About South Kitsap Soccer Club's Premier (SK United) Program:

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South Kitsap Soccer Club's United program is a premier-level offering with a focus on promoting a community environment and a team approach that has endured for over 40 years. The volunteers that make up SK United invest our time and energy to develop players, provide avenues for higher levels of competition, foster teamwork and a shared sense of identity, and build character and sportsmanship among players.

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What is the cost for SK United soccer?

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At SK United, we desire to provide a high-quality competitive training and play experience, without a ridiculous financial burden.  With the cost of many competitive soccer programs reaching into the THOUSANDS of dollars, kids are simply being priced out of the opportunity to play at higher levels.  We work VERY hard to minimize costs through the generous contributions of sponsors and complete transparency in our finances.

 

Our current league fee is $1,100.  Outside of this fee, the only other fee you will need to pay will be the cost of your player’s basic uniform kit (which is approximately $140.00).  The league fee covers the cost of year-round play including several summer tournaments both fall/winter and spring league soccer, year-round training, equipment, and field rentals.  There are NO additional "team fees" that will surprise you throughout the year.

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Why is there a fee increase in 2024/ 25 for SK United soccer?

For the 2024/25 season, the club’s Executive Board has voted to increase registration fees from $900 per year to $1,100.  While costs for fields and other expenses have risen, this increase is primarily due to the implementation of coach pay for the 2024/25 season. 

 

Since the inception of United decades ago, we have relied on volunteer coaches who are often parents of kids in the program.  These volunteers have spent countless unpaid hours each year providing services and funding the cost of travel and team events out of their own pockets.  These expenses easily add up to thousands of dollars per year.  While some of these coaches have continued to serve even after their children age out of the program, many coaches have moved on with their children.  These volunteers have carried United on their shoulders for years, but the growth of the program, both in terms of size and competitive level, requires a different approach for continued growth.

 

United has two tasks: recruiting additional coaches to fill existing vacancies and to support the creation of new teams, and equipping existing coaches to become better coaches.  We’ve reached the point where we can no longer meet our future goals while relying on a pool of volunteer coaches.  Implementing a coach pay system allows us to begin targeting coaches who have more experience and training, and allows us to tie training and performance standards into existing coaches.

 

We’ve tried to simplify our coach pay system to allow for ease of implementation.  Coaches will be contracted based on a 12-month calendar year but will be paid based on 10 months of activity (we have little training during May and Nov/Dec due to tryouts and holidays).  Pay will be based on the age group:

 

7v7 teams: $3,000 per year ($300 per month)

9v9 teams: $4,000 per year ($400 per month)

11v11 teams: $5,000 per year ($500 per month)

 

The contract with coaches will require some minimum performance standards and expectations for their work with the team.  In addition, the contract will require coaches to be working towards completion of advanced licensing.  Coaches will also receive regular evaluations by United staff.

 

Raising registration fees is not an easy decision for the Board as we recognize that competitive youth sports are already expensive enough.  We’ve compared our programming and competitive levels against other area clubs and believe that we provide exceptional value, with similar programs charging over $3,000 per year. 

 

SK United remains committed to providing every qualified player a chance to play competitive soccer and we work hard to provide resources including flexible payment plans and financial aid to make that happen.  If you have any questions about coach pay, United programming, or ideas about how to better serve our players and parents, please reach out to me anytime.

 

Matthew McDaniel

VP of Premier, SK United/SKSC

united@sksoccer.com

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What is the difference between recreational and select/premier-level play?

Recreational-level play is focused on having fun, and the focus is on ensuring equal play time for all players. Recreational teams usually begin practing after the teams are formed in August, and play against local teams during the Fall. 

 

Select and premier level programs involve a tryout, being invited onto a team, and practices begin immediately after team formation. 

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The time commitment for select and premier level programs is higher than for recreational play. However, commitments to family, church, and school come first. School grades are always more important than soccer. Many of our players are also involved in multiple other sports, which is encouraged! Whether players are involved in multiple sports or not, we ask that each player respect their commitment to attending practices, games, and team activities as their schedule permits.

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Practices and games are more focused than recreational level play, with an expectation that players give their best effort. Not everyone has the same talents or physical ability, but we will expect that every player puts in their best effort to benefit the team. Select/premier practices and games are more serious than recreational programs, but the main goals remain to have fun, become better soccer players, and train life skills that develop our players into adults of strong character.

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Since this is a competitive level of play, playing time will NOT be equal. It is important for players and parents to know that playing time will be based on talent, commitment to the team, attitude, player safety, and game plans developed by the coaching staff. Technical skills on the field are obviously an important factor, but attitude, commitment, vision, work-ethic, and other less quantitative factors are also an important consideration.

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What league does SK United play in and how does it compare to other leagues?

There are three primary associations/leagues availabe to play competitive soccer within the state.  The Washington Premier League is affiliated with US Club soccer, and the Regional Club League and North Puget Sound League are affiliated with Washington Youth Soccer.

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Our youngest teams (ages 9 and below) begin play within the North Puget Sound League.  Opponents are located within the Kitsap Peninsula and the greater Seattle area.

