The Pool Training System
Kelowna United has introduced a pool training system that will essentially extend the player evaluation process to provide coaches with an opportunity to more thoroughly assess players before selecting ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams for the May 1st TOYSL Declaration deadline.
This new system creates a competitive yet healthy environment that rewards players with an ongoing equal opportunity to play at the highest level they aspire to regardless of the level they played the year before.
The new system works as follows:
- Each pool will have a Head Pool Coach. Additional training coaches for the pool and declared teams will be chosen jointly by the Pool Head Coach and KU Technical Staff. Head coaches for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams will be appointed by KU Technical Staff at any time before May 1st.
- Each pool will train as one group that will be split into ‘A’ and ‘B’ training groups by approximately the end of November (at coach’s discretion).
- When practical, the ‘A’ and ‘B’ training groups will train at the same time and location under the direction of a head coach and training coaches.
- Movement between training groups may take place from week to week or even from training session to training session up to May 1st. This movement may be in either direction and will be explained to players along with ways they can improve (if appropriate).
- There will be zero tolerance for disrespect shown by players towards other players in other training groups or pools. Kelowna United players are expected to show courtesy and respect towards all players, coaches and officials at all times.
- A Pool Manager, who is responsible for the entire player pool, will be appointed by the Pool Head Coach to oversee pool needs, by Nov. 20th at the latest, sooner if possible. Team managers for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ training groups may be appointed on or before the May 1st deadline for declaring official teams.
- Coaches will have no input into what team their child is placed on. This decision will be made by Kelowna United Technical Staff.
- Coaches will have no input into what team their child is placed on. This decision will be made by Kelowna United Technical Staff.
- ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams will be designated by May 1. The head pool coach will continue to be responsible for both teams
Dealing With Player Movement – Some Suggestions
Players handle movement between training pools best when their parents lead by example. Avoid the temptation to overreact and instead use this as an opportunity to help your child learn how they can become a better soccer player. Remind your child that coaches are looking for players who work hard and implement in games what they have learned in training.
Questions about player movement must be directed as follows:
- From player to coach
- From parent to coach through the pool manager
- From parent to technical director
Step One: Player to Coach
Coaches are looking for players who work hard and implement in games what they have learned in training.Players should learn to advocate for themselves and to speak proactively with coaches about ways they can improve. Questions a player may consider asking their coach include:
- What do I need to work on to improve overall?
- What do I need to work on to make the ‘A’ training group?
- What do I need to work on to get back in the ‘A’ training group?
- What do I need to work on to stay in the ‘A training group?
- What do I need to work on to be in the starting line up?
- What do I need to work on to be one of the top five players?
Step Two: Parent to Coach (through the Pool Manager)
Wait at least 24 hours and then email the team manager to arrange a meeting with the coach. We ask that
Parents communicate through managers so that coaches have more time to plan their practices. Never discuss your child’s performance with the coach on game day or during practice.
Step Three: Contact the Technical Director
Email the technical director with your concernsonly if you have completed step one and two and still have unresolved concerns.
Parent FAQs - Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
What is Select Soccer?
Select soccer provides players with a competitive environment where they can be challenged and requires a higher level of commitment on both the player and parent’s part. Kelowna United will field teams in both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ divisions; the ‘A’ division offering players the highest level of play available at the local level.
What league does Kelowna United play in?
Kelowna United is a member of the Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League (TOYSL), which encompasses the Thompson Okanagan BC Soccer Association of Districts of Central (Kelowna), North (Vernon), South (Penticton) Okanagan, Shuswap, and Kamloops. Teams within TOYSL compete for the right to represent the Thompson-Okanagan region at the Provincial Cup.
How is the league winner determined?
Play downs for both ‘A’ and B’ league play are held by the third week of June with team standings used to determine seeding. The winner of the TOYSL play downs will represent TOYSL at the Provincial ‘B’ Cup. A decision about which district or districts will host the play downs will be made by Feb. 15.
My child can’t make all three tryout sessions. Will he/she still be considered?
Yes. Although we’d like to see players at all three sessions, we know this isn’t always possible. Players must attend at least two of the three sessions.
What does the $20 tryout fee go towards?
The tryout fee is used to recover costs associated with tryouts including field rental.
When will we know if our child has made the select team?
Players will not be cut on the field or in front of other players. Parents and players will be notified by email.
When is the official ‘Select’ soccer season?
Tryouts are held in the fall and many teams begin winter training shortly thereafter. League games begin in April and continue through early July.
How much can I expect the season to cost?
