Crew Juniors FAQ

Q: Who are the Crew Juniors?
A: The official youth club of the Columbus Crew - a charter member of Major League Soccer.

Q: Why have the Crew Juniors been formed?
A: Each MLS organization must comply with the MLS Youth Initiative. As soccer in the United States continues to evolve, the assets and resources of both the MLS and the US National Teams are critical to assist with the youth player development process.

Q: What is the MLS Youth Development Initiative?
A: At the 2006 MLS Cup, the Youth Development Initiative was launched. Each team is required to establish a youth program that will give talented players with professional aspirations the best opportunity to pursue their dreams, stay close to home, and continue their education. Players registered for at least 24 months in an MLS youth program become eligible to sign a professional contract with that team without entering the MLS Super Draft. Every player in Crew youth programs will have the best opportunity to advance to their full potential and level.

In addition, MLS will host a Youth Cup each summer that will allow for competition between the youth systems of the various organizations.

Q: How will The Crew Juniors affect the local soccer community?
A: The Crew Juniors are committed to seeing our game flourish at all levels and to sharing our resources. We believe that our club will help connect what is already an outstanding soccer community. We believe in sharing philosophies, our coaches, players, and facilities to help young players from every organization realize their potential.

Q: Where will the Crew Juniors be based?
A: The Worthington Youth Boosters is our host association. Crew Juniors home games will be in Worthington with training sites including Worthington fields and Obetz.

Q: How will the proposed Crew training facility complex affect the Crew Juniors?
A: The projected completion date for this project is spring of 2010. At that time, Crew Juniors teams will have priority access to the facility.

Q: Which age groups will the Crew Juniors consist of?
A: The Crew Juniors will offer boys and girls teams from U9 - U19.

Q: How will the Crew Juniors be unique?
A: First and foremost, through our coaching staff - one of the most experienced and decorated in the nation. A curriculum designed and implemented by this group that is consistent with US Soccer and its National Teams. There will be a commitment to evaluating coaches during seasons, and to constantly continuing their education.

The club culture will be one of unity and respect within and among teams, of giving back to and growing the game at all levels, and a commitment to learning and developing a life long appreciation for the game. You can find more information on our coaching staff in the coaching staff section.

Q: What is the philosophy of the Crew Juniors?
A: To be outstanding role models for our players, and to expose them to the finest coaching, competition, facilities, and gear. To assemble the finest coaching staff and to be committed to a progressive evaluation and continuing education program. To be aligned with the principles of US Soccer - the proper balance of technical, tactical, physical and psychological components for each age group. To always stress the importance of personal excellence, academic achievement, and good citizenship.

Q: How will teams be trained?
A: Each team's head coach will be responsible for determining the practice schedule. Youth Directors will conduct Technical Sessions for teams within their respective age groups that will utilize current Crew players in demonstrations.

Q: Can my son or daughter be moved up to other teams within the club?
A: Yes. We believe in challenging players, and providing them with every opportunity to develop to their full potential. If it is in the best long-term interest of the player, the Director of Coaching, Director of Continuing Education, and the Executive Director will suggest that he or she plays up.

Q: How are commitments to the Olympic Development Program viewed?
A: The Crew Juniors fully support the Olympic Development Program and our partners in soccer, Ohio South and Ohio North. Participation in these programs will take precedence over many Crew Juniors activities.

Q: In what league do the Crew Juniors teams play?
A: The Crew Juniors plan to play in the Mid Ohio Select Soccer League (MOSSL) and progress to the Buckeye Premier Soccer League and the USYSA Midwest Regional League. The Ohio South Youth Soccer Association (OSYSA) sanctions the leagues, which is the state governing body for US Youth Soccer.

Q: Does the Crew Juniors program include indoor training?
A: Yes. Technical sessions will be held throughout the winter months on a regular basis at SuperKick.

Q: Will the Crew Juniors participate in other events/tournaments?
A: Yes. Teams will play in a variety of events throughout the course of the year - typically 4-6 events. As the MLS player development initiative expands, MLS youth showcase events will feature teams from each organization. It is important to note that The Crew Juniors tournament philosophy will be focused on quality, will be different for each team, and will be based upon what is most appropriate for player development with each age group.

Q: Will my son or daughter have a chance to use Crew facilities?
A: Yes. Part of our commitment to our youth program includes access to our Obetz training site and Crew Stadium throughout the course of the year.

Q: Will the Crew Juniors wear the Black & Gold?
A: Yes. As with our senior team, adidas will ensure that The Crew Juniors will be among the most unique and distinguished youth clubs.

Q: How do I determine the age group for my child?
A: For each age group, all players must be born on or after August 1st of the birth year for players of the division as defined by the US Youth Soccer Association. Please refer to the tryout chart to determine the appropriate age group for your son or daughter.

Q: What is the time commitment for the Crew Juniors?
A: A combination of 3-4 games or practices per week during the season is typical. Practices are usually 75-90 minutes.

Q: How much travel is involved?
A: The Crew Juniors will not encourage our younger teams to travel outside of Central Ohio. We will then introduce our teams to travel within Ohio South and North, and will progress to regional and national competitions. Our philosophy of player development encourages a deeper commitment and typically will involve more time and travel as our teams and individuals progress within our system.

Q: How many teams will The Crew Juniors form in each age group?
A: Initially, The Crew Juniors intend to form one team per age group. It is extremely important to the overall success of our club that we are focused on quality and with growth that is manageable. We will add teams only if there is a demand for it, and when we have secured a quality coach to devote the proper time and energy to a new group.

Q: When are tryouts, where are they and what do they consist of?
A: Typically, small-sided games will be used to evaluate players on ability, attitude, and work rate. Please click on the crew juniors tryout link for complete information.

Q: Does my son or daughter need to attend both nights of tryouts?
A: We strongly encourage it. In order to properly evaluate players, it is very helpful if they participate both evenings.

Q: How will my son or daughter know if they've made a Crew Juniors team?
A: Your child will be contacted via phone or email if he/she has been selected to join the Crew Juniors. Once the invitation to join has been accepted, the next steps are the completion of the official Crew Juniors acceptance packet and a submission of a non-refundable deposit (applied to overall player fees). All teams will then have a team meeting to outline expectations and to establish the network of communication between The Crew Juniors and member families.

Q: What are the player fees for The Crew Juniors?
A: Please refer to the fee schedule below for the 2008-2009 year. Fees are applicable for both boys and girls.

A payment schedule including initial deposit, August 15, October 15 will complete payment.

Please note that uniform expenses are not included.

Q: What do the Crew Juniors fees cover?
A: Fees cover player related costs (league, association, officials, tournaments), coaching expenses (travel, salaries, a commitment to continuing education), and club administrative priorities (field development, insurance). Crew Juniors fees are competitive with major clubs in the Ohio South and Central Ohio areas.

Q: Will the Crew Juniors offer a Team Camp?
A: The Crew Juniors anticipate a complete catalog of youth soccer programming - including Team Camps - in the future.

Q: What is expected of Crew Juniors parents?
A:

• Unconditional support and encouragement for your child.
• Respect and support for the coaches (communication through your team manager to arrange a meeting with a coach to address questions that you may have - outside of training and matches).
• A willingness to learn more about the game (attend training as often as you would like).
• The highest level of sportsmanship (no coaching or refereeing).
• Support for The Crew Juniors overall (uphold commitments and stay current with paperwork, volunteer, and assist with community related programs).