Select soccer players need to be committed players seeking to improve their playing skills and knowledge. The main benefits of select or competitive soccer are:
- Provides a structured, well managed place for kids to play and achieve their goals (i.e. playing middle school, high school or college soccer).
- Player and skill development
- High level of play and competition
- Experienced, licensed coaches and trainers
Playing in a club environment creates a spirited and supportive network of players coaches, and parents. We like to think that our players have dozens of coaches along with hundreds of team mates and fans. TNFC is Family!
How is it different from the recreational game?
- Select soccer at TNFC will have more training opportunities: 2 regular practices per week with optional in-season supplemental player development sessions and goalkeeper training sessions.
- Training by more qualified coaches with a group of peers with the same interests and desire.
- Your child will play more games. In recreational programs your child typically plays a total of 16 games for a Fall/Spring season. In travel your child can expect to play approximately 35-50 games in a year.
How about the Coaches?
TNFC is very proud of its coaching staff. Our nationally licensed coaches make up one of the most qualified coaching staffs in Tennessee. Please review the Coaches section on our website to learn more about our staff.
Practice location?
Centrally located in Franklin, TNFC teams practice at Cheek Park (adjacent to Franklin High School) and the Rec Center (off Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway). All fields are lighted giving our teams ample training options. This location provides convenient access from anywhere in Franklin as well as Brentwood, Bellevue, Spring Hill and Thompson Station.
When is the select season?
There are two seasons during a player’s one year commitment; Fall and Spring. Our U-8 through U13 teams play August to November and March to May. The older teams’ season (U14 – U18) will run through June depending on State Championships and Regionals. Preseason camp is typically held prior to the start of the season in late July. Many teams also participate in a winter program (December – February) that consists of training indoors weekly for speed and agility and indoor tournaments.
Isn’t playing select soccer expensive?
Compared to recreational soccer, select can cost more. However, we feel that the select soccer program offers more value to the player. Many teams do team fundraisers to help with the costs and parents also have the opportunity to work at the TNFC tournaments as “paid volunteers” to offset monthly fees. TNFC also provides families with the opportunity to earn money through its sponsorship program. To help ease the burdon of a lump sum payment, each team also collects the Club Dues payments installments.
Commitment for 2011/2012:
- $215 registration fee (covers state and club fee, plus two training t-shirts)
- $100 pre-season team camp
- $ 85 Diadora uniform kit (if needed) U9-U10 or $130 if U11 and up
- $ 35 Diadora backpack (optional)
- $ 75 Diadora warm-ups (optional)
Club Dues:
- U9-U10: approximately $60-80 per month (10 months per year)
- U11-U12: approximately $75-125 per month (10 months per year)
- U13 and up: approximately $90-150 per month (9-10 months per year)
These fees cover coaches’ monthly training fees, tournament fees, and referee fees for friendly/league games. Note: Travel Expenses are additional.
Playing format?
- Ages U8 and U10: 6 versus 6
- Ages U11 and U12: 8 versus 8
- Ages 13 and up: 11 versus 11
TNFC Policy on the Club Pass Rule
TNFC has multiple teams in almost every age group. After tryouts, players are registered to the club and assigned primary teams. This assignment is not permanent. During the course of the year, additional playing opportunities may arise outside a players' primary team in the form of: guest training, guest playing, and player reassignment. Additional playing opportunities and reassignment will be initiated by head coaches and club directors. Please keep in mind reassignment may only affect a few players in the club and it will only be done if the director and head coaches agree it is in the best interest of the club, teams involved, and the player.
We believe this policy on player movement enhances player development. It increases competition, motivation, and each player’s opportunity for success. It is important to note that players' overall abilities, commitment and dedication levels may vary during the course of the year. And, initial player assignment is done very early in the season based on approximately 3 hours of tryouts. Furthermore, we live in a very transient area and many players come to our club after tryouts. It is the duty of head coaches and club directors to direct each player to the level/team that is commensurate with the players' ability and commitment. COMPETITION IS A HEALTHY VALUE.
Philosophy of training?
TNFC’s philosophy is long-term player development. The club trains according to a time tested youth curriculum. If part of the TNFC U8-U12 Academy your child will be exposed to professional training based on a small-sided games format. 3v3 and 4v4 games are the foundation of this environment which produces confident, creative and skilled players. The games based approach is also a challenging, competitive and a proven mechanism for learning soccer specific skills. During the season, each player in the club will have the opportunity to receive an evaluation from their coach to help identify strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation is with the player and parents, which will allow the opportunity for both to ask questions about the player's development.
