Dear Parents and Players:

Thank you for your interest in the Annual Competitive Program with East Diablo Soccer Club. The club developed the following list of questions to provide information about our Competitive Program.

Why should I consider competitive soccer?
So you had a fantastic time this fall in the Recreational program. But you found yourself saying, "I wish I could have played longer. Is this all there is?" "Is this the only option available?"  We would like you to consider making the move to the next level, playing in the competitive division.

Soccer is the number one growing youth sport in the U.S. and in the Bay Area we are blessed with the opportunity to play almost twice as long as other areas of the country. With that opportunity, the Annual "competitive division" or "traveling division" takes advantage by playing in a league made up of Clubs from around our regional area. These are players of the same age, all focused with the same objective: to play the game they love and get more experienced training to improve their playing skills.

What is the difference between Annual (Competitive) soccer and Seasonal (Recreational/‘House’) soccer? Should I consider that move?
The major difference is the level of play and commitment required by both families and participating players. Benefits include:

• Get experienced professional coaches/ trainers
• Associate with other good players wanting to get better
• Teammates who are committed to improving the team’s skills and performance
• Play against a higher level of competition
• Play more games against a variety of clubs

What is the time commitment for Annual Competitive Soccer Teams?
Tryouts and team formations are completed in early spring. Teams will typically begin practicing in May with some teams starting a little earlier if they participate in spring soccer. Fall League play begins following Labor Day weekend and continues until mid-November. The U14 through U19 groups suspend their team activities until the end of the high school season and will commence for State Cup play in late March.
Training\practice sessions can be two or three times per week. Games are usually played on Saturday’s and\or Sundays.

How much do Annual Competitive Teams travel?
Most tournament and league play is within a 60-75 minute drive from Brentwood. Half of all fall league games are played within Brentwood with the balance played within a 30 mile radius.

What will be the financial commitment for Annual Competitive teams?
Competitive Registration/Training fee was $550 in 2011 for all Division 1 & Division 3 teams. Teams typically train 2-3 days per week which breaks down to $5.00 per training session. You will have the option to pay online and break your registration fee into payments. In addition, players will pay for a share of tournament registration, uniforms and team equipment needs. Most teams participate in fundraising efforts to help offset the costs of these additional expenses.

What will be the format for tryouts?
IMPACT holds open tryouts every spring to form Competitive teams. The tryouts are supervised by the Director of Coaching and conducted by professional staff. The players will be evaluated on their overall skill. There will be multiple sessions for each age group and players are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions. Players will try out in their appropriate age group unless given specific approval by the Director of Coaching. Parents and players may not request a specific team placement.

Players are encouraged to pre-register for tryouts. All players must check in at each tryout session and should arrive 15 minutes early. Players should wear shin guard, cleats, and bring a ball and water. Players should not wear any gear that shows club or team affiliation.

How are coaches chosen for the competitive program?
Coaches are chosen by the Director of Coaching and are approved by the Club's Board of Directors. Coaches are chosen based on background, training and experience. It is our goal to provide our players with the best coaching staff available.

If my child makes a team, how do I register and pay league fees?
Each team will complete their own registration during a team meeting in March or April. There is no need to go to the walk-in recreation (house) registration if your child makes a Annual Competitive Team.