List of Services
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What is the time commitment for competitive soccer?List Item 1
As you can see from the details outlined in this pamphlet, competitive soccer demands a fairly large time commitment since our soccer year extends from August through May, a 9/10-month calendar. Players should not enter a competitive soccer program without the expectation of attending at least 80% of practices and 95% of games. Competitive soccer does not usually interfere with afters school activities; however, occasional evening games on school nights do occur, as do multi-game weekends. Our club supports all efforts and communications by FYSA, US Club and US Youth Soccer to caution against the over-scheduling of young athletes. In addition, our club requires every family on each competitive team to complete 5 volunteer hours, including service at our home tournaments. We also need one volunteer per team to serve on our events committee.
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Is club soccer expensive?List Item 2
We feel our fees are very reasonable and still offer an excellent level of training and competition that matches and even exceeds other clubs in the area. To help offset the costs, individual families will have numerous opportunities to conduct fundraising efforts and help cover their expenses.
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Fee Explanation
Club Fees
Cover overhead expenses at the organizational level, such as registration fees, referee fees, field rental, utilities, administrative expenses and staffing costs.
Volunteer Fees
Can be refunded upon completion of at least 5 volunteer hours for the club. The $150-per-family fee will be collected at registration.
Coach’s Fees
Coaching fees are paid with your club registration fees.
Team Fees
Cover tournament costs and other team-level expenses. They vary based on the events that the team chooses to participate in. The team manager should be able to supply an estimate for the season.
Uniform Costs
Uniforms cost are approx. $255.00 and are good for two full seasons (2024-2025 & 2025-2026). Uniforms are ordered online from the soccer.com website by each family. Families are encouraged to size the uniform so that it will last for two full seasons. Players will have required uniform pieces that include two game jersey's (one red & one sky blue), one pair of game shorts (navy blue) and two pairs of game socks (one red & one navy blue). At least one full training uniform is also required but we encourage you to order two if possible. (gray jersey, navy blue shorts & navy blue socks). Note the same navy blue shorts and socks are used for both games and practices.
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What kinds of fundraising opportunities are available?List Item 3
Teams may participate in several fundraising opportunities such as tournament ad sales, obtaining local sponsorship's, etc.
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How are competitive teams formed?List Item 4
Our club conducts open tryouts or ID Selection Sessions following a process recommended by US Youth Soccer, Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) and US Club. To help ensure accurate, objective player ratings, our professional coaches, along with an independent evaluator, conduct every age group’s tryout.
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Should I insist my child try out for a competitive team?
No. Competitive soccer, and club sports in general, is best suited for aggressive, athletically minded children who thrive on competition. Most children playing Recreational soccer are aware of the Competitive program by the end of their second grade year. Because of the time commitment on the part of the players, we encourage parents to let their children decide whether to try out or not.
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What’s the Best of the Bay tournament?
Annually, our club hosts the Best of the Bay tournament. All of our U9 thru U15 teams participate in the tournament, and player parents are required to serve as volunteers. This tournament generates income for the club to use toward capital improvements for the Puryear Park soccer facilities, club-owned equipment and various expenses deemed necessary by our board of directors.
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Is the St Pete Raiders Soccer Club run by the City of St. Petersburg?
No. Our club uses public fields while operating in partnership with the city of St Pete. Field use policy and other strategic decisions are made in collaboration with the City. The volunteers on the club’s board of directors primarily manage our Club’s operations.
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How far will I have to “travel”?
Most of our teams’ league games take them around the greater Tampa Bay area, with an occasional game to places farther afield.
