The USA Competitive Trajectory - how USA approaches movement up the "competitive ladder" as teams get older:

We approach increases in the level of participation from age to age using our "Competitive Trajectory".  At its foundation, this means that our teams/age groups expand their level of competition based on what is most appropriate for their development.  Some clubs force higher level participation whether they (teams or individuals) are ready or not in order to accomplish an elevated "look" for their organization).  We remain focused on knowing what is most appropriate for our age groups and teams from year to year.  From a practical standpoint, this means that not every age group will necessarily move to MSPSP at the same age group.  Participation in MSPSP may start at the U13 age group or after.  Many of our age groups begin at U13 while others may enter at U14 or even U15.  The movement along the trajectory will be based on what is right for individual age groups.

The USA Competitive Trajectory within individual age groups:

From an age group structure, we follow a similar gradient to our Competitive Trajectory.  Through our tryout process, teams are formed based on individual skill, attitude, coachability, and game knowledge from year to year.  As such players may be selected to different teams based on the gains they have made over past years.  We are focused on putting players together on teams that are at common levels and that support the most appropriate individual and team growth.  This being the case, our Red teams generally gain the higher level of play first as their rosters have players with higher skill, commitment, and dedication.  Our White and Blue (and sometimes Silver) teams follow suit through focusing on development such that they may reach their appropriate level of competition and individual still over time.

Expectations for Players as they move along the trajectory:

Part of our trajectory is also a gradient of expectation and commitment.  Logically, as our players progress from year to year, they become more skilled and knowledgeable.  This skill translates into higher levels of competition (e.g., in GVSA the teams are promoted into higher league divisions).  As they gain those higher levels, there is an increased expectation of dedication to the team/club and commitment to the participation and individual development.  It is intuitive that, in order to get better and attain higher levels in any endeavor, individuals need to invest and commit to doing so.

Typical expectations for teams and individuals along the trajectory:

Age groups U7-U8 (4v4) (all team levels)

At this age group, the differentiation between team levels (red, white, blue) are generally skills-based with some consideration to relationships (friends playing together) … the differences between teams are not significant.  As we usually have multiple teams in this age group, teams are typically birth year-specific.  This may vary based on the number of players that participate and/or the level of individual skill.

• Love the game of soccer, your Club, and your teammates
• Build the technical individual soccer skills needed to grow
• Begin to understand the tactical (passing, field movement, team game structure, etc.)

Age groups U9-U10 (7v7)

At this age group, the differentiation between team levels (red, white, blue) are primarily skills-based with added focus on coachability, attitude, and commitment (scaled along team levels).  While some consideration to relationships (friends playing together) is still realized, the approach is to begin to build teams based on skill, attitude, coachability, dedication and commitment to grow along the competitive trajectory in an appropriate level (individually and as a team).  The differences between teams begin to become apparent.  As we usually have multiple teams in this age group, teams are typically birth year-specific.  This may vary based on the number of players that participate and/or the level of individual skill.

• Love the game of soccer, your Club, and your teammates.
•  Expand individual technical soccer skills beyond fundamentals (but still with an emphasis on creating strong core fundamental skills).
• Expand tactical focus to include development of passing, field movement, team game structure, etc.).
• Expand “coachability” (willingness to learn).
• Expand “soccer IQ” to understand individually and collectively that the focus in on team success in the long term (game to game wins are not as important as working as a team and building skills for future success).
• Expand participation in additional training opportunities (USA ELEVATION, team trainings, indoor leagues, etc.).
• Expand awareness of individual dedication and commitment, team-focus, and club loyalty.
• Begin development of individual “mental toughness” and importance of team.

Players on Red teams are EXPECTED to exhibit these qualities and to pursue their expansion. Players on these teams are expected to participate in additional training opportunities and show increased commitment.

Players on White and Blue teams are NURTURED to exhibit these qualities and pursue their expansion with the understanding that they must be strengthened in order to reach higher levels of play.  Players on these teams are urged to participate in additional training opportunities and show increased commitment such that they can grow onto stronger teams (it is our intention, following our competitive trajectory) that each player and team grows in strength so that by the beginning of high school ages we have multiple teams at the same (or close) level of competition.

Age groups U11-U12 (9v9)

At this age group, the differentiation between team levels (red, white, blue) are based on skill, coachability, attitude, and commitment (scaled along team levels).  Consideration to relationships (friends playing together) is reduced as, at this point, teams have typically been playing together as a core unit and the expectation is that the teammates are, in fact, their friends.  The differences between teams is likely apparent but in some cases the gap may start to narrow as players mature across the team levels.  As we usually have multiple teams in this age group, teams are typically birth year-specific.  This may vary based on the number of players that participate and/or the level of individual skill.