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The RCL system is a branch of Washington Youth Soccer and is a system where only specific clubs are allowed to participate.  Travel is across Washington state.   SK United does not participate in the RCL divisions.

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Beginning at age 10, our teams participate in the Washington Premier League.  The WPL is home to over 2,000 teams in Washington and is the fastest growing league within the state.  Teams can move between competitive levels as they grow stronger, up to national levels of competition!  Note, the ECNL is currently the highest level of competition available within Washington, and only a handful of elite teams exist due to the skill and expense required.

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The table below compares the various leagues and divisions available within Washington.  All SK United teams begin play at the Copa 1 division and are competitive with local RCL/NPSL teams in the corresponding category within the table below.

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What is required of United coaches?

Our coaching staff is required to achieve licenses/diplomas either through United Soccer Coaches or through U.S. Soccer, and must participate in ongoing training each year. The minimum qualification for SK United coaches is an 11v11 diploma through United Soccer Coaches or USSF.

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While United coaches will train and coach to win, we will never do so at the expense of a player's enjoyment, development, or well-being. Contrary to popular belief, "winning" is usually one of the least cited reasons given by children as to why they like to participate in competitive soccer! Our coaching staff believes that winning will be a natural outcome if we focus on the core principles of: providing a fun and engaging learning environment; fostering teamwork and sportsmanship; building players of character; and teaching players that success is measured by doing your best.

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What is expected of United players?

Simply stated, United players are expected to always put forth their best effort. This refers not only to their effort on the field, but their effort on the sideline, at school, and in the community. We expect United players to be models of exceptional sportsmanship and character.

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What are the expectations for United parents?

We can't expect United players to become models of exceptional sportsmanship and character, unless we as coaches and parents model the behavior we expect to see. We need to make sure that our words and actions, throughout the process and experience, remain positive and encouraging. We all need to set an example of proper behavior for our players, and for our community.

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What should I expect for schedules?

Our teams usually begin practicing immediately following team formation, and most teams practice two to three days per week with 90 minute sessions.  Games are usually on Saturdays, but expect some potential Sunday games (especially in the older age groups).  All of our United teams practice at locations near Port Orchard.

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2024's Open Tryout Dates:

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Tryout and Player Evaluation Opportunities: Tryouts are open to ALL players, regardless of your immediate interest in playing soccer at the premier-level.  Tryouts are  a great opportunity to work on your skills, learn a bit more about premier-level play, and receive feedback from coaches on each player's areas of strength and areas of development.  There is no charge for tryouts.

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Registration: Players register for a single age group within their gender, and should attend the tryout session that corresponds with their birth year.  Play-up requests/decisions are made on an individual basis after the conclusion of tryouts. 

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What To Wear: Wear proper equipment, but please avoid wearing your team/club jerseys. Wear cleats and shinguards. Bring layers as the weather dictates.

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What To Bring: Bring water, soccer cleats, and shinguards.  Bring an attitude to do your best and enjoy playing soccer! Bring your favorite ball if you wish.

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Time And Duration: Tryouts are typically held such that each age and gender have two opportunities to attend. Attending both sessions increases the player's chance to be accurately evaluated. Upon arrival, players will check in and be assigned a number.  Tryouts are typically 90-120 minutes in duration, plus the additional time to check in and warm up.  If you can't make the session for your specific age group, please email the director of club select at: United@skoccer.com to inquire about options.

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Check-In: Upon arrival, players must check-in with the tryout coordinators. On the first day players will receive a numbered jersey to use for the tryout.  On subsequent days, after checking in, players must wear that same tryout number. Once checked-in, the player will be directed to their age group to begin warm-ups and evaluation.

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Parents are not permitted on the tryout field and should refrain from engaging with the coaches/evaluators during this time. Everyone will be focused on facilitating and evaluating the performance of your child during the tryout session.  Members of the coaching staff will contact you after the final session for individualized feedback. 

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The Tryout: The tryout is much like a practice.  As players participate in drills, play small-sided scrimmages, and engage in other activities, they will be observed by evaluators and scores recorded on technical skills as well as other factors such as sportsmanship, physical fitness (speed, endurance), coachability, communication, and several game-related components.  A copy of the evaluation form will be posted on the website prior to tryouts.  

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Tryout Results and Notifications: We will be using an automated notification system which will send an email invite to players within 48 hours of the final tryout session for your age group (so please make sure we have an accurate email at the time of check-in!). Players can then choose to accept or decline the invitation. If you haven't received your email notification within 48 hours, please email: United@sksoccer.com.

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As SK United is a competitive program, there will often be cuts based upon assessment criteria, player pool, and other program-level considerations.  If a player is cut they are encouraged to play in the recreational program, but our goal is to provide all committed and motivated players a chance to experience the soccer program that they desire. Even after tryouts have been completed, the program continues to actively evaluate recreational players for potential tournament play and partners with the recreational program to provide avenues for player development.  There may also be opportunities to play to the next older year, or we may direct you to other opportunities with our NSYSA member clubs in Kitsap County as the clubs cooperate to offer teams to the community together.