What about travel?
Select teams do travel. Most of the travel is within Tennessee and surrounding states. Several of the tournaments are localized and do not require overnight stays. Teams make every effort to find discounted and affordable motel accommodations when overnight stays are required. Players and family members alike will tell you that traveling with the team is fun and lasting friendships are made. For age divisions U-8 and U-10 travel is very limited, as nearly 100% of the games are played in middle TN. At U-12, teams begin to travel more to find better competition and more exposure as they prepare for the Tennessee State Championships (U12 & up) and Regionals (U14 & up).
What are tournaments like?
Tournaments are hosted by other soccer clubs or civic organizations. They provide a great opportunity to play teams from states across the mid-south. Typically, you are guaranteed a minimum of three games depending on the size of the tournament or number of teams in your age division. Normally, trophies, plaques or similar awards are given to the first and second place teams. Most tournaments provide a host of offerings such as vendor booths, t-shirts, pictures and exhibition games. Older teams may plan to go to college showcase tournaments. These types of tournaments provide players an excellent opportunity to be scouted and seen by college coaches and recruiters.
Do you play on Sundays?
Some league and friendly games may be scheduled for Sunday afternoons. During a tournament, Sunday play can be expected. Many tournaments provide a list of area churches and worship times. Some tournaments host non-denominational services at the fields as well.
What is the time commitment?
- Practice: Typically select teams practice 2 times a week, 90 minutes per session.
- Tournaments: Typically one or two per month.
- Friendlies/League games: Typically two per month.
Playing time, is it equal?
Select soccer is competitive. Coaches try to provide ample game time for all players; however it is not always equal depending upon the game situation. However, training is focused on each and every player and their development. Our coaches are experienced and while they may want to win, they are sensitive to the needs of the players.
How is TNFC organized?
TNFC has a governing board that consists of a President, VP of Boys Play, VP of Girls Play, Director of Coaching, VP of Operations, VP Marketing, Business Manager, Secretary and Treasurer. The board meets monthly to conduct the business of the club. Each team in turn has a team manager and usually a treasurer. The team manager coordinates the activities of the team. They are not involved in coaching. However, they can also serve as a liaison between the parents and the coach. On behalf of the team, the treasurer collects the fee money from the players and makes payments to the coach. He/she will also work closely with the manager to insure that payments are made to the tournaments and referees. Many teams also have a parent volunteer who coordinates social activities and travel arrangements. Essential to the success of the Club is the Director of Coaching. The Director of Coaching oversees the selection and training of all the players and is responsible for recruiting, assigning and oversight of coaches.
How are players chosen?
Each prospective player is assessed based on four components:
- Technical ability – passing, receiving, dribbling
- Tactical ability – decision making with and without the ball
- Physical ability – speed, agility, strength, power
- Psychological – composure under pressure, coachability.
What if I am not chosen for a team?
Unfortunately, not everyone may make a team. While it is disappointing, you are encouraged to keep trying. Players develop differently. One year can make a big difference.
Must I play in my age group?
While there are limited exceptions, players usually play within their appropriate age divisions. “Playing Up” is a decision made by the coach and/or director of coaching with various factors weighing in the decision.
What is difference between Division III, Division II, and Division I?
These are tiered divisions of competition through the state, region and U.S. Division I is the highest division. All U9 and U10 teams play at the DIII level. There is no State Championship at U9, U10, and U11. Once you reach U12, a team has to designate DI, II, or III. If a team plays DI or DII, it will have the opportunity to play in a state league which qualifies the team for an automatic berth in the State Championship tournament. All three divisions have State Championships beginning at U12. Beginning at U13, DI teams have an opportunity to play in the regional and national championships.
What is a player card?
All players and coaches registered with the Tennessee State Soccer Association as a select player carries a U.S. Youth Soccer Association member pass. The card has the players or coach’s photo, birth date, team information, member identification number and signatures of the cardholder and registrar. The card must be stamped and signed by a TSSA designee to be valid. It is presented at all tournaments and state league games as verification of players’ identity and affiliation.
Can I play both recreational “rec” and select soccer?
If a player wishes to participate on both a recreation and select team they may do so with their coach's consent. However, if there is a conflict in match schedule, the expectation from the select coach is that the player must play for the team of the highest level of competition (i.e., Select before Recreational).
Is there conflict playing high school soccer?
Absolutely not. We want our players to play for their schools and fully support their endeavors. That is why our older teams, U15 and above, do not train and play during high school soccer season; Girls-Fall, Boys-Spring.