• Love the game of soccer, your Club, and your teammates.
•  Refine individual technical soccer skills beyond fundamentals (but still with an emphasis on creating strong core fundamental skills).
• Tactical details become a team focus with expansion on passing precision/complexity, field vision/movement, team game structure, individual decision making, etc.).
• Continued maturity of “coachability” (willingness to learn).
• Emphasized “soccer IQ” development to understand individually and collectively that the focus in on team success in the long term (game to game wins are not as important as working as a team and building skills for future success).
• Expectation of participation in additional training opportunities (USA ELEVATION, team trainings, indoor leagues, etc.).
• Expectation of the importance of individual dedication and commitment, team-focus, and club loyalty.
• Expanded development of individual “mental toughness” and importance of team.

Red teams enter into the USA Premier Academy program.

Players on these teams are EXPECTED to exhibit these qualities and to pursue their expansion.  The degree of expectation for players on these teams to participate in additional training opportunities and show increased commitment is increased toward the point of being mandatory (as a club and teams, we will always continue to support family needs, the well-roundedness of our players, and importance of a balanced life).  These teams may accelerate their development by playing up an age group (e.g., U12 teams playing at U13) in order to support increased levels of competition and preparation for 11v11 play.

Players on White and Blue teams are URGED to exhibit these qualities and pursue their expansion with the understanding that they must be strengthened in order to reach higher levels of play.  The expectation that players on these teams participate in additional training opportunities and show increased commitment becomes more of an expectation such that they can grow onto stronger teams (it is our intention, following our competitive trajectory) that each player and team grows in strength so that by the beginning of high school ages we have multiple teams at the same (or close) level of competition.

Age groups U13-U14 (11v11 – pre-high school)

At this age group, the differentiation between team levels (red, white, blue) are absolutely based on skill, coachability, attitude, and commitment (scaled along team levels).  Consideration to relationships (friends playing together) is reduced as, at this point, teams have typically been playing together as a core unit and the expectation is that the teammates are, in fact, their friends.  The differences between teams is likely apparent but in some cases the gap may start to narrow as players mature across the team levels.  As we usually have multiple teams in this age group, teams are typically birth year-specific.  This may vary based on the number of players that participate and/or the level of individual skill.

• Love the game of soccer, your Club, and your teammates.
•  Mature individual technical soccer skills beyond fundamentals (but still with an emphasis on creating strong core fundamental skills).
• Tactical details is a team focus with emphasis on passing precision/complexity, field vision/movement, team game structure, individual decision making, etc.).
• Full expectation of “coachability” (willingness to learn).
• Expanded “soccer IQ” development to understand individually and collectively that the focus in on team success in the long term (game to game wins are not as important as working as a team and building skills for future success).
• Emphasis is placed on playing two seasons of club soccer (in lieu of a single season and playing middle school).
• Expectation of participation in additional training opportunities (USA ELEVATION, team trainings, indoor leagues, etc.).
• Expectation of the importance of individual dedication and commitment, team-focus, and club loyalty.
• Refined development of individual “mental toughness” and importance of team.

Players on Red teams MUST exhibit these qualities and to pursue their expansion.  Regardless of the league in which the Red team plays (MSPSP (premier) or GVSA), the degree of expectation for players on these teams to participate in additional training opportunities and show increased commitment is mandatory (as a club and teams, we will always continue to support family needs, the well-roundedness of our players, academics, and importance of a balanced life).

Players on these teams will be URGED to participate in two seasons of club soccer in lieu of playing  middle school.  This is based on decades of experience that maintaining the elevated level of competition will yield the most positive results for player as they move into their high school varsity teams.

• High school coaches (particularly varsity) look for the strongest players (not whether they supported school soccer in middle school).
• In almost all cases, middle school soccer competition is significantly lower than any level of travel soccer.
• Two seasons of higher-level soccer will develop skill more completely and faster than a single season.
• Continuous participation in travel soccer will yield the mental balance and toughness needed for varsity-level play.
• Delaying playing with school mates until high school has proven to bring a higher level of excitement and comradery to players’ high school experience due to increased level of performance, maturity, and athletic focus.
• Players on White and Blue teams are URGED to exhibit these qualities and pursue their expansion with the understanding that they must be strengthened in order to reach higher levels of play.  The expectation that players on these teams participate in additional training opportunities and show increased commitment becomes more of an expectation such that they can grow onto stronger teams (it is our intention, following our competitive trajectory) that each player and team grows in strength so that by the beginning of high school ages we have multiple teams at the same (or close) level of competition.

