Club Soccer
What is club soccer?
Canton Sports Academy offers a competitive soccer program affiliated to The NECSL. We hold tryouts and create teams who play against the mots competitive club in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island with the goal of competing at a higher level against players and teams of similar abilities.
What is The NECSL?
The NECSL (New England Club Soccer League), with 85 club members, is the most competitive youth soccer league in New England, where more than 2,000 competitive Teams from different New England Towns play on Sundays. Kids in age groups U7 to U19 have the opportunity to play against the best and most committed soccer players in the State.
The NECSL offers two league sessions, Fall (September/October) and Spring (April/May).
The main difference between Town Travel soccer and TheNECSL soccer are:
The level of commitment from players
Game time is merit based
Commitment
What is the level of commitment required to play club soccer?
There will be 1, 2 or 3 scheduled practices a week depending on the age group and playing division: U8 - 1 practice, U9/U10 - 2 practices, U11 - 3 practices.
Games are on Sundays. When there is no game scheduled on a Sunday, the Coach might schedule a pickup game to work on real game situations.
What are the Responsibilities of a Fall/Spring Club Player?
In order to participate in Fall/Spring Club Soccer, players MUST attend scheduled practices and games. If players are not able to attend practice or games they must communicate with the Coach. Players should be aware that game time is merit based.
Club Soccer Expectations
Player Expectations
- Arrive promptly, give their best effort, and enjoy the game.
- Attend all training sessions. The NECSL is a merit-based competition.
- Respect teammates, coaches, and officials.
- Adhere to all team guidelines and rules.
- Maintain focus and avoid distracting the team.
- Embrace the learning process; do not hesitate to ask questions or make mistakes.
- Practice individually to improve skills (e.g., juggling, dribbling, staying fit).
- Bring all necessary equipment to practice (water, cleats, socks, shin guards, etc.)
Parents Expectations
- Ensure players arrive on time for practices and games.
- Acknowledge that coaches make decisions for the team's best interest.
- Refrain from coaching from the sidelines; cheering is encouraged.
- Avoid post-game reviews during the car ride home. Instead, ask if they had fun and what they feel like eating.
- Lead by example; refrain from criticizing officials, players, and coaches. Adhere to the NO TOLERANCE POLICY.
- Encourage children to discuss any questions with their coach.
- Wait 24 hours after a game before approaching a coach with any concerns to allow emotions to subside.
- Communicate with coaches regarding attendance at training sessions and games.
Coaches Expectations
Coaches are expected to set a positive example for both players and spectators and adhere to the outlined coaching expectations.
Canton Sports Academy strictly prohibits any verbal or mental abuse towards players, parents, other coaches/players, and referees.
All Canton Sports Academy coaches, adhere to Mass Youth Soccer Coach’s Code of Conduct and MA Adult Volunteer Safe Soccer.