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Email the VP of Premier (Matthew McDaniel) at United@sksoccer.com if you have any questions about the SK United program, or about the tryout/ assessment process.

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Finally, here's some great advice about tryouts from our past Director of Coaching:

**Rest, water and nutrition well ahead of time...not just day of.

**100% effort with everything but especially fitness, endurance and anything without the ball. 

**Show coaches your strength. Tryouts are not a time to highlight other players but to show what you can do in hopes of cracking into a team possibly already with a starting lineup. This may mean blazing quickness, great service in from the flanks, a sound first touch or being a free-kick specialist. Whatever you do well!

**Be vocal, communicate and organize...even if in small groups. Coaches are looking for leaders. It may push you out of your comfort zone but organize (even if it is just organizing players in a line or in small groups of 2 or 3 on the field).

**Be a good teammate. Encourage other players. If you make a mistake-RECOVER quickly and move on-if you do something spectacular-act like it happens all the time and move on... don’t act surprised.

**Have fun and think about the process. At the end of each session and at the end of tryouts no matter how they go analyze your performance and what you could do better. You will only tryout for so many teams in your lifetime and it is a process and takes a mindset unique to itself-unlike normal team training.

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United Staff

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SK United has opened the application process for everyone who is interested in being considered for a 2024/25 staff position. We are currently seeking head and assistant coaches, as well as apprentice coaches and team managers. All current and potential staff members must resubmit a coaching application to be considered for a 2024/25 position.

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SK United requires that all head coaches hold, at a minimum, a USC 11v11 Diploma or a USSF D license. All assistant coaches must hold, at a minimum, a USC 7v7/9v9 Diploma or a USSF E license, and are encouraged to have a plan in place to obtain their 11v11/D license during the calendar year. There are no minimum requirements for apprentice coaches and team managers.

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All staff members must complete a club background check with their application. If accepted into a staff position, an additional background check through US Club Soccer is required. Accepted staff members are also required to complete Safesport Training and the Sideline Sports concussion/cardiac awareness training.  Each head coach is also required to sign a contract to govern the terms of their relationship with SK United and payment terms.

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In filling positions for SK United, the club considers the following attributes and qualifications:

-Experience and training

-Technical and tactical expertise

-Capability and ability to lead and influence others (both players and fellow staff)

-Attitude

-Passion for the sport and position

-Ability to function as a team member

-Willingness and capability to grow and learn as a coach

-Values: Do they mirror the mission of the club?

-Creativity

-Support and commitment to improve the program as a whole

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Applications will be reviewed by the program's leadership committee and are subject to final approval by the Executive Board. In the case of multiple applicants for a specific age/division, applicants should be prepared to meet with the leadership committee to discuss their attributes and qualifications.

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To submit your application, click on the link below. During the registration process, you can select up to two specific age/gender groups that you are interested in working with.

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United Players

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Simply stated, United players are expected to always put forth their best effort. This refers not only to their effort on the field, but their effort on the sideline, at school, and in the community. We expect United players to be models of exceptional sportsmanship and character.  The club is committed to focusing on developing not only great soccer players, but individuals who are of exceptional character and become future leaders, coaches, referees, and mentors in their community.

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Each year, the club recognizes those players who best exemplify the core traits of: 

Teamwork

Sportsmanship

Resilience

Integrity

Responsibility

Humility

Industriousness

Respect

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Members of SK United are also expected to abide by the following code of conduct:

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As a member of the South Kitsap Soccer Club, I am a representative of the Club and agree to demonstrate good sportsmanship and responsible behavior at all times, conducting myself with honor, dignity and self-control.  My personal actions will reflect positively on the team and club at all times, whether I am in or out of uniform.  I will show respect to my team, my opponents, coaches, and referees and I will not address these individuals in a negative manner through words or action. The decisions of coaches and referees are final, and I will respect those decisions whether or not I agree with them.

 

I will win honorably and lose graciously, but no matter the outcome, I will always put forth my best effort for myself and my team.  I will come to team events on-time, prepared with the proper equipment.  I will support my teammates and encourage maximum effort, fair play, and good sportsmanship.  I will follow coaching direction and not be disruptive during practices or games.  I will not use bad language.  If I am injured, no matter how minor, I will immediately report the injury to my coach.

 

I understand that failure to abide by these guidelines, or violation of league, club, or team rules may result in a loss of playing time, suspension, or dismissal from the team. 

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Uniform Kits:

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The basic kit that is required for each player is a home and away kit jersey, a pair of kit shorts, and kit socks (typically two colors).  Other items are available if desired.

 

Footwear:

Soccer cleats are the most important item you will buy. They should fit snugly and should be tried on with soccer socks and shin guards to ensure proper fit. Regulation rubber studs built into the cleat/turf boot should provide stability and traction. Replaceable and metal studs are only for older, more serious players. Before you purchase metal studs, check with your coach to see if they are acceptable in the age group and venues your team will play.

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You may be purchasing cleats/boots and turf shoes several times a year given the amount of play, field/weather conditions and the growth your player experiences. Plan to purchase just prior to the start of the season. SKSC holds occasional "Cleat Exchange" opportunities to assist families in reducing the cost of footwear.

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