Age groups U15-U19 (11v11 – high school)

At this age group, the differentiation between team levels (red, white, blue) are absolutely based on skill, coachability, attitude, and commitment (scaled along team levels).  This age group takes on an almost JV/Varsity feel.  These teams of typically comprised of blended age groups. Often, the difference between teams may be birth year or grade-based (i.e., white teams may be underclassmen while red teams may have primarily seniors).  Players (and coaches) at this age group are certainly focused is on being on school varsity teams (perhaps as underclassmen) and may be starting to consider playing in college.  Consideration to relationships (friends playing together) is reduced as, at this point, teams have typically been playing together as a core unit and the expectation is that the teammates are, in fact, their friends.  The differences between teams is likely apparent but in some cases the gap may start to narrow as players mature across the team levels.

• Love the game of soccer, your Club, and your teammates.
•  Mature individual technical soccer skills beyond fundamentals (but still with an emphasis on creating strong core fundamental skills).
• Tactical details is a team focus with emphasis on passing precision/complexity, field vision/movement, team game structure, individual decision making, etc.).
• Full expectation of “coachability” (willingness to learn).
• Expanded “soccer IQ” development to understand individually and collectively that the focus in on team success in the long term (game to game wins are not as important as working as a team and building skills for future success).
• Expectation of participation in additional training opportunities (USA ELEVATION, team trainings, indoor leagues, etc.).
• Expectation of the importance of individual dedication and commitment, team-focus, and club loyalty.
• Refined development of individual “mental toughness” and importance of team.

Players on Red teams MUST exhibit these qualities and to pursue their expansion.  At this point, most of the Red teams from younger age groups are now playing in the MSPSP (premier) league.  The degree of expectation for players on these teams to participate in additional training opportunities and show increased commitment is mandatory (as a club and teams, we will always continue to support family needs, the well-roundedness of our players, academics, and importance of a balanced life).

Players on these teams will only participate in a single season of club soccer to support their participation in high school soccer.

Players on White and Blue teams are URGED to exhibit these qualities and pursue their expansion with the understanding that they must be strengthened in order to reach higher levels of play.  The expectation that players on these teams participate in additional training opportunities and show increased commitment becomes more of an expectation such that they can grow onto stronger teams (it is our intention, following our competitive trajectory) that each player and team grows in strength so that by the beginning of high school ages we have multiple teams at the same (or close) level of competition.

The overview of the differences between leagues – GVSA to MSPSP:

As you know already, our Select Teams compete in the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA) within the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA).  Within this level of competition, they play teams that are generally within an hour of our area.  They also participate in tournaments that are best suited to their level of development.  The Elite Teams are also within the GVSA league but are those teams that compete at the top division in the U12 and older age groups.  These teams compete at a higher level of competition.  They play locally as well as teams from the middle of the state.  This is a level set up by the GVSA league to serve as a stepping stone from GVSA to Premier (e.g., a bit more travel, a bit higher level of competition).  These teams also participate in tournaments that will provide higher levels of competition and may be further away from the area.  The Premier Teams compete in the Michigan State Premier Soccer Program (MSPSP) within MSYSA.  Movement to MSPSP can start at the U13 age group.  These teams play state-wide at even higher levels of competition with their results earning rankings across the state to support promotion (or relegation) to higher levels of competition within the MSPSP program (i.e., there are several divisions within MSPSP).  These teams participate in high-level, college showcase (when the age group is appropriate) tournaments.  The simple concept is that Premier is simply the league that offers the next level of competition beyond select (and elite is a stepping stone to premier set up by the GVSA league).

Clarifying some typical questions about MSPSP:

Travel is significant: Travel in MSPSP is increased to include playing teams on the east side of the state.  However, teams that participate in MSPSP typically have played at the GVSA Elite level prior to moving to this league.  GVSA Elite teams travel to play in the middle of the state.  So, the difference between travel is not significant.

Spending every weekend on the road:  The schedule for MSPSP is usually similar to GVSA where there are 4 home and 4 away games.  For the away games, coaches are urged to consolidate games so that multiple away games are played on the same weekend.  This creates a “tournament” feel to the travel and reduces the number of away trips.

Delaying the move from GVSA to MSPSP:

Age groups that are ready to move to MSPSP (have the skill as individuals and as team to compete) by delay may face a couple of historical realities.