Registration fees are $500 for U12-U18 players and $400 for U11 players. This fee covers the cost of uniforms (for new players only) and all expenses associated with league games. 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.
I’ve heard the U11 and U12 teams use an 8-aside format. Is this true?
U11 and U12 teams play an 8-aside a format that provides players with more contact with the ball.
How is the U11 program different from U12 and other age groups?
The U11 program is a developmental program that provides house players with an opportunity to take part in weekly training (typically Mondays) and Sunday jamborees. The U11 program is designed so that it does not conflict with house programs but allows players who want additional training to receive it.
Do U12s also play in Sunday jamborees?
No. U12 players will follow a regular TOYSL schedule.
My son/daughter plays multiple sports. Will he/she be penalized for missing soccer practices?
Kelowna United does not ask multi-sport athletes to choose one sport over another during the preseason and encourages players to speak to their coach about training conflicts. Players are expected to make soccer a priority when the official soccer season begins in April.
Will KU field both ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams this year?
Yes. Kelowna United will once again field teams in both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ divisions of the Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League (TOYSL). This tiered program provides players with an opportunity to compete at the level best suited to their skills.
Who will the ‘A’ teams play against?
Kelowna United ‘A’ teams will play in a league that includes Kamloops, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Penticton. It is up to each of these TOYSL partners to determine if they have enough skilled players to form an ‘A’ team. In addition to this league play, Kelowna’s ‘A’ teams will take part in interdivisional exhibition play against teams from Greater Vancouver, Alberta and the US.
Kelowna’s U16 to U18 teams will also take part in the Las Vegas College Showcase (March 12-14, 2010); a premier/select level event attended by more than 450 college coaches and scouts.
Which teams will ‘B’ teams play against?
Kelowna United ‘B’ teams will play in a league that includes Kamloops, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Penticton.
How many teams will KU field in each age category?
It depends on the number and caliber of players trying out in a particular age category. There tends to be 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.
Which communities besides Kelowna does United represent?
Kelowna United provides select level soccer opportunities for players from the Kelowna including West Kelowna (Westbank/Westside), Peachland, and Lake Country.
Will KU allow players from outside the area to tryout for its select teams?
Players from outside the district may attend tryouts and will be considered for placement on a KU team. Detailed information on KU’s policy regarding out-of-district players will be made available soon.
My son/daughter would like to play up an age group. Is this permitted?
No. Players must tryout and play in their age group. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the KU technical director.
Is there a deposit I must pay if my son/daughter is selected for a KU team?
Yes. All players are asked to bring a $200 commitment fee payable by cheque to the third tryout session. Players who are not selected for a team will have their cheque destroyed.
When do practices and games start and what level of commitment is expected?
Many teams begin practicing and playing exhibition games soon after tryouts. League games begin in April and teams practice an average of twice per week. Most teams take part in three or more tournaments.
My son/daughter plays multiple sports. Will he/she be penalized for missing soccer practices?
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 will receive both a home and away jersey that must be returned at the end of the season. In addiction, players new to the Kelowna United program will receive two pairs of shorts and two pairs of socks that are theirs to keep.
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 (link to attached Kidsport form). Each application will be independently reviewed and if accepted by Kidsport will be forwarded 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?
Players injured in the first three months of the season may qualify for a refund of registration fees, minus a $50 non-refundable BC Soccer Association fee. Refunds will be provided for no other reason. Players withdrawing for medical reasons may be asked to present a doctor’s note.
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. Direct any questions or concerns you may have to a KU technical director.
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 jewelry, 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). Parents who have a problem or issue they cannot resolve with the team coach or manager are encouraged to contact either technical director or any of the members of the Kelowna United Board.
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 (full game schedules are also posted on our website). Most managers rely heavily on email and it is important parents/players check their email frequently. KU website and our email newsletter are also useful tools.
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.
When are Super Y tryouts?
Super Y tryouts will be held April 10, 11 & 18 in Vernon. The Y league schedule runs from May to July, with he top two teams in each region continuing on to the finals in Florida in November.
Will Select and Super Y schedules conflict?
No. TOYSL representatives meet regularly and are working to ensure the Y league game schedule does not conflict with the TOYSL schedule.
When are tryouts for the provincial team and do I need an invitation to attend?
Provincial coaches hold both open and invitation-only evaluation camps to evaluate players for appointment to BC Provincial Soccer teams from U13 to U16. Detailed information about camps can be found online at www.bcsoccer.net.
Does Kelowna United provide accident insurance?
Accident insurance is provided through the BC 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.
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 Letters are issued by your club. Contact admin@kelownaunited.com for participation details.
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 31 and must be signed by a KU technical director.
