Club Level Select Soccer FAQ(s

This FAQ is intended to briefly introduce Academy and Athena/Classic soccer for parents and players unfamiliar with it.  

What is Club Level Select Soccer?

Club Level Select Soccer is more competitive than Developmental soccer. The training and coaching are carried out by licensed professional soccer coaches instead of volunteers. Compared to Developmental soccer, Select soccer requires more time and financial commitment from parents and players and mainly involves games in and around the metro Atlanta area. Periodically, away games and tournaments can be in other parts of Georgia, with some teams attending out-of-state tournaments.  

What age groups does Club Level Select Soccer apply to?

 Select is split into two age groupings: 

• Academy is from U9 to U12.
• Athena (Girls) and Classic (Boys) are from U13 to U19.
• Academy game scores are not recorded, whereas Athena and Classic teams play for points and are involved in divisional play with promotion and relegation opportunities.  

Are the genders split?

Yes. The teams are split into boys and girls teams. USYSA recognizes 2 types of team genders: (1) Teams with females only are girls' teams. (2) All other teams are boys' teams. 

How do I know my son/daughter's age group?

The system will automatically assign your player to the appropriate level of play. If you have any questions about the assigned age group, you may visit Georgia Soccer's Website to view: 

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Age Group Chart

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Age Group Chart

Is Club Level Select Soccer different from Developmental?

Yes. Expectations for the players in Club Level Select Soccer are much higher. There will be two 1 ½ hour weekly practices, with one or two games per weekend. Higher-level teams may practice up to three times per week. In Developmental soccer, players are placed on a team on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of ability level. Select players are selected through tryouts and ability.  

When are Evaluations/Try-Outs?

Academy Level Evaluation:
2024 - 2025 Tryout Dates will be 6-7:30 pm on Monday May 20th, Tuesday May 21st, & Wednesday May 22nd.

Select Level Try-Outs:
U13 - U15 Boys and Girls:
2024 - 2025 Tryout Dates will be 6-7:15 pm on Monday May 13th, Tuesday May 14th, & Wednesday May 15th.

U16 - U19 Boys and Girls:
2024 - 2025 Tryout Dates will be 7:30 - 9:00 pm on Monday May 13th, Tuesday May 14th, & Wednesday May 15th.

If you are interested in setting up a late tryout, please email [email protected]  

How long is the commitment for?

Players are registered through Georgia Soccer to play for their club for one year. The soccer year is split into two seasons; The Fall season, which runs from August to November, and the Spring season, which runs from February to May. If a player leaves their team partway through the calendar year, the full fee must still be paid before a release is given. The expectation is that soccer is the player's primary sport and the commitment is for the full year. Teams in the U15-U19 age groups are Fall Only Seasons per GA Soccer to allow players to play at their high school. Many of our U15-U19 teams will come back together after the high school season for a few weeks to train and participate in a Spring tournament. 

How many teams are there in each age group?

It varies between age groups, but usually, there will be between one to two teams per gender age group.  

What are the team levels in an age group?

This varies by the team and the players that are committed. Our coaches will make a determination based on the roster and games with other clubs will be set within that level. 

Apart from regular-season games, will the players go to tournaments?

Possibly. Teams are encouraged to do at least one pre-season and one post-season tournament each season. With two seasons, this means a possibility of four tournaments per calendar year. Tournament participation is based on the coach's discretion. Tournament fees are not included in players' fees. Each player must pay their portion of the tournament fee, even if the family chooses not to participate. 

What is the financial cost of being on an Academy/Select team for a year?

Each Player will be responsible for

• Their registration fees: (This fee covers field usage, insurance, practices, professional coaches, and referees, during the regular season as well as a additional specialty training)
• Registration fees can be broken down into a monthly payment plan
  • U9-U14 Boys and Girls $1100/year
  • U15-U19 Boys and Girls $750/year
• Tournament fees vary based on tournament and location, typically 50-75/player plus travel expenses. This fee is collected by the Team Manager 2-3 weeks before each tournament. 

• Uniform cost
  Kits are updated every two years. The cost of the kit is approximately $155
  This fee is paid to an outside vendor and must be paid as a single fee when ordering the uniform. 

If the player lives outside of Barrow County, there are no Out Of County Fees.     

How much playing time will my son/daughter get?

The Georgia Soccer guideline is at least the equivalent of half of the game for players in U9-U12. There is no requirement for players in the U15 and older age group. Playing time will be affected by performance, ability, effort, and commitment, both at practice and in games. This is a coaching staff decision.  

Are players expected to attend every practice and every game?

Yes. If a player cannot make a practice or a game, the coach must be notified with as much advance notice as possible. While it is expected that a player will be at each practice and game, it is accepted that sickness and special occasions may mean a player misses an occasional practice or game.  

Are there written codes of conduct for players and parents?

Yes. PSA has written codes of conduct for players and parents that must be signed yearly. This code of conduct is strictly enforced with a zero-tolerance policy. Every Player, Parent & Coach is responsible for being respectful and following these rules.