Competitive Program

Contact us:Directors@TampaRaiders.com

COME AND JOIN US! WE OFFER OPEN ENROLLMENT TO ALL PLAYERS FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON!

TAMPA RAIDERS
COMPETITIVE PROGRAM
INFORMATION SHEET
2024-2025 SEASON

Questions? Email one of our directors at Directors@TampaRaiders.com

Welcome to Tampa Raiders Soccer Club and thank you for your interest in our competitive program. Established in 1970 as “Northeast Raiders,” we have a long, celebrated history. Our local club currently consists boys and girls teams competing within the U8 through U19 age divisions. Our teams compete in the United Soccer Association (USA) and US Club state leagues.

Our competitive program is centrally managed to ensure professionalism and accountability from our coaches and to provide the best all-around soccer experience for our players. Our Director of Coaching, Craig Heseltine, has led various clubs in Florida for more than 25 years and currently holds the “UEFA B” license.

All our teams are coached by USSF- and NSCAA-licensed. To ensure that our players receive a consistently high level of training, we encourage all our coaches to continue their coaching education so that they stay current with new techniques and developments. Coaches are evaluated at least annually based on FYSA/USYSA/US Club standards for youth play.

Starting at the U8 age level, our program's primary focus is on player development cultivated in a competitive, team-oriented, fun environment. Players are taught technical proficiency at the younger ages so they will be able to thrive in the sport as they move to the competitive level. As our players grow and mature, their technical skills continue to be refined; however, the training concentration gradually shifts to the more tactical aspects of the game. At all levels, we also strive to achieve an atmosphere that promotes and nurtures leadership skills, sportsmanship, teamwork and a general love for the “beautiful game.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the time commitment for competitive soccer?
As you can see from the details outlined in this pamphlet, competitive soccer demands a fairly large time commitment since our soccer year extends from August through May, a 10-month calendar. Players should not enter a competitive soccer program without the expectation of attending at least 80% of practices and 95% of games. Competitive soccer does not usually interfere with afterschool activities; however, occasional evening games on school nights do occur, as do multi-game weekends. Our club supports all efforts and communications by FYSA, US Youth Soccer Association and US Club Soccer to caution against the over-scheduling of young athletes

Is club soccer expensive?
We feel our fees are very reasonable and still offer an excellent level of training and competition that matches and even exceeds other clubs in the area. To help offset the costs, individual families will have numerous opportunities to conduct fundraising efforts and help cover their expenses.

What kinds of fundraising opportunities are available?
Teams may participate in several fundraising opportunities such as tournament ad sales, local sponsorships, etc.

How are competitive teams formed?
Our club conducts open tryouts following a process recommended by the US Youth Soccer and Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA). To help ensure accurate, objective player ratings, our professional coaches, along with an independent evaluator, conduct every age group’s tryout.

Should I insist my child try out for a competitive team?
No. Competitive soccer, and club sports in general, is best suited for aggressive, athletically minded children who thrive on competition. Most children playing recreational soccer are aware of the competitive program by the end of their second grade year. Because of the time commitment on the part of the players, we encourage parents to let their children decide whether to try out.

How far will I have to “travel”?
Most of our teams’ league games take them around the greater Tampa Bay area, with an occasional game to places farther afield.

Tryout Questions to Consider

Before making a decision on where you should play, you need to look at the following, and then make an informed decision:

Who will be the Head coach of the team you will play for?
What are the coach’s qualifications? His/Her objectives?
What are the coach’s philosophies?
Does the Coach have tenure with the club soccer program?
What experience does the coach possess?
Are they looking to develop?
Is it win at all costs (The quick fix)
Who is the DOC of the club and what are his qualifications?
Clubs goals and objectives?
The infrastructure of the club

What does the club offer by way of further opportunities?

Free Training with professional coaches?
Camps?
College referral?
Overseas Travel?
Mentorship?
Extra training opportunities

What qualification does the coach possess?

Is the coach successful?
Are they renowned for player development?
Do they possess good training abilities
Do you feel this coach can get the best out of you and help you develop? \Do you want to play for this coach?
Does the coach shout loudly from the side line thus unnerving you?
Is the coach a positive force or a negative one?
Does the coach understand your psychology?

Playing Time Protocol

As a club, we hope that all players receive a reasonable amount of playing time; however there are no guarantees that prevail.

Players need to embrace opportunities afforded to them by the coach.

In the competitive arena, players are measured by their performance on the field of play. It is fair to say that the better player will receive more playing time.

*This is a list of club protocol:

It is the coaches responsibility as to how much a player will play
Playing time is earned by the player via performance and endeavor
Playing time can be prejudiced by a players training habits
Missed training sessions and tardiness can also affect the amount of playing time a child is given by the coach
Misbehavior can also affect playing time
Playing time can be reduced by poor training habits and game performance.

Soccer Rules

https://www.fifa.com/what-we-do/education-and-technical/referees/