WESTSIDE UNITED
Player Development Select Soccer Program
Contents
Joining Westside United
Please review the "Tryouts" section of the web site for information about any current team formation activities.
Please review the "About" section of the web site to familiarize yourself with the Westside United philosophy.
Westside United teams are formed by open tryouts early in the spring of each season. The Seattle Youth Soccer Association (SYSA), the parent organization of our sponsor club (Ballard Soccer Club), hosts joint “citywide” tryouts for all select programs within the greater Seattle area. This "one stop shopping" approach is in the best interests of parents, players, and coaches. Players can now attend one set of tryouts and have a chance to be seen by representatives from all of the select clubs in the area, including Westside United.
Usually there are between two and four tryout sessions for each age group. Players should attend as many sessions as possible to get visibility to coaches in the tryout process. Players are expected to play in their age group or may play in the one that corresponds to their school grade, if that is higher. Otherwise, playing up requires special permission from the club. Once a player is offered and accepts a spot on a team, that player is guided through the registration process by the Westside United team manager and coach.
It is not easy to make an Westside United team, but if you have ability, dedication and a solid work ethic on and off the field, please come to tryouts and introduce yourself to us!
Depending on the age group, tryouts begin as early as early February, but most are in early March. Please note that tryouts in 2009 may be in late spring.
Occasionally, teams have openings during the season. If you are interested in joining a team, please contact the appropriate team manager or coach on the Teams Page.
Team Dues & Training Resources
Participation on Westside United has team dues that cover the associated costs of making select soccer available to players and their families. Most of the fees cover the cost of Westside United's paid trainers and coaches. At the U11-U13 levels each team has at least one paid coach and/or trainer. At the older ages, teams usually will have a paid coach who focuses on teaching the players the techniques and tactics necessary to play at a high level. As a result, there are usually monthly dues owed by each player in order to pay for the salary of the coach. Fund raising is organized by the individual teams.
Athletes Requiring Scholarship Support
We are committed to helping players reach their potential. In keeping with this objective, we actively seek donations and engage in fundraising activities to maintain a scholarship fund. We use these resources to provide a limited number of need-based scholarships to talented players each season.
If a player is selected at pre-season tryouts and their family simply cannot afford select soccer, please inquire with the Program Director for that age group (see Contacts section of web site).
Additional Information
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Westside United Soccer Program via our website www.westsideunited.org
Ballard Westside UTD is a partnership of the Ballard, Magnolia, Woodland and Queen Anne clubs of the Seattle Youth Soccer Association (SYSA). Our purpose is advanced player development for our members, provided in a community-centric environment.
