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.

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.

Arsenal's Club Tournament is the Arsenal Challenge and is held in the 3rd weekend on February.

Players are initially responsible for the club registration fee which was $350.00 per player for the 2009/2010 season. 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. 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. Team treasurers will collect the training fees directly allowing the club to pay the coaches staff for training the players.

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.

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.

Open Player Skill Assessments are held annually in late April, early May for the upcoming 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.

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.

Teams will begin training in early September in preperation for the upcoming season.

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.

In Queen Qreek the GSC@JR program is run by Bob Lawrence and Dan Wolf and is an introduction to the Arsenal Soccer Club. Volunteer coaches assist Bob and Dan in the training and organization of the teams. All games are played on saturdays and are in the parks of Johnson Ranch.

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