Q. What is Classic Soccer?
A. Classic soccer is a higher level of competition in the state of South Carolina.
This is similar to all star teams or traveling teams in other sports. Other states have different names for the level of play do not confuse one definition for another one.

 

Q. Who runs the program?
A. Each club in the state must be affiliated with South Carolina Youth Soccer Association (SCYSA) which in turn is affiliated with United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). Each club has their own set of rules/bylaws under which they operate. Check or ask for the clubs rules for operation.

 

Q. What is the highest level of play?
A. In reality Classic level is actually split into 4 levels of play. There is district play, state wide play, statewide challenge league play and interstate premier league play. The idea is to create an environment that will challenge the players to the best of their abilities.

 

Q How does it compare with Recreational soccer?
A. Classic soccer requires more time and financial commitment than recreational level play.
    It also requires a commitment from the player, unlike recreational play there are no guarantees of playing time. Many clubs also have a try-out process under which the player is evaluated for his potential.

 

Q. How much time and financial commitment?
A. Depends on the level of play, however most classic teams will travel throughout the state for games on weekends plus possibly travel to in-state and out-of-state tournaments. There are usually ten regular season games plus depending on age and level 2 to 3 practices a week. Practices can last from 1 to 2 hours. Financially, it is dependent on the club selected but considerably more than recreational fees.

 

Q. What kind of commitment is required from the player?
A. A player is required to be at all practices and games, each individual team may have their own set of rules which will need to be adhered to. The player is expected to perform at his/her best and be at his/her best behavior.

 

Q. What kind of instruction will the player receive?
A. Most clubs have a selection process in which they will assign the appropriate coach for the age level. This may or may not be a parent. Most high level teams have certified coaches which may be compensated for their time. Some clubs may use knowledgeable volunteers and provide appropriate training by assigning certified trainers for a given team. The development of the player is of utmost importance.

 

Q. My child will like to play in College, would this level of play guarantee him a scholarship?
A. As with any other sport, as the level of competition goes up the number of able players goes down. There is no guarantee that playing at this level will be rewarded with a scholarship, however it can be said that not playing at this level will reduce your chances considerably.

 

Q. What if my child plays High School ball only?
A. Although there are many good High School programs, it is a known fact that College coaches look at club performance before considering High School play. The reason is due to relatively new development of the sport in the US, and many coaches do not consider HS play as being indicative of that players performance against opponents of equal skill. In South Carolina clubs do not compete during the normal high school season for high school aged players. This allows the player to enjoy the high school experience.

 

Q. Are there any other programs for development that can increase the players skill level?
A. Most states provide a program where they select the best players and compete against other states. This is usually called ODP or Olympic Development Program. Here players are identified based on their skill and, if successful, may be invited to participate at either the regional or national level. Many College coaches are selected to run these programs which is one of the benefits for maximum exposure. For more information go to US Youth Soccer site
A new program has recently been introduced called Super Y. This program essentially creates the "normal" atmosphere under which the players perform.... an established team, in competitive matches. This program attempts to identify the players in the same manner ODP does but provides an established schedule/competition. These are clubs that are considered of the highest caliber and compete in a season outside the normal state association season. Many College coaches are selected to run these programs which is one of the benefits for maximum exposure. For more information go to supery.uslsoccer.com

If you have heard about the US U15, U17, U19, etc. National team, this is the pool from which many of the players are selected.