Sporting Iowa East Select Program
Our Select Program
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The SIE select program represents phase 4, 5 and 6 of our Long-Term Player Development Model. During these phases, players are placed on to developmentally appropriate teams that best suit their stage of development, abilities, aims, attitudes, desires and commitment through our comprehensive selection process; both the annual tryout and continued internal evaluation/assessment throughout the year. The main objectives and specific details for each age group within our Select program are listed below. The Sporting Iowa East Soccer Club is built on a very specific identity, culture and pathway of player and character development.
11U-12U Select Beginner
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Select Beginner (11U-12U) Long-Term Development Phase: Train to Train
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SIE players will participate in the Iowa Soccer Association’s 11U & 12U ISL League. The emphasis of the 11U-12U Select beginners program is to further refine individual player development in a team environment to prepare players with the tools for the most competitive level of play in the 11v11 (13U) environment. Continued focus on improving individual technical ability, combined with developing a tactical understanding of team play and how the principles of play influence the game. Purposeful physical and psychological understanding and improvement is introduced at this stage.
This is a critical age (pre-pubescent) as it sees varying growth spurts, maturity and athleticism within these years. At these crucial ages, we create multiple levels of play within an age group to challenge every level of player, without creating defined A and B teams. The natural desire of players to win, will be much more prevalent at this age and we should encourage them to strive to achieve this, however, it should not be their primary goal. Individual/team development and improvement should be the measure of success, rather than winning or losing.
We will not cut corners for short term aesthetically pleasing results at the sacrifice of long-term development. There are other clubs that offer A and B teams locally and may have more “success” from time to time at these ages. If winning at these ages is more important than development to you and your child, you should choose another club.
11U/12U Teams participate in the Iowa Soccer League (ISL) and abides by all rules and directives from U.S. Youth Soccer and the Iowa Soccer Association.
11U/12U Teams participate in 2-3 tournaments per season with at least one out of state event.
Fall and Spring team practices are 75 minutes twice a week, with additional skills sessions available (including goalkeeper training) to assist in the accelerated development for those players that desire more.
Winter technical training is not mandatory but will be available in 60-minute sessions twice a week. SIE members will receive a discount on winter training and select camps.
Standard outdoor seasons are Fall (August through November) and Spring (March through June)
Winter indoor season sessions are available (end of) November through (mid) January and (mid) January through (early) March.
13U-14U Select Intermediate
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Select Intermediate (13U-14U) Long-Term Development Phase 3: Train to Compete
SIE players will participate in either the State-initiated Iowa Soccer League (ISL) or the Midwest Regional League (MRL), in an 11v11 format on full-sized fields. Players are introduced to different systems of play in the full version of the game.
13U-14U ISL still allows Directors and Club Leaders to place teams in appropriate developmental divisions, determined by ability, not necessarily age, matching like abilities together for the most competitive games, however results are now kept along with league standings in a slightly more competitive environment. Our focus in the league is strongly on the overall teams’ development, specifically through the individual roles' and responsibilities of each position, player/position and influence within a system of play and player relationships within the sub-systems of attack, defense and transition.
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The emphasis of the 13U-14U Select intermediate program is designed to help players advance their skills and continue to develop through practices with professional coaches/trainers and to train with like ability and compete against other select club teams of like ability. The emphasis is more competitive in nature than the beginner select program. To provide every player with the correct environment to flourish, we introduce A and B teams when numbers allow. We also maintain some flexibility in movement of rosters as the difference between players in the middle of the pack can be minimal at these ages and players are still at varying physiological stages of their development even though they are chronologically the same age. Players will be assigned a specific team but any flexibility will be communicated ahead of ‘bid day’ to allow families to make the best decision for their child.
The MRL is an elite level league that only elite teams can compete in. Any team entering the MRL, must receive written permission from the Iowa Soccer Association.
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13U-14U Teams compete in 3 Tournaments per season (which can include State Cup if deemed appropriate by the Technical Director).
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Fall and Spring team practices are 90 minutes twice a week, with additional skills sessions available (including goalkeeper training) to assist in the continued advanced development for those players that desire more.
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Winter technical training is not mandatory but will be available in 60-minute sessions twice a week. SIE members will receive a discount on winter training and select camps.
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Standard outdoor seasons are Fall (August through November) and Spring (March through June)
Winter indoor season sessions are available (end of) November through (mid) January and (mid) January through (early) March.
15U-19U Select Advanced
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Select Advanced (15U-19U) Long-Term Development Phase: Train to Compete; Elite Youth
SIE players will participate in either the State-initiated Iowa Soccer League (ISL) or the Midwest Regional League (MRL-Girls only), in an 11v11 format on full-sized fields. At these ages players are training to compete and training to win. The emphasis now is focused on utilizing the foundations taught through our early stages by designing training sessions and macro cycles (seasonal training plans) around the level and needs of the team to compete and achieve their maximum potential. All coaches will be grounded in the desire to train our teams that competing through a specific style of play and set of principles with the flexibility to adjust to the players on your specific team will create an environment built for success. Winning will be a by-product of the way we train and play.
U15-19U Teams are eligible for Iowa State Cup in the fall (if deemed appropriate by the Technical Director)
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ISL games and tournaments are entered with the mindset of competing to win but not a win at all costs mentality. Coaches will have guidelines that help keep perspective on the event and what is perceived success. In essence, some events carry more weight and as such guidelines on playing time and decision making will alter. The MRL is an elite level league (girls only at this age) that only elite teams can compete in. Any team entering the MRL, must receive written permission from the Iowa Soccer Association and there are no guarantees or guidelines for playing time in this environment. U.S. Youth Soccer’s National Championship Series; State Cup is an example of an event where there are also no guarantees or guidelines for playing time.
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The emphasis of the 15U-19U Select Advanced Program is designed to help players advance and showcase their skills and continue to develop through practices with professional coaches/trainers and to train with like ability and compete against other select club teams of like ability. The emphasis continues to be appropriate competitive balance. A and B teams are firmly established when numbers permit. At the oldest ages a larger roster may be selected for logistical and practical reasons at the Technical Directors discretion.
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15U-19U Teams primary playing season is the fall and they compete in 1 pre-season event, plus 3 Tournaments/showcases per season (which can include State Cup if appropriate). 15U-19U Teams secondary season is the Summer and teams can compete in up to 4 tournaments or showcases as there are no league options available. Summer schedules are outlined, voted on and (fees) finalized in January each year.
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Fall team practices are 90 minutes three times a week, with additional skills sessions available (including goalkeeper training) to assist in the continued advanced development for those players that desire more.
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Winter technical training is not mandatory but will be available in 60-minute sessions twice a week. SIE members will receive a discount on winter training and select camps.
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Standard outdoor seasons are Fall (August through November) and Summer (June through August).
Winter indoor season sessions are available (end of) November through (mid) January and (mid) January through (early) March.