Select FAQ

Who can play select soccer?
All players have the opportunity to try out for their age group's select team(s).

What is select soccer?
The select soccer program gives quality training to players and assists them in progressing to play at a higher level of play. Community high school programs (Pewaukee, Sussex, and others) as well as college teams are mainly comprised of players who have demonstrated their ability in the select program as youth players.

What is a select team?
A select team is comprised of players who have been chosen in open tryouts. The maximum number of players on a roster varies by age: U11 & U12 maximum of 14; U13 & U14 maximum of 18, and U15+ maximum of 22. These are players whose skill and dedication are at a level more competitive than may be available to them through club recreational teams.

It is our intention to have multiple teams at each level wherever possible. These teams will be ability based with the strongest players on the Red team, and the next group of players on the Black team. At the U11 and U12 age levels, there is also a strong possibility we will have a White team as numbers permit.

Why A Pewaukee Sussex United Select Team May Be What You Are Looking For:

1.            Coaching: Coaches are dedicated and enthusiastic about teaching individual skills, small group play, and team tactics. Our coaching staff holds United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and National Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) coaching licenses. In addition to their coaching licensure, our professional coaching staff includes certified teachers, ex-collegiate players, and coaches who have been around the game for many years in various capacities. In addition, our coaches follow a club wide player development curriculum. This curriculum provides a pathway for your child’s development throughout their time in the club and ensures that they receive the necessary skills to become a better player and person.

2.            Playing season: The select soccer season for U11 – U14 is composed of: (a) Tryout dates in June. (b) A fall soccer season that includes: a four-day mini-camp at the Pewaukee Sussex United Preseason Practices the first week of August, 2-3 tournaments and 6-7 league games in September and October. (c) Indoor league play and futsal training opportunities during the winter months. (d) A spring season starting with practices in March or April, 2 tournaments and 6-7 league games ending in June.

3.            Travel: Playing at this level provides many opportunities for players to compete with teams from across the state as well as in tournaments in other cities. League play is normally confined to Southeastern Wisconsin, but there are those occasions when a team will travel to further distance. This is especially true for teams playing at the higher competitive levels such as the Wisconsin State League (First Division or Premier.)

4.            Competition: As a member of a Pewaukee Sussex United Select team, you will be playing alongside your skilled teammates against equally capable teams from around the state. In doing so you will see your own skills and tactical ability improve with each game. As your playing ability grows, you will find increased enjoyment and enthusiasm for the game.

Expectations

Player and Parent Commitment
Pewaukee Sussex United Select teams require a higher level of financial support and time commitment on the part of the coaches, players, and parents than do recreational soccer teams. The level of time commitment expected by the players increases as the competitive level of the team increases.

Teams begin practicing the first week in August (fall) and during the month of March (spring) in preparation for the coming season. Practices for Red teams are held three times every week.  For Black and White teams they are held five times, every two weeks. Sessions typically last 90 minutes. Tournaments are held in various locations throughout the state and a team generally participates in at least two tournaments per season. The location and number of tournaments varies with teams, depending on what the coach and parents decide. While many tournaments are local, teams often enter at least one tournament requiring overnight travel. Select teams are self-supporting, and some or all of the team's costs may be covered by sponsors.

Special Note to Players and Parents
When your son/daughter began playing soccer a few years ago, it was probably on a recreational team where everyone had about the same ability. But everyone improves at a different pace. Pewaukee Sussex United Select exists for the purpose of helping players develop their individual abilities. It is our belief that every player should give themselves the opportunity to test those abilities. It is also Pewaukee Sussex United policy that no player should be discouraged by anyone (coach or parent) from trying out for select soccer. We believe it is our job to help encourage our young people to challenge themselves and extend their abilities in as many ways as possible. We sincerely solicit your support to join us in trying to achieve that result.

Players Expectations
Scholastic studies take precedence over all Pewaukee Sussex United soccer commitments. Players do not have to be single sport participants. It is expected, however, that participation on a select team will be more than a casual commitment.

 Players are expected to participate regularly in all organized team events. This is especially true for teams playing at the higher competitive levels. The only exception to this commitment involves high school age players participating in a high school team sport. It is expected that organized, planned soccer team events will take priority over all other player participation in other non-high school sports and, at the higher age levels, work opportunities.

Players can also expect curfew and swimming restrictions when on the road for a tournament. Parents invest time and money on tournament travel. The purpose of tournament participation is to play at a high level, not to just show up and play.

Parents Expectations
Parents should not second guess coaching decisions on player positions or playing time. This is particularly important during a game.  Coaches determine playing time by various methods. If you are uncertain, please engage the coach in a discussion regarding the method they will employ. It is best to do this early in the season. Parents that are concerned over their child’s improvement can expect to talk to the coach without adversely affecting their child’s playing time or treatment. The clubs commitment to player development doesn’t automatically equate to equal playing time.  It can be expected, however,that adequate time will be given to allow for the continued development of the player

Coaches can expect parents to demonstrate good sportsmanship and conduct before, during, and after a game. Parents should drop off and pick up their children on time after practices and games.

Coaches are not player chaperons when the team is away from home staying overnight for a tournament. Parents are expected to control and discipline their children when staying in hotels at away tournaments. This includes pre-game, bedtime curfews and swimming limitations.

Parents should not be abusive to their own or their opponents' players or to the referee during a game. Parents should attempt to calm other team parents not following this conduct guideline during a game.

Player travel and related costs are the obligation of each parent. Parents can expect to incur paid coaching fees at all levels. Typically, these costs include lodging expenses when the team is away at a tournament.