2024 CLUB TRYOUTS
YOUR HOME FOR THE 2024 MICHIGAN CLUB TRYOUTS
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The Michigan Soccer Network will showcase and highlight clubs from around Michigan during the month of May and June leading up to Club tryouts in June. All of this coverage will conclude with a tryout preview show on Monday June 3, 2024. During this preview show MSN will showcase club information, videos and tryout information for each club that participates in our tryout guide program.
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Join the over 1,500 unique visitors to MSN on a daily basis learn more about the great clubs and what they have to offer players and families in 2024 and beyond.
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Ever wonder what the difference is between Competitive and Recreational soccer?
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Competitive Soccer is also known as "Club Soccer" and "Travel Soccer" , but is one of the same. This is meant for the aspiring player who wants to take soccer to the next level including college and beyond.
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These are some of the areas you will see the difference between Recreational and Competitive soccer.
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Training
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Competitive teams train a minimum of 2 times per week and, in some cases, 3 times per week for 1.5 – 2 hours each time. A strong slant is put on the technical ability of the player and also tactical awareness (this starts around age 13).
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Recreational teams typically train 1-2 times per week for 1 – 1.5 hours each time – varies greatly depending on age.
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Both groups learn teamwork and how to translate that to the field of play. Training typically includes information, skill training and fun!
Coaches
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Competitive coaches are normally licensed and have played at a high level of soccer. Coaches receive fees for their services, which vary depending on licensure and experience. Coaches normally serve a period of 3 years with any given team, unless a just reason can be given for an extended period.
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Recreational coaches are typically parents who play or have played soccer. This level of service fulfills the parental volunteer requirement for their child/children.
Commitment Level and Attendance
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Competitive players agree to a much higher commitment level and are required to attend all scheduled training sessions, games and tournaments. Lack of attendance may reduce game playing time.
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Recreational players are expected to attend all scheduled practice sessions, games and tournament at the end of the season. Lack of attendance at practice may reduce game playing time.
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Contract
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Competitive players’ parents sign a contract for the season agreeing to both expectations and financial commitments.
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Recreational players’ parents agree to expectations and financial commitments when signing up online.
Cost
Competitive soccer is more expensive than Recreational soccer.
Travel
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Competitive game travel is normally within 60 minutes of your home base and requires approximately 50% of games to be away games. Tournament travel can be further, depending on where the tournament location is.
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Usually, all recreational games are played at a local park or city. Occasionally, teams will play a team nearby once or twice per season. The one recreational tournament included in a season is typically no more than 45 minutes away.
Tournaments
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Normally, Competitive teams will attend 2 to 3 tournaments per season and All tournament fees are funded by the parents (often accomplished with fundraising).
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Recreational teams play in one end of season tournament typically. There are options for additional tournaments.
Uniforms
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Competitive players are required to wear training uniform to all training sessions and are required to purchase and wear both home and away game uniforms.
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Recreational players receive the one game uniform they need from the Club. Practice attire is any appropriate soccer clothing (cleats, shin guards, socks, athletic shorts, t-shirt).
Game Schedules
Competitive
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Junior Season, ages 8-14, normally starts at the end of October and finishes in February or March.
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Senior season, ages 15-18, starts in August and pauses in October (for school soccer season) then resumes in February until April.
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Recreational season is similar to the competitive Junior season – normally starts the end of October and finishes in February or March.
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