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Here is a list of frequently asked questions regarding playing with an Arsenal Club Soccer Team. If you have any questions that are not answered below please send us an email.
Arsenal is a competitive club soccer organization. Teams will train multiple times during the week on a schedule set by the team's coaching staff. On the weekends Arsenal's teams will play league games against other club teams in the valley (in some cases teams from other states in the Far West Region) at various venues and times which are determined by the league they are registered with.
The value of club soccer is usually related to access to higher level of coaching, year-round soccer, opportunities to play at a higher level of competition, and exposure to various venues. It is typically through soccer clubs where players get recognition and exposure to college opportunities and access to college coaches and scouts.
Because club soccer is year-round, club coaches are able to build on fundamental practices during regular season and off season training seasons. Club soccer coaches often encourage players to get additional touches on the ball during down time to build stronger soccer players with a demanding control of the ball.
Club Soccer coaches attempt to train players to their fullest potential while teaching skills, athleticism, tactics, teamwork and sportsmanship. Soccer Clubs often strive to provide the best soccer training facilities, coaches, teams and support structure to facilitate the development and to provide a positive environment for a lasting impression.
Club soccer is not for every soccer player or soccer parent. Most soccer clubs only consider players who have a passion for the game, are coachable, and can commit to year-round training.
Competitive soccer seasons begin in early September. Teams start practicing in late August in preparation for the Fall league games which continue until late November. The league breaks for a short period and then season 2 starts up. The Spring season runs from December until March. At the end of the spring season teams that are eligible for the Arizona State cup will begin preparations for the tournament. It is also during this period that skills assessments are held to once again begin the forming of teams for the next fall season. Club teams are normally off during the June - August months.
In addition to the games scheduled by the league, Arsenal teams will compete in multigame tournament competitions. These tournaments will generally begin games on Saturdays (sometimes Friday nights) and end with championship games on Sundays. Teams will play anywhere from 3 to 5 games over the weekend depending on the number of teams in their age group and the scheduling by the tournament directors.
The number of tournaments that each team attends is determined by the coaching staff. Some teams will travel to out-of-state tournaments. The costs for each tournamenrt is determined by the host club and not by Arsenal teams. Because each team will determine which tournaments it will attend, tournament fees are the responsibility of each team. A typical Arizona tournament fee is around $450.00 and is divided equally between all players on the team. Teams attending tournaments that require lodging and transportation will often pay the coach's expenses for these items. Fundraising is a way that many teams help offset the costs involved with tournament competition.
Arsenal's Club Tournament is the Arsenal Challenge and is held in October.
Players are initially responsible for the club registration fee which is approximately $430.00 per player for the U7 - U11 age group and is approximately $485.00 per player for ages U12 and above. This helps cover the costs for Arizona League Registration, training field rental costs,equipment purchases and club operational expenses. The club does offer a limited number of scholarships to players who exhibit a sincere financial need and exemplify the spirit of Arsenal through volunteerism with the club and their respective team. These scholarships help defray part or all of the club registration fees.
Uniform fees are approximately $250.00 and include 2 full kits, 2 training jerseys,warmups and a carry bag or backpack. A single kit includes 1 numbered jersey, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of socks. Uniform styles are normally worn for 2 or 3 years at which time a new new uniform contract is signed. At that time, all players will purches a new package at the price negociated by the club and the chosen vendor. Arsenal Entered into a 3 year agreement with nationally recognized vendor Xara in January of 2009. All players are required to have the full set of approved Arsenal uniforms. More information on the Arsenal uniforms can be found here.
Training fees for the team's coaching staff are separate and are divided amoungst the team's families. Families will pay for registration and training when registering online. The amount of the training fee varies for each age group and is outlined on the chart below. Training is a curriculum between individual technical and team oriented tactical information. The balance, between the two disciplines. is age specific with the younger ages geared more towards individual skill. As players get older the tactical side of soccer becomes more important. Strength and condition training is up to each individual team. We have several recommended options.
Because each team will determine which tournaments it will attend, tournament fees are the responsibility of each team. A typical Arizona tournament fee is around $450.00 and is divided equally between all players on the team. Teams attending tournaments that require lodging and transportation will often pay the coach's expenses for these items. Fundraising is a way that many teams help offset the costs involved with tournament competition. Teams will attend tournaments based on the coaches recommendations and the availability of the players. Below is a table of the fees for the 2010-2011 season. Again this table does not include individual team costs such as tournaments, additional training, equipment.
