Q/A – Should I move my child from REC to Competitive?
Should I move my child from REC to Competitive? This question is a tough one as it depends on each family’s situation. The competitive program is more time consuming then the REC program. Here are some bullet points for you to consider.
Spring / Summer Competitive
- The spring/summer competitive program will start in February with indoor practices at the RCTC Dome and will conclude in late June early July. Tryouts for the competitive teams are usually held in December at the RCTC Dome
- Practices are 2-times a week- similar to REC
- Each Competitive team will compete in the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) league. Generally games will start at the beginning of May. You can expect 1-2 games per week during the week, maybe some weekend games depending on the rescheduling. MYSA will only schedule one game per week, but you might have two based off of rescheduling. Travel is expected at the competitive level. Some teams have played Mankato our to the west and Winona to the east.
- Teams are not formed on where you live. Most players moving from REC to Competitive will be placed on the lowest competitive team unless their tryout score is high.
- Competitive Teams generally practice at Southern Woods, East Park, Fuad, Lincolnshire, or Watson. All Tournament Only Teams will practice at McQuillian Soccer Complex.
- Competitive teams will have an equal number of home games and away games- for example if the team has 10 total games, 5 will be away and 5 will be home. For most teams, travel to the away games are up to the parents. Some older teams reserve buses for away games to help get players to the games.
- Most games will start at 7pm, with some starting a little earlier.
- The competitive program costs $525 for the spring/summer league – installment plan is available at checkout. We also have Financial Aid available.
- Additional costs to the family outside of the registration fee will be a uniforms (we are required to run our uniforms for 2 years- we started with the new uniforms Fall 2019, therefore, everyone will be required to order the new kits Fall 2021), weekend tournaments (generally teams will go to 2-3 tournaments with one being the Rochester Tournament in June which is FREE to all RYSA teams), cleats, and shin guards.
- There are no tryouts for the U9 or U10 age groups. Tryouts will start at U11.
- All Coaches are paid professional coaches
Fall Competitive
- Season is much shorter than Spring / Summer- usually starting at the end of August and concluding the middle of October.
- Cost is lower in the Fall as it is a shorter season- $250/player (League play and Prep Academy), $370 for Tournament Only Teams- this includes 3 tournaments.
- Additional costs – uniforms (see above).
- Games are on the weekends- most likely Saturdays, but maybe a Sunday.
- Travel is required
- Coaches are paid professional coaches
- U9/U10 players have 3 options- League play, Prep Academy, or Tournament Only
- Practice locations are similar to Spring- All Tournament Only practices will be at McQuillian Soccer Complex. All Prep Academy will be held at Watson Soccer Complex
Additional Questions? Please call the office at 280-7584 and speak with Neil Cassidy at ext 3.