Q1. What is 'club' soccer?
Answer: Club soccer is an association of players for the purpose of playing competitive soccer. Club soccer
teammates can live in different towns and cities. There are no geographic limitations except that 50% of a team
must be from Massachusetts. There are well over 100 youth soccer clubs in Massachusetts.
Q2. Why play club soccer?
Answer: In addition to the fun players have they will be playing with and against very good players. Strikers
coaches will pick up on player's bad habits early and correct them before they become ingrained. Players learn
how to play the game correctly and have fun doing it. Players develop increased confidence and self esteem.
Players meet new friends. Tight bonds and camaraderie develop. They will be preparing for high school play
and beyond.
Q3. What is MAPLE?
Answer: The Massachusetts Premier League. The highest level of youth play in the state. Players from anywhere
can be on the same team. Almost all youth soccer clubs in Massachusetts play in MAPLE. Our U12 team play in MAPLe.
Our U9 team is eligible as MAPLE does not except U9 teams. Our U14 team is also ineligible as it is newly formed
and has to play-in at this age. Both Team will play in MASC.
Q4. What is MASC?
Answer: The Massachusetts Soccer Conference. It is a well run league that offers various divisions and development
opportunities for players.
Q5. How often do teams practice?
Answer: Our teams have a goal of twice a week during spring and fall and twice a week indoors during the winter.
That ideal usually works out to an average of 2 times a week spring and fall and twice a week during the winter
and summer.
Q6. Who trains them?
Answer: The Strikers only uses experienced and qualified team coaches to train players, and all are hired based on
their superior ability with youngsters.
Q7. Can I still play with my town team?
Answer: Yes. In fact it is highly encouraged.
Q8. Will I have to quit my other activities?
Answer: No. We make it a priority to arrange practices conveniently. If there are conflicts they tend to work out.
If you miss practice occasionally because of a scheduling conflict we know that you will be there when you can
because we are going to make it enjoyable. You do have to take your commitment to the club seriously and be at
practice with your teammates as often as possible.
Q9. Is there a lot of traveling?
Answer: It depends. There are an average of 7 league away games per year plus tournaments. You can count on a
few 'Sunday drives' but most of the games are relatively local. As the teams get older and need to travel to find a
competitive tournament the chance for travel increases somewhat. Stronger teams may have to travel substantially
to seek competition.
Q10. What is the commitment for U8 and younger?
Answer: Our U8 developmental groups are informal. We teach the players fundamental skill and let them play a lot. We try to instill a
love and a passion for the game. Attendance is not required we believe that the players who love the game will WANT to come.
Q11. What might a typical club soccer year for Strikers look like?
Answer: Teams might have a year that looks something like this:
- Summer camps in late July and early August
- 1-2 weekly training sessions beginning in mid August
- 9 game fall season practice 2 times per week
- Columbus Day Tournament (October 9-11)
- 10-12 weeks (several opportunities per week) indoor training (Jan –March)
- Futsal league (7-9 games from Jan –March)
- 7 game spring season practice 2 times per week
- Memorial Day Tournament (May 28-30th)
- State Cup Tournament (for eligible team
- Additional outdoor tournaments (Coaches option)
Q12. Where do the teams practice?
Answer: The club is working on a field and indoor facility project that will hopefully host all of our teams for many
years. In the meantime, most of the teams train exclusively in Quincy.
Q13. Why should we play for Strikers instead of another club?
Answer: Great question ! There are many clubs and many choices. If you are looking for a club to develop your
child properly, learn great fundamental skills, build confidence, all at a fraction of the cost of most clubs, then
Strikers would be a great fit.
Q14. Don't players get cut from club teams?
Answer: Yes. But we usually find a home for players that want to play. If not with us then another club. We have
a great deal of connections throughout the South Shore.
Q15. What if I am committed to another club already?
Answer: Feel free to talk to us at any time but the Strikers will not entice a player from another club.
All clubs have tryouts in June.
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