Competitive - Frequently Asked Questions

The information below is aimed at parents of children entering the competitive stream for the first time.  KUSC’s competitive teams are a means for players to further develop their skills and knowledge of the game of soccer.  KUSC follows and promotes the OSA Pyramid of Play philosophy. 

KUSC will provide all players with the opportunity to advance to the highest team level at their age level if they demonstrate the skills, attitude, commitment and team work required.

If you cannot find the answers that you are seeking in this document, please feel free to email us at info@kingstonsoccer.ca.

1. Where do the teams play their games?
2. When does the Season begin and how long does it last?
3. Does my child have to attend a tryout?
4. What is the level of commitment?
5. How many players are on the team?
6. Do players get equal playing time?
7. Can my child play with a different age division?
8. Are there any additional costs?
9. Is there additional travel involved?
10. What if my child is going away for a period of time?
11. My child plays another sport, does this matter?
12. What happens if my child does not make the team?

Where do the teams play their games

Kingston United competitive teams will play in the East Region Soccer League (ERSL) : teams play in the Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5 Premier Leagues. 

All U10 and U11 teams play either Level 5 Premier or level 5 Division. Level 5 play at least half of their games at opponents’ fields from Quinte West to Brockville. This is determined by the teams entered at each level each season. 

U12 to U18 teams playing at the Level 3 or Level 4 can face teams from Quinte to Rockland, again depending on the teams entered each season.

When does the Season begin and when does it end?

Practices commence immediately following team selection.

The regular season consists of approximately 14 games, beginning the week of May 18 and concluding the end of August.

Does my child have to attend a tryout?

To be eligible for competitive team placement, a player must attend at a minimum, one scheduled tryout. If there are circumstances that prohibit this you must contact our Club Technical Director, Carlo Cannovan at tech@kingstonsoccer.ca.

A complete list of tryouts dates and locations can be found on our website.

• Additional tryout facilities fee of $10 is due before any player can participate.
• Players can only try out for one age group.

During the tryouts, the coaches will be grading each potential player on their skill level, their level of team play, and their cooperation.  It is an unfortunate reality that we may have to cut some players.  We appreciate that this is a very difficult thing for young people and their parents.  It is also a very difficult thing for coaches. The coaches will attempt to be fair and respectful when making these very difficult decisions.

What is the level of commitment?

The player must commit to making a solid effort to be a good team-mate, work hard, be on-time and ready. There are usually 2 practices per week (the coach decides when and where) in addition to league games and potential tournaments. The level of commitment increases from District to Premier, and from Premier to Regional.

How many players are on the team?

The maximum number of players on each team is as follows:

• Mini Soccer (U9, 10 and U11): 14 players
• Youth Soccer (U12 to U18): 18 players

Do players get equal playing time?

Can my child play in a different age division?

• The player can physically, tactically and, from a skills perspective, be a dominant player at the higher age group level. 
• A player may be identified and evaluated by a qualified coach selected by the Technical Director.
• The Club may have to combine age groups in order to field a competitive team at certain age group levels
• KUSC may have to move certain players into a higher age group level in order to strengthen the team at the higher age group level (this should generally only occur at the older age group level i.e. U15 and older)

Are there any additional costs?

Once a player is selected to a competitive team, a per player fee of $360 must be paid. Fees are higher than our recreational player fees in order to cover the additional cost of one tournament and additional league, referee, field and uniform costs. This fee should be paid by cheque and must be given to your team manager. Miscellaneous expenses such as club apparel, extra tournaments, out of town accommodation, etc are at the discretion of each team and determined by the coach and manager. Teams may secure sponsors for their teams to offset some of these additional costs. If a player makes the team, birth certificates and passport size photos are required (this may not be a requirement for returning players).  These are required for our player logbooks, which we must carry to all of our games. A player cannot play if an Ontario Soccer League representative has not signed his or her book.

Is there additional travel involved?

In addition to weekly home and out-of-town games, each team will enter a minimum of one tournament. Each team could enter 2-4 tournaments depending on the team age and interest, and parent commitment. Tournaments usually take place around the Ottawa area or within Eastern Ontario.

What if my child is going away for a period of time?

It is the responsibility of all competitive players to attend all practices, games, tournaments or events, unless excused by the coach prior to the events. If your child intends to be away for more than 2 or more consecutive weeks during the season, please advise the coach prior to the beginning of your child’s tryout.

My child plays another sport, does this matter?

We recognize there may be conflicts with other extracurricular activities.  The level of commitment required makes significant participation in another sport during the soccer season very difficult. At the beginning and end of the season, players must be careful that absences for playoffs or tryouts in other sports are scheduled with the coaches in both sports.

What happens if my child does not make the team?

If a player does not make the team, he/she is welcomed to participate in our Recreational House League program. A coach or convenor will call you to advise you of their team on or before May 16. Your child should also be encouraged to consider participating in one of our Development Programs to further enhance their playing skills and to build their confidence.