NOTE: Our summer 2015 teams consist of U14 Boys and U12 Boys. We are still accepting players for the U12 Boys team. Please contact us ASAP if interested. The U14 team is full at this time.
What is it?
The purpose of FC Cumberland (FCC) is to develop the youth players in our area that are serious about taking their game to the next level. The next level for these players is an intense, structured training environment that pushes them to be better. At this level, players will learn to bring a mentality to training that will help further their development in the short term and long term. They will go back to their respective clubs with a mindset that will help themselves as well as those around them.
FCC teams are primarily a hybrid of premier-level players from a variety of clubs in central PA. It is not the intention of the program to recruit players from one club to another, but rather to serve as an extension of their current club play experience providing another level of player skill development. As such, the program will not feature any particular club in its promotions as its primary goal is to attract players regionally which can best be accomplished through collaborative support from a number of clubs. It is not the intention of FCC to bring in teams that already train together. Ideally, FCC gives high level players a chance to compete and train with players with whom they do not normally train.
Why should I participate?
FCC provides players with an intense practice regiment, while allowing them to compete and practice with players with whom they may never have played otherwise. It gives them a fresh coach’s perspective, which is important for players of all levels. It is an opportunity to build new relationships and grow as opponents during the fall/spring and as teammates in the summer. It is an opportunity that many travel an hour for, but the Carlisle location is centrally located for many of our participants.
History of FC Cumberland
FCC debuted in the summer of 2011 as a pilot program for premier players in the area. It started with a U11 boy’s team and a U12 boy’s team. Both teams competed in at least three tournaments and did very well in all of them. In 2012, our teams consisted of U12 and U13 boys, and our first girls team at U14.
Training
Training is the primary purpose of FCC, and players will receive a high level of training from May through July. All practices will be held at the GB Stuart Athletic Fields at 1213 Rockledge Drive Carlisle, PA. Training is geared to develop players technically and tactically. As players get older, it is important that their tactical skills/awareness keep up with their technical ability. Programs similar to this one often times focus just on technical training; however, it is our goal to develop and promote the concept of team training. Players must want to support the team and the team’s mission of getting better as a group. Most FCC teams will be scheduled for a minimum of 20 training sessions over the summer. Comparable programs to FCC will train 12 times or less.
A limited number of practice player spots will be open for players that do not make the primary roster. With a limited roster size, this gives high level players the opportunity to continue training and getting better at a reduced fee.
Competition
FCC teams compete in three tournaments throughout the summer. Each team strives to compete at the highest level possible in any given tournament and expects to do well. While winning is not the purpose of the program, it is something that we strive to do. Most tournaments we compete in will be close enough to allow players from the West Shore area to stay in their own home on Saturday night and avoid the cost of a hotel room. Each team in FC Cumberland has the option of competing in additional tournaments; however, that is up to the coach and players/parents of that team.
Cost
The cost of the program is $300 ($250 if a YMCA member). The bulk of this cost is for tournaments and training, while the rest is for administration, insurance and field maintenance. The cost for a Practice Player is $150 ($125 if a YMCA member).
Selection Process
Following the tryout, players are selected for teams through a selection committee. The committee is composed of experienced soccer officials and coaches of FCC teams. Together they determine the roster size and the number of practice players on each team.
In most cases, players will receive notification of their acceptance within 3 weeks of their tryout date. Once a player accepts the invitation, it is required to either pay the remainder of the balance or set up a payment plan for the balance to be paid in increments. Along with payment, copies of players birth certificate and small ID photo are due (if the player has participated in any club soccer programs with the Carlisle Family YMCA before, a birth certificate is not needed).
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact Tyler Getz at 717-243-2525 Ext. 221 or email tgetz@carlislefamilyymca.org
