JUPITER STING SOCCER

î What is Jupiter Sting Competitive or Travel Soccer?
î How is it different from JTAA Recreational Soccer?
î Is prior soccer experience required to try-out?
î How far do teams travel and when?
î How often and when do the teams practice?
î When do the teams play their games?
î What kind of commitment is required, from the player, from the parents?
î How are players chosen for the teams?
î How are ages determined for teams?
î How much does it cost?
î What if you would like to be a coach in Jupiter Sting Soccer?
î Who can give me more information or help me if I cannot attend tryouts?

What is Jupiter Sting Competitive or Travel Soccer?
Competitive soccer is just what the name implies; players must compete for a spot on a team. There are boys and girls teams, with teams serving ages 7 or 8 through 18. We have available roster space on every team.

How is it different from JTAA Rec Soccer?
First of all, your child must try-out for a space on a Sting Team, where Rec is open to anyone who signs up. Players will be chosen on fitness level, technical soccer skills, ability to learn, and attitude. The level of play is more competitive; the pace of the games will be faster. In addition, Competitive soccer tends to run much longer, with some teams playing 9-10 months out of the year.

Is prior soccer experience required to try-out?
Your child should have at least one year of organized soccer team experience, plus a strong interest in the sport and desire to become a better soccer player.

How far do teams travel and when?
Our younger teams traditionally play in the Treasure Coast League, traveling south to Wellington, north to Stuart, Hobe Sound and Port St. Lucie. The older teams play in the South Florida Youth Soccer Association (boys) and FLUGSA (girls). Those leagues include teams from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach Counties in the south to Martin, and St. Lucie Counties in the north. But only 50% of the games will be AWAY, 50% will be HOME at Jupiter Community Park.
For older teams, the practice schedule and game season will runs from August to February, with the older teams continuing to practice and play in games through April or May. At the high school level, there will be a break for travel so. that the players can play for school. For younger teams, some will play August through May, and some January to May. Each team will also decide whether to participate in tournaments, regional play-offs in March and/or State Cup in April/May. Every team participates in our own Tournament, the Presidents Day Cup, in February. Other tournament play often requires an overnight stay.

How often and when do the teams practice?
Most Sting teams practice twice a week at JCP, younger teams from 5:30-7pm, older teams from 7-8:30pm. Sting's Professional Trainers, Soccer Tutors, will lead at least one weekly practice session. Most teams begin practicing once school is in session, though some teams practice throughout the summer.

When do the teams play their games?
Games are played on Saturday or Sunday. There are usually no games played on holiday weekends, i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

What kind of commitment is required, from the player, from the parents?
We expect anyone selected for a Sting team to take this endeavor seriously and to give it his/her best effort. Our soccer club can only be successful if all parents pitch in by volunteering with coaching, team management and fundraising efforts. We ask that you carefully consider all of your other sports and personal commitments and schedules before joining our program.

How are players chosen for the teams?
Participation in the try-out process does not guarantee selection, but every child trying out will be evaluated fairly. Even those players from last year's Sting teams must be re-evaluated before being selected. The Club trainers and the coaches will work together to pick the teams. If your player makes the team, you will be notified about a week after try-outs. An additional round of try-outs will be held for some teams in August, or on as needed basis to meet summer schedules.

How are ages determined for teams?
For the 2007-08 year, the following applies. Please note that a child can play “up” with an older age group, but can never play “down” in a younger age group.

U-9: 7-30-98 or after            U-14: 8-01-93 to 7-31-94
U-10: 8-01-97 to 7-31-98      U-15: 8-01-92 to 7-31-93
U-11: 8-01-96 to 7-31-97      U-16: 8-01-91 to 7-31-92
U-12: 8-01-95 to 7-31-96      U-17: 8-01-90 to 7-31-91
U-13: 8-01-94 to 7-31-95      U-18: 8-01-88 to 7-31-89

How much does it cost?
The base fee for each player will be set in June, but is estimated to be around $350. This covers the JTAA fees, Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) fee, training expenses, league fees, referee fees, tournament fees, etc. However the cost can increase if a team chooses to use the trainers for additional practices, or the trainers attend the games hours. The base fee is not enough to cover all of the team's expenses, so additional fundraising is required throughout the year, i.e. concession stand sales, tournament revenue, etc.  Partial scholarships are available for families if needed. For scholarship requests please submit a letter addressed to Roger Dean Stadium thanking them for supporting you (the player).
A separate fee for team uniforms of around $75.00 will be assessed as well.

What if you would like to be a coach in Jupiter Sting Soccer?
We welcome all interested parents with a working knowledge of soccer to be Head and Assistant Coaches. The Sting trainers, Soccer Tutors, will work closely with new coaches and lead at least one practice per week for our teams. Trainers also attend games on the weekends to observe our players in game settings and give feedback to the coaches. Those interested in Coaching should contact the Director of Tryouts or the Director of Coaching/Training.

Who can give me more information or help me if I cannot attend tryouts?
Send an email with your contact information and your child's birth date
Director of Training & Coaches
Robert Marzullo