What is Northwest United? NWUnited is a select soccer club and a member of the Skagit Valley Youth Soccer Association. More about NWUnited in a minute.

What is the Skagit Valley Youth Soccer Association? The Skagit Valley Youth Soccer Association is the governing body for all youth soccer Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties and the Stanwood-Camano Island area. The association consists of representatives of all recreational youth soccer leagues in the area as well as a representative from NWUnited, the area’s select soccer organization. The mission of the association is to promote the sport of soccer, and ensure the safety and education of participants. Skagit Valley Youth Soccer is a member of the Washington State Youth Soccer Association and is located in District 1. District 1 comprises the area in western Washington from North Seattle to the Canadian border.

Once again, what is NWUnited and what is select soccer? As a select soccer club, NWUnited’s purpose is to provide a high level of soccer training and play for boys and girls who want to advance their understanding, skill, and enjoyment of the game. Each year, NWUnited holds tryouts for prospective players in ages U-11 through U-18. (See below for an explanation of the “U’s”.) There are eight select soccer clubs in District 1, and about 100 throughout the State. A club may have dozens of select soccer teams. NWUnited usually has 20 to 25 teams.

Where do NWUnited teams play soccer? (Home Games) All of NWUnited teams play their home games at Skagit River Park in Burlington. Skagit River Park is a first-rate soccer field owned and managed by Burlington Parks Department. It can be laid out for up to 20 regulation soccer fields, with additional space available for practice fields. (Away Games) NWUnited teams play away games at the opposing team’s fields. For NWUnited teams participating in District play, games will be played on fields and against teams from the area of North Seattle to Bellingham. For United teams playing in one of the State Leagues, most games will be against teams in Western Washington, but one or two games a year are usually played in eastern Washington. (Tournaments) Our home field, Skagit River Park, is the site for three major soccer tournaments held each year. The tournaments attract teams from throughout Western Washington and Canada. In addition, to our three summer tournaments at home, NWUnited teams will usually play in three or more tournaments in other cities in Western Washington. Tournaments are typically held between May and early September. League Play begins in early September.

Who runs NWUnited ? NWUnited has a Board of Directors consisting of one representative of each team–frequently the coach. Each year, the “Board” elects an Executive Committee which is responsible for day-to-day administration of NWUnited and its many activities.  These are all volunteer positions, filled by conscientious people who love the game and want to do the best for young people and their families. The 2009 Executive Committee is comprised of President Monico Garza, Vice President Bernd Strom, Secretary Kristy Sedano, Treasurer Duane Henson, and Parent Liaison, Bob Raymond.

Where does NWUnited get its funding There are three primary sources of funds for NWUnited operations:

1. Each player is assessed a Club fee to cover the costs of NWUnited operations;
2. NWUnited charges a tournament fee to outside teams participating in its three major tournaments;
3. NWUnited receives rebates from Nike–the private sportswear company providing uniforms and soccer gear to United players and clubs.  NWUnited may also receive funding or services from local sponsors interested in supporting youth soccer in the area.

How much does it cost if my child makes a team? An Important Note to Parents About Select Fees:  All across the State, select soccer fees are higher than the fees families are used to paying in recreation soccer.  This is primarily because to two very important factors:

1. In select soccer, there is a lot more soccer: more tournaments, more league play and more training.  And it’s usually over 10 months rather than the 2 months typical of rec ball; and
   
2. Kids learn more and learn it faster with higher level coaches and trainers.

To address this, NWUnited has a substantial scholarship program for families who need that assistance.  In addition, many teams raise additional funds through sponsorships, car washes, bake sales, etc.  These extra funds can be used to lower the casts for all on the team or just for those who most need assistance in order to keep playing the game they love.

There are 3 basic costs for NWUnited players:

a. Club fees paid to NWUnited for operation of the organization.
b. Team fees. These vary with the team and will cover referee costs for home games, practice uniforms, coach stipend (for those coaches who receive them. These fees will be explained by the coaches at the initial team meeting. The total of the Club and Team Fees for the year will be at least $450 and for some teams significantly more–primarily depending upon whether the team’s coach is paid a stipend.
c. Finally, there are costs for a player’s own equipment–shoes, shin guards, practice gear– and for transportation, lodging, and meals for away games.