• The strongest teams in GVSA (which were the teams that the USA Red team played against) have moved out of GVSA for MSPSP or other higher levels of competition --- the team will not have viable competition.  This generally occurs at U15.  Historically our U15 teams that are ready for MSPSP but do not make the move play the U15 against sub-par competition.  Yes, the teams may do well on the score board but they do not prepare themselves well for high school varsity competition.
• MSPSP is structured with multiple divisions.  The lowest of the divisions may be similar to GVSA elite.  That may be a rationale for remaining in GVSA.  However, movement between the divisions is performance based.  Teams are generally placed at a lower MSPSP level upon entry and then move up to the higher ranks based on their seasonal performance.  Delaying entry until U15 (high school age) creates two impacts for the future:
  • Typically a lower entry point than the team might be technically ready to compete (i.e., the competition will be too easy).  Conversely, entering when the team is technically ready will give them several seasons to rise to their level of appropriate competition (division levels can be skipped based on performance).
  • Only single seasons (as we only play one season at these ages) to be promoted.  Conversely, entering when the team is technically ready (e.g., U13 or U14) the team will have both the fall and spring season to be promoted up the MSPSP divisions.
  • Ultimately lower level of accomplishment by the close of their high school soccer careers (which may impact future opportunities).  Conversely, entering when the team is technically ready the team may achieve the highest level of competition in the state and potentially qualify for regional/national ranking.

MSPSP Teams have increased team fees:

It is true that MSPSP teams have higher team fees.  This is what is included:

• Free participation in USA ELEVATION – in season, summer, and winter
• Free participation in Michigan State Cup Tournament or other team-selected tournament (showcase tournaments)
• Access to advanced club hardware/software (VEO system outputs)
• Elevated coaching (coaches are required to complete advanced national-level training, invest additional time into the team in order to meet expectations, participate in club-level training opportunities as they are top-level coaches)
• Increased team overhead costs:
  • Fees paid by the club for participation
  • Increased space rental fees to support additional team training functions

While the costs for participating on an MSPSP team are increased, access to that participation is still fully available to all that make a team.  The club fully supports a strong financial aid program that ensures that finances do not negatively impact a player’s opportunity.

Moving from GVSA to MSPSP - does every team go and when:
The club does not 'force' a Red team from U12 to automatically go premier at U13.  If the team is not ready, they will continue to play in GVSA and develop at a level that gives them the most appropriate level of competition.  In other words, the movement into MSPSP (or not) may have a different timeline from age group to age group depending on what is most appropriate for their long-term development, individual skill, and love of the game.  This being said, if a team is ready or shows the potential to be ready, it is most beneficial to join MSPSP at U13 (or U14).  As MSPSP has many tiers of competition and those tiers are gained by season results, it is best to start competing as early as appropriate for the age group.  Delaying means that the team will start at the bottom of the program and may not attain their highest level of success by the time they graduate.  Another perspective is that, historically, the level of skill within GVSA tapers off as age groups get older.  The most talented teams leave to join MSPSP leaving developing teams in GVSA to compete (i.e., a Red team with talent and results will not have the level of competition to keep them growing).

Does the team move as a unit from GVSA to MSPSP:

Once an age group gets to a point that we will offer a MSPSP tryout, it is our focus to maximize the stability of the team (e.g., the team will continue to play together) while increasing their level of competition.  Because our Competitive Trajectory is based on age group and team appropriateness, the decision to have a premier team is made because the team is ready.  As such, we expect that the core of the team will progress together.  However this is not always the case.  There may be lots of changes to team structure.  To start, if a team is ready to move to MSPSP, it is not mandated that all the players from that team make the move.  Likewise, the tryout is open to any player from any of our (or outside) teams (e.g., it is not only open to players from the Red team ... any player can try out).  In the end, the composition of the team may be different than the previous year.  We sincerely hope that the structure remains close to the same and the whole group simply moves ahead, but we know that may not always be the case.

Related to that, if on the tryout day, we see that we do not have the numbers of players needed for a team or the skill of the players is not appropriate for a competitive team, we will not 'force' a team.  We will be honest with ourselves, the players, and the families and ultimately build a team that, again, provides the most appropriate level of competition, challenge, and individual development whether that is GVSA or MSPSP.

Does every member of a team have to make the move to the MSPSP team:

We recognize that moving to a MSPSP team is not for every player.  From a tryout and team development stand point, participation in MSPSP is demanding.  As such, the tryout process is very important.  The club may be much more selective when building the roster.  Obviously, player skill is a key factor to making a MSPSP team (or Red GVSA team for that matter) but attitude, coachability, fitness, desire, commitment, and loyalty to the club are also significant factors for being asked to join a USA MSPSP team.  This being the case, not every player trying out may make the team (even if they are a returning USA player).

On a more practical side, underneath all of our operations, we are a club that is founded and managed by parents.  We are driven to create a well-balanced athlete-citizens who love soccer and are good at it.  We keep an eye on practicality while we continue to expand our opportunities to grow.  All this being said, we recognize that there are real limits to what any given family may be able to support (time management, multiple-child schedules, multiple-activity players, finances, work constraints, etc.).  As such, individual players (families) may choose to not join a MSPSP team but to continue to grow with a GVSA team.  We will have both opportunities for every player with the same focus on total development.