What is the Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club?
The Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club is a year ‘round premier soccer program. We hold tryouts each February, March and May to form teams for girls and boys ages 10-18, and we roster up to 18 players per team for 11 vs. 11 competition.
When do we play?
2008-2009 Shadow Calendar:
Summer, 2008:
Teams usually attend two to four summer tournaments depending on their age.
Fall, 2008:
The fall leagues begin the weekend following Labor Day and end prior to Thanksgiving. Our teams compete in the following leagues:
U-11 and U-12 boys and girls teams: District 6 Fall League
U-13 and U-14 boys and girls; U-15 boys: PDL Fall League
Winter, 2009:
Tryouts will be held in February, 2009, for the 2009/2010 U-11 boys and girls teams. U-15 through U18 boys teams may participate in the WSYSA State Cup Tournament or the Challenge Cup tournament held in February/March. At the conclusion of those tournaments, tryouts will be held for these teams in March. Practice begins for these teams soon after tryouts.
Spring, 2009:
The spring leagues are played from March through mid-May. Our teams complete in the following leagues:
U-11 and U-12 boys and girls teams: District 6 Spring League
U-13 and U-14 boys and girls; U-15 boys: PDL Spring League
U-15 girls teams: PDL Spring League
U-16, U-17 and U-18 girls teams: WSYL Spring League
U-11, U12, U13 and U14 boys and girls teams and the U-15, U16, U17 and U-18 girls teams may participate in the WSYSA State Cup Tournament or the Challenge Cup tournament held in April/May. At the conclusion of those tournaments, tryouts will be held for these teams in May. Practices for these teams begins soon after tryouts.
What is the difference between Recreational, Select and Premier Soccer?
There are three levels of soccer offered for youth players:
Recreational: Competes on a local level only.
In Spokane, recreational soccer teams are organized by the Spokane Youth Sports Association.
Select: Considered more competitive, holds tryouts based on several local geographic areas in Spokane, and competes in the District 6 league which features teams in Spokane and other Eastern Washington locations.
The three select soccer clubs in the city of Spokane are the Breakers, Scotties, and Sabers.
Premier: Describes teams competing in the highest-level leagues offered by the Washington State Youth Soccer Association. Today, the State’s top leagues are referred to as Washington State Youth League (WSYL) and the Player Development League (PDL). Spokane Shadow Soccer Club teams compete in the WSYL premier level of competition for teams ages U-16 through U-18. Shadow teams from U-13 through U-15 compete in the PDL. Our U11 and U12 teams will compete as “play ups” in the District VI league to minimize travel, time, and financial commitments for our youngest players.
Premier soccer is a full year commitment with the guidance of professional, licensed, paid coaches. Shadow is extremely proud of its coaching staff, who are committed to “giving back” to our community their love of and passion for the game of soccer. All are former high school and college soccer players and coaches with a wide range of knowledge, licenses and experiences. Some are former college All American players, ODP players and coaches. Many are involved in teaching professions.
Players practice 2-3 times per week for 1 to 1 ½ hours each, play in 2-5 tournaments per year and travel state-wide. It is an expectation that when playing premier soccer, you will consider it a sport that you are committed to giving your best.
What does the “U” in the age description mean?
Teams in the state of Washington compete based on the player’s age, not their grade in school. The “U” means “under” and the player’s age must be under the number on August 1st. If a player was born on July 30, 1996, they would try out for a U-13 team in 2008. If a player was born on August 1, 1996, they would try out for a U-12 team in 2008.
How much travel is involved with Premier soccer?
The goal for our Shadow U-11 and U-12 teams is to minimize the amount of travel for our young players without sacrificing the ultimate goal of development. This travel schedule is always being reviewed.
For Shadow teams U-13 and above, league travel is determined by the location of teams securing a spot in the various PDL and WSYL divisions. The typical league schedule is based on travel partners and will have a Spokane team traveling to the West side of the state three times during the season. Ideally, on each of these trips the team will play a game on both Saturday and Sunday, staying one to two nights in a hotel depending on the distance of travel. That being said, the PDL is a developing league and situations can change from one season to another as it grows. Summer travel will usually consist of a minimum of two out of town tournaments for teams U13 and above (perhaps one for our younger teams), which run Friday through Sunday.
Can my child still play other sports?
Yes. The vast majority of our players at the younger age groups participate in multiple sports. We expect our players to make a full commitment to the schedule of games and training that has been established, and most importantly, to their teammates. Our program is designed to assist players striving to improve at the game we love. If players choose not to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to them then progress will be restricted. While we understand that soccer is not the most important thing in life, we also recognize that as players get older, they will begin to gravitate toward one sport or another. As an example, some are able to strike a balance between soccer and basketball and remain competitive at both. Our job is to encourage talent when we see it, to make you aware of the opportunities available to those that could go far within this game. The only sport which is a direct conflict with premier soccer is boys high school football. Usually, this problem takes care of itself as few players compete in both. However, this is one case where a player may have to choose one or the other due to direct scheduling conflicts in the fall.
