFC core values and contact the sporting director or club administration for further concerns.
Are there scholarships available?
At this time we have no full scholarship opportunities for families. However through our 5th goal of providing an affordable opportunity for families we hope to eventually provide a program to help families that can demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance.
How far will we travel?
We plan to take advantage of tournaments hosted in Charleston, Beckley, and Huntington, West Virginia in addition to Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio. We would like to eventually give teams an opportunity to travel to more southern areas at least once or twice annually.
How many tournaments?
Our initial goal is to participate in 4 tournaments per season.
Can we do fundraisers to reduce the cost?
The club will sponsor and support 2-3 fundraisers annually to help offset costs for families. The club will support a calendar month fundraiser to help offset monthly training fees. Families who complete a month of days worth of donations will only be required to pay $10 a month training fees. We will also support a “uniform” donation fundraiser where people can donate to pay for certain aspects of the kits. As we grow as a club we will possibly offer other opportunities.
Who can participate?
For our inaugural season we are going to attempt to provide opportunities for boys and girls in the following groups:
U10 - 2016, 2015, 2014 birth years
U12 - 2013 and 2012 birth years
U14 - 2011 and 2010 birth years
U17 - 2009, 2008, 2007 birth years
What is the mission and philosophy of the club?
Our mission is to develop the entire youth soccer athlete and by providing a safe, supportive, and positive environment for the athletes to excel in the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological areas of the game. We strive to create a lifelong passion for the game and to help raise the level of soccer being played within our geographical region.
Our philosophy is that the list of our core values below will be the bedrock of our coaching and developmental process for every individual who participates in the club.
Positive mindset
Respect for teammates
Strong work ethic
Perseverance
Commitment
High level of coachability
Shared leadership
Community > Club > Team > Individual
What is the long term goal of the club?
Our goals year in and year out are as follows:
RCFC goal #1 is to develop the complete player by challenging them to excel in the primary core values of soccer; technical skills, tactical knowledge, physical abilities, and psychological awareness.
RCFC goal #2 is to facilitate a positive team culture where team development components such as accountability, work ethic, and team work are taught through the game of soccer.
RCFC goal #3 is to promote and increase the love, enjoyment, and appreciation for the game of soccer throughout the community, via outreach and promotion of our youth.
RCFC goal #4 is to create a winning culture within the club.
RCFC goal #5 is to provide high quality soccer experience for the youth of our area at an affordable rate.
Can girls play on boys teams?
We will not participate in contests or tournaments with a co-ed team. If we do not have enough players of a specific gender to field a competitive team the players affected by this will be offered training opportunities but not competition opportunities. We feel that this best represents our first goal of developing the complete soccer player.
Are there try-outs or try-ins?
Initially we are going to be operating with a try-in mentality where we will accept the majority of athletes who want to participate. However we do ask that players registering with RCFC have at least 2 seasons of soccer experience at the recreational level.
What are the benefits of club soccer vs rec soccer?
Club soccer surrounds athletes with like minded and similarly motivated athletes who all want to improve their overall athletic development through soccer. The coaches at club level soccer all have various levels of experience with the game of soccer and are specifically selected by the sporting director.
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