Do U12 teams use a different format than teams in the older age categories?
Yes. U12 teams play 8-aside; a format that provides players with more contact with the ball. A jamboree format was introduced in 2007 will not continue. Teams will play weekly games.

Does BC Soccer provide post secondary scholarships?
The British Columbia Soccer Association awards yearly scholarships to players proceeding on to post secondary education. Applications are due March 31st and must be signed by KU Technical Director Andrew Latham.

Is it true players can earn graduation credits for playing on a Select team?
Yes. Select and Y-League players can apply to have their participation in soccer recognized as a credit towards high school graduation. The Ministry of Education’s External Sport Credentials Program (ESCP) allows students to obtain credits at the grade 10, 11 and 12 levels. For details, see the Ministry’s Course Information for the Graduation Program Guide (page 108). Link: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/graduation/courseinfo/cid.pdf

Do Select teams following the same season as House teams?
A new season has been introduced that is similar to the House schedule. The official Select season runs from April through early October, with a one month break from mid-July to mid-August. Tryouts are held in the fall of the previous year, and most teams begin winter training soon after. Kelowna United does not ask multi-sport athletes to choose one sport over another during the preseason so we encourage players with questions about winter training conflicts to speak with their coach or the Technical Director. Players are expected to make soccer a priority when the official soccer season begins in April.

Will Kelowna United still participate in the Provincial Championships?
Teams at the top of the standings in June will represent the Interior zone at the Provincial Championships, held in July. A play-off tournament (introduced in 2008) will be held in October to determine the Interior league champion.

How many teams does KU field in each age category?
It depends on the number and calibre of players trying out in a particular age category. Historically, there is a larger pool of players to choose from in the younger age categories and this is reflected in the number of teams declared each year.

How much can I expect the season to cost?
Basic registration is $400 and covers the cost of uniforms, expenses associated with league games and DDC training. Tournament fees and accommodation, as well as team gear (such as track suits), are not included and must be paid through parental contributions and/or fundraising. On average, parents can expect to pay or fundraise an additional $400.

When do practices and games start and what level of commitment is expected?
Many teams start soon after tryouts, practicing once a week, attending DDC training and playing exhibition games. In April, league games start and teams practice an average of twice per week. Most teams take part in three or more tournaments

Kelowna United does not ask athletes involved in multiple sports to choose one sport over another during preseason training. Players are expected to make soccer a priority once the official soccer season starts, however. Players and parents are asked to read, respect and adhere to club policies contained in the Code of Conduct.

Are uniforms included in the registration fee?
Yes. Players are given two pairs of shorts, two pairs of socks and both a home (white) and away (red) jersey. Players may keep their socks and shorts but must return their jerseys at the end of the season. On average, jerseys are expected to last three seasons.

Eurosport (#3 1771 Cooper) supplies KU uniforms and stocks additional KU gear (including tracksuits and toques). A 25% discount on merchandise is also available to KU players.

Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available and will not play a part in team selection. To prevent abuse, we ask players requesting financial assistance to complete a Kidsport Application and to forward it to the Kelowna United Administrator. Kelowna United will offer assistance over and above what Kidsport provides. Contact Lorrie (admin @ kelownaunited.com) for more information.

Are refunds available?
Injured players may apply for a refund of registration fees, minus a $50 non-refundable BC Soccer Association fee. Players must return their jerseys before a refund will be issued.

Do players receive equal playing time?
The short answer is no. Kelowna United is a competitive sports organization and as such does not require coaches to maintain strict equality with playing time. We encourage coaches to treat players fairly and appreciate that no one likes to see their child played less than other players. If you have concerns about playing time please wait at least 24 hours after a game to discuss those concerns with the coach. Questions and concerns can also be directed to KU Technical Director Andrew Latham.

Is there a dress code for games and travel?
Club unity is important, therefore we strongly advise players and teams not to purchase apparel that is inconsistent with other Kelowna United teams. Players should tuck their jerseys into their shorts and pull their socks fully over their shin guards. Keep hair off the face, remove all jewellery and store extra gear in player bags in the bench area.

How are problems resolved?
It is important that parents feel comfortable communicating with the Kelowna United organization without fear of reprisals (my son/daughter will be banned).