Total Fees per Per Player
| Age group | Registration Fee | Training Fee | Total Cost | 6 Payments of |
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| U8 |
$428.50 |
$550.00 |
$978.50 |
$163.08 each |
| U9 |
$430.00 |
$600.00 |
$1030.00 |
$171.67 each |
| U10 |
$431.50 |
$650.00 |
$1081.50 |
$180.25 each |
| U11 |
$431.50 |
$650.00 |
$1081.50 |
$180.25 each |
| U12 |
$484.50 |
$700.00 |
$1184.50 |
$197.42 each |
| U13 |
$484.50 |
$700.00 |
$1184.50 |
$197.42 each |
| U14 |
$484.50 |
$700.00 |
$1184.50 |
$197.42 each |
| U15 |
$486.00 |
$750.00 |
$1236.00 |
$206.00 each |
| U16 |
$486.00 |
$750.00 |
$1236.00 |
$206.00 each |
| U17 |
$486.00 |
$750.00 |
$1236.00 |
$206.00 each |
| U18 |
$486.00 |
$750.00 |
$1236.00 |
$206.00 each |
The Town of Gilbert, and its Parks and Recreation commission, is currently reevaluting the guidelines that determine the use of all public park facilities and way to best utilize those town amenities. During this time, Arsenal teams are fortunate to be able to training at many of the same fields that our Gilbert schools utilize. This can change as the Town of Gilbert comes to a resolution regarding the use of public facitlities.
If you would like more specific information please contact the coach or manager directly. Contact information can be found on the Team listing page
Arsenal Soccer Club is a member of the Arizona Youth Soccer Association(AYSA) As a result all league games are scheduled and placed by the officials of the AYSA. AYSA currently is responsible for 2 leagues with multiple divisions in each league. The "State" league holds all of it's games at AYSA approved fields. A list and maps to those approved fields can be found here. The Maricopa league also has games that are scheduled by the AYSA. The fields, available for league play, are determined by the teams participating in the Maricopa league.
A general rule is Arsenal teams having "Premier" as part of their name are registered in the AYSA state league. Arsenal teams with "Select" or "Classic" will be part of the AYSA Maricopa League.
This year the AYSA commission has made the provision in its rules to allow teams to be promoted from the Maricopa to the State League and vice versa. So the general rule does not always apply. Please contact the team directly to determine which league they are in.
- Each spring, players are invited to participate in our Skill Assessments and form new teams for the following fall season.
- Placement of players on teams is determined by player development, skills of new players joining the program, current year assessment where applicable, and being able to form teams of players with comparable skills.
- Participation in skills assessments or being on a travel team this year does not guarantee placement on a team next year.
- Skill Assessments are generally scheduled for late April, early May and run multiple sessions. Although it is not mandatory to attend all sessions, it is recommended that your child be at as many as possible. If prior commitments prevent your child from being at any of the sessions, please inform one of the coaches.
- There is a fee of $10 per child due at the 1st session. You will fill out a registration form and your child will receive an Arsenal T-Shirt and a number both of which need to be worn to all skills assessment sessions
Open Player Skill Assessments (tryouts) are held annually in late April, early May for the upcoming fall season which begins in September. During these assessments, coaches will be evaluating all potential players to determine their skill level at passing, shooting, dribbling, decision making and other soccer related skills. Updated information on Skills Assessments can be found here
Once the assessments are completed, teams will be formed and potential players will be contacted and offered a spot on that team. Early formation of a team is critical to its success and so the offer is on a limited time basis. The number of available spots for each team is limited by If your child is offered a spot on the team and you choose to accept that spot, you will be required to fill out player registration paperwork and a parent agreement and code of conduct form. All teams have a team manager that handles the administrative requirements of each individual team. These team managers will contact you and provide you the paperwork as well as submitting it to the club on your behalf.
Teams will begin training in early September in preperation for the upcoming season.
The Arizona Youth Soccer Association is the governing body for all competitive youth soccer clubs in this state. Teams in the younger age groups (U11 and below) can play with 8 players on the field and a number of substitutes that are used throughout the game at the coaches discression as there is no subsitution limit. Most coaches will roster a total of 10-12 players for these ages.
The older ages (U12 and above) play with 11 players on the field and a number of substitutes to make up a team. Coaches will generally roster 15-18 players for a team. Additional teams will be created if there are enough offers to players to fill multiple teams.
Many players have experienced recreational soccer and are ready to take that next step. Club soccer does take dedication and hard work by both the players and the families that support them. The price can sometimes seem very high but the rewards are even greater. Parents and players learn the value of teamwork, dedication and the comraderie that is part of the club soccer experience. Only you know if you child and your family is ready to make the transition to club/travel soccer.
In the early years, players will find the Little Strikers/Arsenal Academy to be the perfect transition from recreational soccer to a more scheduled and organized level of training. Cory Christensen and his staff are all a part of the Arsenal Soccer Club coaching staff and help teach players, between the ages of 4 and 12 years old, the foundations of soccer.
Contact the team that corresponds to your child's age group directly. Even if the team has already been formed there may be open spots on the roster and coaches will sometime allow potential players to come out for an informal training session. Coaches and team contact info can be found here
Contact our uniform coordinator via email at
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and let us know exactly what you need. Once a check is received for your merchandise you can then pick up completed pieces at SamorI Printing 3050 S. Country Club Dr. Suite 9 Mesa AZ 85210
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SamorI Printing and outfitters has all of the club's practice gear and fan wear. The are located at 3050 S. Country Club Dr. Suite 9 Mesa AZ 85210
and on-line at www.samoriprinting.com
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Q&A
