COMPETITIVE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY

The goal of the competitive soccer program is to help develop each player to his/her fullest potential, as a person and as a soccer player, to provide positive role models for younger players to emulate, to develop highly competitive teams, and to expose Hernando Soccer Club players to collegiate and professional opportunities through our various club partners.   

Our competitive program provides a positive environment where players can train under qualified and experienced coaching staff members. Our coaches strive to improve each player through high quality training sessions and more. Our players are able to showcase their talents through relevant and challenging competition against youth soccer teams across Florida and beyond.   

At Hernando Soccer Club we strive to offer the best possible soccer, personal development for all players, and to provide further growth opportunities to those individuals who have the will and drive to potentially compete at the collegiate level and above.   

Hernando Soccer Club will implement the US Soccer curriculum and all Hernando Soccer Club teams will be encouraged to display an offensive style of play based on keeping possession and quick movement of the ball in line with this curriculum.   

Team Selections   

Hernando Soccer Club will hold tryouts to determine players for our competitive U9-U19 teams.  The final number of teams that will be fielded will be determined by the number of players who attend the tryouts and are selected. For U9 (academy) teams and older, the competitive soccer program represents a one-year commitment that runs similarly to the school calendar. Players are placed on a team through a process that includes evaluated tryouts, an evaluation of skills and abilities. Depending on the amount of players and the level, there is the possibility of multiple teams in the same age group, such as “BLACK” and “YELLOW”  teams.   

Time Commitment   

A player typically commits to a team from August 1st through May 30th. However, some younger teams may vary from this slightly. The team and the club also commit to the player for that same time period. Every family that is interested in participating on a Hernando S.C. competitive team must have a basic understanding of the commitment involved before having your child tryout for a team. 

Typical expectations are as follows: 

• The season consists of 10 to 16 league games plus the likelihood of tournaments around holidays such as Labor Day, Columbus Day etc. 
• After the regular league season (Between February - May) teams may participate in League playoffs or Region or State Cup tournaments.

All players are expected to participate in all games and tournaments. For our top teams, Region and State Cup competition will likely fall on one of the Spring Break weekends. 

Our competitive teams typically participate in tournaments, because tournaments present an excellent opportunity for the players to get additional exposure competing against top teams. Teams will likely participate in anywhere from 3-5 tournaments throughout the year. Participation in tournaments requires time and planning on the part of the coaches, team managers AND the families of the players. 

All teams will practice two times per week (senior teams may request a third session per week). Practices are conducted either by the age group coach or by a trainer provided by the Director of Coaching. All practices are located at Anderson Snow Park , Spring Hill. 

Please think carefully about these time commitments before you have your child try out for a team. Anything less than an attitude of full commitment is not fair to the rest of your team. 

If competitive soccer is not for you, Hernando S.C. also has an excellent Recreation program with  Boys, Girls and Co- Ed teams depending on the age group.  

Your child’s prior demonstrated conduct in our program will be taken into account during team selection. Soccer is a team sport, it is not enough to be a good player; your child must be a good teammate. 

Playing Time and Player Movement Considerations 

At the competitive level, every effort will be made to play your child. However, it is up to the coach to decide if a child plays or does not. There are no guarantees of playing time. There may be player movement within the club between teams. The Director of Coaching will determine when and why players will be asked to move from team to team within the organization. The DOC may also move players to better support development and performance. 

Financial Commitment 

Each child that wishes to play soccer on a competitive team must register to HSC shortly after selection to a team. When your child is selected to a team in June, the club will provide information on payment for the year long registration for your child (Updated fees are available at try outs, there is a required uniform package and monthly team fees where applicable).  

2024-2025 SEASON FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

- Registration fee of $580  

- Team fees  

- Uniform fees (uniform consists of 2 full uniforms, 2 practice shirts)   

Payment Structure  

Payment is due at time of registration, but can be separated into two installments if required. Any family with a financial hardship should contact our treasurer for guidance on scholarship and payment plans.  All such communications are confidential. HSC strives to ensure no child is denied the opportunity to play due to financial constraints. 

Additional Information On Our Competitive Program 

Practices: 2/3 times per week. Players should try to be at practices at least 15 minutes before. Practices field times will be assigned by the club and may be subject to change. 

Practice attire:  Hernando S.C. Practice shirts must be worn to all practices and shin guards are mandatory!!! Any player not wearing his or her shin guards will not be able to practice. 

Practice Drop Off and Pick Up:  We do not advise parents to drop off their children at practice. If for any reason practice gets cancelled, we cannot be responsible for your unattended child. 

Tournaments:  It is the club and DOC's recommendation/discretion that each team plays in relevant tournaments. All teams are responsible for the cost of all tournament registration fees. Tournament registration fees are a fee to be paid by all members of the team.  

Uniforms:  The player will provide two sets of uniforms, these are purchased through our partner SOCCER.COM. Lost uniforms and or extra practice gear can be ordered also. Club accessories can also be purchased through the club at discounted prices. 

Hydration:  It is the responsibility of each player to hydrate before, during, and after games and practices. Players should bring their own water or sports drinks during both games and practice even if water is also provided at the field. 

Transportation:  Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from games and practices for their child.