If parents have a problem or an issue they cannot resolve with the team coach or manager, they are encouraged to contact the Technical Director or any of the members of the Kelowna United Board.

Does Kelowna United receive a discount at Eurosport?
Kelowna United players receive a 25% discount on merchandise purchased through Eurosports (#3 1771 Cooper) as part of a three-year agreement that extends through 2009. Soccer X-Press (previously Soccer City) was the previous supplier of our club uniforms and supplies uniforms to the Y-League teams.

How will I know when practices and games are?
Each team has a team manager who is responsible for taking care of the business end of the game, which includes letting everyone know when and where practices and games will be held. Most managers rely heavily on email and it is suggested you check your email at least once a week during the preseason and daily when the season begins. The KU website is also a very useful tool.

What is DDC?
The District Development Centre (DDC) is a strategic and tactical skills building training program designed by the BC Soccer Association. Training takes place weekly at the Mission turf field (weather permitting) and is based on a 20-week, 40 practice curriculum. Kelowna’s DDC is one of several regional programs aimed at overcoming geographic challenges and delivering skills training consistently throughout B.C.

BC Soccer Association officials attend DDC periodically and use it to help scout talented players for possible placement on provincial teams. The training is intended to help build player skills, encourage their continued involvement and provide them with a clear understanding of future soccer possibilities.

Is there a policy that prevents me from talking to the coach on game day?
Small talk is fine but we ask parents not to discuss game strategy or their child’s performance with the coach on game day. If you have concerns or questions, it is always best to give yourself 24 hours before talking to the coach.

Is there a designated spectator area at games?
Yes. Both the field and team bench are off limits to parents on game day. Parents are encouraged to cheer from the opposite side of the field.

Are there guidelines parents must follow at games?
Parents are encouraged to support the team but asked not to instruct players or to comment on a call. We ask that you allow the coach to coach, the referee to officiate and the players to play.

It is important to remember that our reputation as a team and an organization will be based on how well our teams play and the level of sportsmanship we demonstrate. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory and to turn defeat into victory by continually working to improve.

Why did KU eliminate ‘A’ level teams?
Kelowna United eliminated ‘A’ teams because there were simply not enough teams within TOYSL to make the league competitive. Beginning in 2008, KU teams will play in the TOYSL ‘B’ league and will play against players of the same age and calibre. Players will no longer be allowed to play for KU and Super-Y, making it likely both league teams will be stronger.

Tryouts will take place each fall and the season will run from April through early October, with a break from mid-July to mid-August. Teams at the top of the standings in June will represent the Interior zone at the Provincial Championships (held in July) and a play-off tournament held in October will determine the Interior league champion.

Is the TOYSL championship tournament limited to TOYSL teams?
No. The championship tournament will not exclude challenges by other B.C. teams, making it a truly provincial tournament.

What is the significance of KU becoming a club?
Until recently, Kelowna United functioned as the ‘Select’ arm of the Central Okanagan Youth Soccer Association (COYSA) and had just one vote on a board whose other members had limited interest or involvement in Select soccer. As a standalone club with society status, Kelowna United is now an autonomous entity separate from COYSA and able to issue tax receipts and apply for government funding. The change should have no noticeable impact on players.

When are tryouts for the Provincial team and can anyone attend?
Provincial coaches hold both open and invitation-only evaluation camps, which are limited to 36 players and designed to provide coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate specific players. Players who do not receive an invitation to tryouts may attend open tryouts and are asking to register in advance with the appropriate Provincial Team head coach. Provincial coaches monitor Y-League tryouts and DDC sessions and often issue invitations based on what they see there and on recommendations from coaches and the KU Technical Director.

For more information, contact the Technical Department of BCSA at (604) 299 6401.

How many Kelowna players have made Provincial teams in the past?
Nineteen Kelowna United players have been selected to play on provincial teams since 2002, when the organization was first formed.

Does Kelowna United provide accident insurance?
Accident insurance is provided through the B.C. Soccer Association and the cost is included in the registration fee. Players who sustain a soccer-related injury must complete a BCSA approved claim form and have it signed by the KU President before forwarding it to the insurer. Parents should be aware that accidents related to a sanctioned soccer event may be covered, including travel to and from a game or practice.