FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the WCFC Academy?

The Washington County Futbol Club created the WCFC Academy in the spring of 2009.  The intention of the Academy is to provide a more competitive and proper soccer environment to those young athletes that wish to be part of an accelerated soccer program.  The Academy is for both boys and girls.  Teams are created for U7 through U10 age groups.  Academy players are exposed to nationally licensed coaches, current and former college level players, and have opportunities to compete against other players from other areas of the state.

How is the Academy different from Recreational or YMCA soccer?

Academy teams are led by trained coaches with a specific plan for development of young soccer players.  Coaches are selected for their ability to teach soccer, and later evaluated on their ability to teach soccer.  Academy teams are competitive, have licensed referees, and enter tournaments.

Aren’t Academy teams just younger select teams?

NO.  The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association prohibits select soccer at any level below U11.  All teams in the Academy are open to any player that is age appropriate.  Select soccer teams are just that-teams selected based on ability with the best players placed on a single team.  Academy teams are comprised of players that choose to sign up. 

How are teams formed?

Teams can be created at any level up to U10.  When there are enough players to form a team AND a qualified, trained coach, a team will be created.  Players are welcome from any community.  No weight is given to ability or location or proximity.  However, an effort is made to balance teams to ensure a competitive environment.

Can my child play up a year?

The Academy discourages children from playing in an older age group.  Any advantage that may be gained is generally short-term and will balance out as the children mature.  The camaraderie developed between teammates over the course of a season or seasons outweighs any short term gain by an individual player. However, we realize that certain circumstances may substantiate a move on rare occasions.  Inquiries should be directed to the Academy Director who will make the decision on an individual basis.

Are teams co-ed?

Teams can be co-ed or all one gender.

Is there a limit to the number of teams at any level?

No.  WCFC will create as many teams as necessary or that can be fielded with a properly trained coach and a full roster of age appropriate players.

When do the seasons begin and end?

You and your child are committing to a year of soccer.  A year is defined as a fall and spring season.  The fall season will begin in mid to late August and end in late October.  The spring season will begin in April and end in June.  Game schedules may extend those dates either way.

How many practices and games can we expect?

This will vary by age group.  The U7 level should expect 1-3 practices per week, with 1-2 games per weekend and 1 tournament per season.  The U10 level should expect 2-3 practices per week with 1-2 games per weekend, and 1 tournament per season.

What equipment does my child need?

The registration fee includes a uniform for each player.  Each player will also need shin guards and a ball.   Soccer shoes are recommended but not mandatory.