How do I register for GCU’s Instructional Spring Soccer Programs?
To register for one of GCU’s Instructional Spring Soccer Programs, go to:
www.gcunited.com
From the home page, go to “Online Registration” (on the Site Contents section on the left-hand side of the page). From the online registration page, click on the “Spring Soccer Registration” link to register.
Who can register to play in GCU’s Instructional Spring Soccer Programs?
The Spring Soccer Program is designed for boys and girls between 4 yrs - 19 yrs of age at all skill levels. (Due to insurance reasons, children must turn 4 yrs old by April 5, 2010.) PROOF OF AGE IS REQUIRED (i.e. copy of certified birth certificate or passport) and can be provided to GCU during GCU’s Fall Season Closing Ceremonies @ SJWAA on Saturday, March 13 between 10a-2p. It can also be scanned and emailed to: info@gcunited.com.
How do I know what Age Group my Child will play this Season?
The age group is determined based on your child’s age as of August 1, e.g. if your child turns 10 after Aug. 1, then he will play U10, otherwise, he will play U12 (if the birthday is before Aug. 1). Your child’s age group fills in automatically when you register online. Note: For Spring Soccer, age groupings are determined in two year increments.
What does it cost to participate in GCU’s Instructional Spring Soccer Programs?
The registration fee for Spring Soccer is $80/player if paid online on or before Saturday, Feb. 20; After Feb. 20, the cost it $90/player. Parents are also required to volunteer at the Club during the season. Volunteer Opportunities include:
Coaching
Field Day
Board of Directors
To opt out of volunteering, there is an addition $10/player fee.
What type of Instructional Spring Soccer Programs does GCU offer to the Community?
To balance the level of play in our co-ed Instructional Spring Soccer Program, the Club is offering two divisions for our players – a Recreational Division and a Competitive Division.
The Recreational Division is meant for players (U6-U12) looking for a fun and purely recreational outlet for playing soccer. Most participants play in the Recreational Division for the social and physical benefits that come from playing soccer rather than for the purely competitive nature of playing the game. GCU only offers a Recreational Division for U6-U12; U14-U19 soccer players all play in the Competitive Division.
The Competitive Division is meant for players (U8-U19) that want the challenge of training with and playing against other skillful and competitive soccer players. The Competitive Division is more competitive in nature than the Recreational Division as most players are either in high school, participants in a Competitive Soccer Program or where nominated to be on a Recreational All-Star Soccer Team. THIS DIVISION IS MEANT FOR SERIOUS SOCCER PLAYERS AND IS AN EXCELLENT TRAINING EXPERIENCE FOR PLAYERS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING ON A COMPETITIVE CLUB OR HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER TEAM.
Which GCU Spring Soccer Program should I register for… the Competitive Division or Recreational Division?
Players that have played Competitive Soccer and/or have been nominated to a Recreational All-Star Team should register to play in the Competitive Division (U8-U19); Recreational players (U6-U12) that are looking for a fun, recreational outlet for playing soccer should register for the Recreational Division. There is no Recreational Division for U14-U19.
If in doubt about which division you should register your child, please contact Jimmy McDonald (317-752-3184) or Matt Risley (560-6512) for input on player placement.
What format will be used for Training Sessions and Games?
Training sessions will be done in “Academy Format” with technical training typically done in age appropriate coed groupings. Generally, kids will train in “stations” where they will focus on developing and mastering a specific, age appropriate soccer skill. Each station will last 10-20 minutes; Training Sessions are expected to last a little over an hour.
Players in the Competitive Division will play games in a 3v3 format with small goals. The objective is to accelerate learning by increasing the number of chances players have to get their foot on the ball, i.e. 1 ball/6 field players total.
The exact format for the Recreational Division had not yet been decided but will likely be similar if not identical to the format used for the Competitive Division. A decision on the exact format will likely be made in March following the close of our registration process.
Training sessions and games will typically start at 6:00 p.m. or 7:15 p.m.
When does GCU’s Instructional Spring Soccer Season Begin & End?
Spring Soccer begins the week of April 5 and ends on May 22. Ten games are scheduled over a 7 week season. Recreational Division training sessions and games are generally on Tuesday and Thursday; Competitive Division training sessions and games are generally on Monday and Wednesday (with 2 Saturday games).
Refer to the Spring Soccer Schedules (Recreational Division & Competitive Division) for more details.
Can my child switch between the GCU Recreational Division and GCU Competitive Division?
Children must play their games within their division but may do their training with either group though we strongly encourage players to train with the group they play their games with during the season to get the most out of their training sessions.
What equipment does my child need to play in GCU’s Instructional Spring Soccer Program?
Players will need a soccer ball, cleats (rubber soles), socks, shin guards, shorts and a water bottle. The Club will provide a t-shirt for their uniform as part of registration fees. The total cost for soccer equipment will range from $30-$100+ depending on the quality of equipment purchased.
Ball Size Required per Age Group
U6 & U8 Size #3
U10 & U12 Size #4
U14+ Size #5
Where will my child have their Training Sessions and Games?
Generally speaking, children playing in the Recreational Spring Soccer Division will train at Seminole Jr. Warhawks Complex and play their games at both the Belleair Recreation Center (900 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Belleair, FL) and Seminole Jr. Warhawks Complex (12500 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL) while children playing in the Competitive Spring Soccer Division will both train and play their games at the Seminole Jr. Warhawks Complex. Due to our partnership with another local club, some of our Competitive Division games will be played in St. Petersburg one or two times during the spring soccer season. (Refer to the attached Recreational and Competitive Spring Soccer Schedules for more details.)
Please note that if you are unable to attend your pre-assigned division’s Training Session, you may attend the other division’s training session. (For example, if you are unable to attend a Monday training session @ SJWAA, you may attend the Tuesday training session in Belleair.)
Can my child play on the same team as a family member, friend or coach?
Family members are placed on the same team, if requested, provided all children are in the same age group. In order to have “competitively balanced teams”, however, we generally limit requests for friends to play together to cases where families require carpooling or childcare in order to participate in Spring Soccer. Due to these limitations, we cannot guarantee that all requests will be met. We also attempt to honor any requests for a specific coach but, again, can’t guarantee all requests. We are only able to confirm specific team and coach assignments 2-3 weeks prior to the start of the season. Refunds will not be available if we are unable to meet your requests.
Are there scholarships available to Title I Families through the Club?
The Club would like to make soccer available to families regardless of their ability to pay and has created a small scholarship fund available to Title I families that qualify for free and reduced lunch at their local elementary schools. Verification of qualification is required. Please contact a member of the GCU Scholarship Committee for more information.
Families suffering a short-term financial hardship but that do not meet the above criteria for a Club scholarship should contact the GCU Treasurer.
What is GCU’s Reimbursement Policy?
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GRANTED AFTER MARCH 7, 2010 except for injury or relocation outside Pinellas County. In the event of injury or relocation, the refund will be prorated based on the number of games played and other fixed expenses incurred by the Club.
Who do I contact if I have any other questions?
Please send an email to info@gcunited.com or call 518-3728, ext. 6.
