Program Overview
35 Select is an SMSL program designed to provide higher-level player development opportunities for qualified players aspiring to play for their high school team or beyond. Participants will benefit from comprehensive teaching of the game, tactical understanding, athletic and skill refinement, and game experience in higher competition levels.
Considerations for Joining 35 Select
Coaching and Player Experience: In our second year, we are focusing on 15U (2010), 16U (2009), and 17U (2008). We have highly qualified coaches with licenses, experience, and a passion for youth development. 35 Select will provide a coaching model that includes a Director of Coaching (DOC), coordinators, and paid coaches with curriculum and standards. This regional select program serves the US Soccer “Zone 2” developmental space for players from Southern Minnesota.
Practice and Game Schedules: Our schedules balance with school and other activities. We train and play at great facilities that are centrally located in our regional footprint.
Pathway to Higher Levels: Our program provides a pathway for advancement to Olympic development training, high school varsity, or collegiate soccer.
Philosophy and Values: 35 Select emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and individual player and young adult development. With cooperation from soccer leaders in our Southern Minnesota footprint, we have already served players from New Prague, Northfield, Faribault, Montgomery, Lonsdale, Le Center, Waseca, Mankato, Austin, Farmington, Lakeville, Jordan, and Rochester.
Transparency and Costs: As a nonprofit program, we offer full transparency regarding costs, including uniforms, travel, and tournaments, and operate on a break-even budget. We are conscious of costs and offer a more affordable experience compared to NPL and other Premier level programs.
Timeline: We aim to finalize 80% to 85% of our rosters in the next few weeks. We will then offer a “Tryout” in early December in order to finalize our teams.
Play for 35 Select and Your Home Club in the Southern Minnesota Soccer League
Affiliated with the Southern Minnesota Soccer League (SMSL), 35 Select players have the option to play with their club team in the Spring and Summer. Local SMSL clubs have the ability to roster 35 Select players on their Spring and Summer SMSL teams.
Common Questions About 35 Select
How does this affect my commitment to other activities and high school sports? We understand the importance of multi-sport/ multi-activity athletes. Our program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to participate in other sports and activities. We encourage a balanced approach.
How often is winter training and what does the winter schedule look like? Winter training is scheduled once a week to maintain balance with other commitments. We play at least three full-sided games (one each in Jan, Feb and Mar) and a winter warm weather tournament. We may add a second practice in the week of these events.
Do you have goalkeeper and other specific positions training? Yes, we offer specialized training for goalkeepers and other specific positions like strikers to ensure all players get focused development.
Do you offer camps and/or recommendations for additional higher-level training? Absolutely, we will offer additional clinics and camps and can recommend further training opportunities with Minnesota Rush.
Where do you train and play? Our training and play locations include the Dundas Dome, Shattuck St. Mary’s, and Webster FC, ensuring high-quality and centrally located facilities.
What league do you play in, or do you play in tournaments only? Our goal is to provide the best competitive environment. After the winter sessions and events, boys’ teams will participate in a top-level regional 8-game league, USYS Cup, and tournaments. The Girls teams will then continue training or play for their home club, ending the summer with a select tournament.
What is the value of the tournaments and events that you select? We choose tournaments and friendly games that offer high competition levels, college exposure, and opportunities for player development.
What role does 35 Select have with the Southern Minnesota Soccer League (SMSL)? 35 Select collaborates with SMSL to provide higher-level training and competition for SMSL players while allowing players to continue participating in their local clubs for league play. We aim to complement SMSL by offering an elevated soccer experience for qualified players.
For more information, please contact us at: [email protected]