But remember what we said earlier:  NWUnited has a substantial scholarship program for families who need that assistance.  In addition, many teams raise additional funds through sponsorships, car washes, bake sales, etc.  These extra funds can be used to lower the casts for all on the team or just for those who most need assistance in order to keep playing the game they love.

When and how often will my child’s team hold practices? This varies somewhat by team. NWUnited teams may practice two or three times a week, depending on their age level and the time of year. Spring practices, which are likely to start in mid-April are usually held twice a week–usually in the late afternoon on weekdays or on Saturday mornings. During the summer, a team may practice three times a week. However, many teams take two, three, or four weeks off during the month of July. League play starts in the fall. Usually, on the first weekend after Labor Day. Teams will usually practice twice a week during league play. However, U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18 teams may not practice during the fall or may limit their team practice to once a week–because most NWUnited players are also playing High School Soccer.

Okay, now you’ve done it, What does “U” mean in U-14 (for example)? “U” stands for “under” and is a (confusing?) way of designating the age group of a player or team. The “under” is determined on August 1 of each year. So, if a player is 11 years old as of July 31, he or she is “U-12.” If a player turns 12 on August 1 or after, he or she will be “U-13.” Confused? We thought so. Here is a table that lays out the age groupings for the 2004 soccer year.

What is “playing up?” Can my child do it? Generally, players will play in their own age group, based on the table above. Playing at that level is usually the best for that particular player’s development and enjoyment of the game. However, some parents and players may feel that their skills justify playing with a United team that is at a higher age grouping. This is possible, but usually not encouraged. The NWUnited guideline is that any player who tries out at a higher age level, must finish tryouts as one of the top five players on that team. In addition, United guidelines recommend that teams not have more than three players playing up on a U11 team and no more than five playing up on teams that are U12 and above.

How much playing time will my child get? Playing in games is very important to players’s satisfaction and to their development. Coaches are encouraged to give players enough game time that they remain committed to the team and proud of their own participation. The NWUnited guideline on playing time states that each player should play at least one-third of the game. However, a coach has the discretion to adjust playing time based on attendance at practices and their attitude on and off the field. In certain situations, such as league championships, or highly competitive tournaments (including League Placement Tournaments), the coach may not be able to meet the playing time guidelines while trying to achieve the team’s goals for success. If you have questions or concerns about playing time, it is important that you discuss it with your coach, with a United officer, or with the club’s Parent Liaison. (See below.)

What type of equipment will my child need? You will need to provide your child with soccer shoes and shin guards, as well as practice shirts, shorts and socks. The United team will purchase the game uniform. Typically the uniform will include 1 pair of game shorts, 2 pars of game socks, and 2 game jerseys.  Many NWUnited teams also purchase practice jerseys at a modest cost to the players. NWUnited also encourages each player to have an appropriately sized soccer ball at home.

When, and how, will I find out if my child made the team? Within two weeks following tryouts, players receive a phone call notifying them if they made a team. NWUnited attempts to provide playing opportunities for all qualified players. If it doesn’t appear that a particular player is suited for NWUnited soccer this year, we recommend options for development and encourage them to come to tryouts next year. Useful options include playing another year at the recreational level, participating in soccer camps and enrolling in individual training with an experienced soccer trainer.

Are there “A” and “B” teams? NWUnited attempts to accommodate all players for whom select level soccer will be appropriate and rewarding. At a given age level, there may be one team, two teams, or, infrequently, three teams. In general, players who demonstrate the highest skills at tryouts will be placed on the same team–the Red Team. Other players will be placed on a White team. In some cases, highly skilled players may choose to play on the White team because the team’s objectives and commitments are more in line with their aspirations and expectations. NWUnited provides equal training and support for all teams, Red or White and is equally committed to the individual and team development of all members of the NWUnited family. Which is why we prefer the color designation of teams rather than “A”, “B”, and “C.”

I have a lot more questions. Who can answer them? The coach and team manager will be able to answer most questions. You may also email Communications Chair Bob Raymond or call 360-466-4152.