What will my child experience at tryouts?
We suggest a family member accompany each player at tryouts. Registration forms must be turned in on the first night of tryouts. Parents will also gather at the beginning of the first tryout session for an informational meeting. Players will be given an assigned number to wear and will be identified by their number during the tryout sessions. Returning Shadow players are NOT to wear Shadow clothing during the tryout process. Tryouts include warm-ups, drills, and scrimmages. Evaluators include Shadow coaches and/or the Club Director along with other qualified coaches from our community. Results will be posted on the Shadow website after the last tryout session is concluded. The posting date will be announced at the conclusion of the tryout, but we will strive for three days after the tryouts.
The Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club is committed to forming as many competitive teams as possible at every age level. It is our goal to grow the Club membership while remaining competitive. We encourage all interested players to experience the tryout process, as long as you understand and are willing to make the necessary commitment to the Club upon your selection.
What is the Club’s philosophy regarding playing time?
For age groups U-13 and below, each player will receive a minimum of 20 minutes playing time in games. While some players will play more, substantial playing time will occur for everyone on the roster. At the conclusion of the fall season, any U13 teams participating in State Cup will be treated at U14+ in regards to playing time.
For age groups U-14 and above the club will commit to you a spot on the roster, the rest is up to you. A player is selected because we believe they can add value to the team, while reaping benefits from being a part of the group. Our club places an extreme importance on the time spent in the training/practice environment. This is where players and coaches will spend the majority of their time with the club. A player adds value by making the team better in training first, games second. The player reaps benefits by being in a better training environment. This is what must be of utmost importance to players, coaches and parents.
Our club is based on player development, which comes from training, instruction and competition. The majority of instruction and competition comes within the training environment…the game is the reward! The amount of game contributions a player is able to make to the team will be based on many factors, with the main factor being what the player makes of the training opportunities provided to them. In other words, “how” they do at training, how often they do it, and their attitude in doing so.
There are a few situations where results are paramount, two of which are LPT’s (League Placement Tournaments) and the State Cup tournament. During those times, it is possible that players may not play due to the circumstances dictated by the game and the results of the tournament. Playing time decisions will always be based on the best interest of the team in mind: evaluating training habits, individual abilities, attitude, prior contributions, strength of opponent, among other factors.
Again, it is important that our players, parents and coaches remember that the most critical part of the development process takes place during training/practice time. While competition is one component, paying club dues does not mean paying for a specific amount of playing time. We understand that every player wants to play. As former players ourselves, we also know how much satisfaction comes from knowing that you have earned it!
Where are the practices held?
Team training locations will vary from time to time depending on the time of year. Most of the training sessions are held at Andrew Rypien Complex, 3501 N. Regal. Most games are held at Dwight Merkel Complex, 5901 N. Assembly. Please note that these places can change as opportunities or situations arise.
How expensive is Shadow soccer?
Premier soccer is more expensive than recreational and select programs because our players train and play year round with a high quality coaching staff that must meet standards set forth by the Club Director. The Club Dues are approximately $875 to cover the coaches salary, insurance, coaching education, membership expenses, equipment, and administrative expenses. Over the course of the year, each Shadow player will participate in 60 to 70 team practices (1 ½ hours long), plus tournament and league games - an incredible value of between $6-8 per hour for high caliber, experienced coaching.
A $100 registration fee is collected for membership in the Spokane Youth Sports Association. Training and game uniforms are purchased every two years and average $200 to $250 depending on what each player elects to purchase. Last, team expenses are collected throughout the year to cover costs for tournament registrations (average of $25 per family, per tournament) and travel expenses/per diem for coaches travel outside of Spokane.
Is financial aid available?
The Club has a limited amount of need-based financial aid available. Parents may apply for financial aid, which will cover all or part of the Club dues for an individual player. Applications for financial aid must be submitted in writing to the Club Director within one week after tryout results are posted for your child’s age group. Please visit the “Forms” section of this website for more information and to print the application form.
Players and their families may also seek financial sponsorships from individuals or businesses through the Shadow Player Sponsorship program. Any donations you seek and obtain will count toward YOUR Club Dues.
Who makes the decisions? Do I as a parent have a say in the decisions?
The Club Director is in charge of carrying out the mission and purpose of the Club. All decisions relating to the direction of the Club are the responsibility of the Club Director. The Director is held accountable by the Spokane Shadow Board of Directors that are elected by the parents of the Club. The Club values the input of all of its members and will seek to have in place by the end of 2008 a questionnaire to solicit feedback in an organized, effective, and efficient manner.
Decisions made about league schedules – from tryout dates to championship tournaments – are determined based on scheduling decisions made by the Washington State Youth Soccer Association. Changes that occur in WSYSA scheduling over the course of a year may impact Shadow schedules. Every effort is made to communicate schedules as far in advance as possible. The Shadow organization is filled with busy members, and we recognize the need for families to plan ahead.
