Academy of Soccer Excellence (ASE)
Mission Statement
The Academy of Soccer Excellence (ASE) was formed to provide more opportunities for the youth of the greater Tri-Cities area to train at higher levels and compete at competitive levels. Our mission is to develop soccer skills, as well as build relationships and social foundations, that will help kids in the game of soccer and throughout life. While our Academy teams strive to compete at the highest levels of competition, we are fully committed to training under the concepts of leadership; speed, balance, and agility; fundamental skills and technique; and situational recognition (read and react). We believe that an early commitment to these concepts establishes a solid technical and mental foundation for which to continue building upon at ASE and beyond. We intend to accomplish this mission with an experienced coaching staff and a uniquely diverse pool of trainers that together represent the most effective and comprehensive club soccer program in the greater Tri-Cities area.
Academy Teams (U11 - U19)
What are Academy Teams?
Academy teams are the highest levels of competition offered at ASE. Academy teams are formed based on a tryout and compete in competitive leagues. Below is a chart to help you identify which age group your child would compete at.
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AGE GROUPS
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BIRTH DATES
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U11
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Player has not reached 11th birthday before August 1st
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U12
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Player has not reached 12th birthday before August 1st
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U13
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Player has not reached 13th birthday before August 1st
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U14
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Player has not reached 14th birthday before August 1st
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U15
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Player has not reached 15th birthday before August 1st
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U16
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Player has not reached 16th birthday before August 1st
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U17
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Player has not reached 17th birthday before August 1st
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U18
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Player has not reached 18th birthday before August 1st
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U19
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Player has not reached 19th birthday before August 1st
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What levels of play do Academy Teams compete at?
Academy teams typically compete in District Select (Eastern Washington Northern Idaho), or the Puget Sound Premier League (State competition). At certain divisions, ASE has teams that compete at the highest levels of competition in the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest Champions League. Each team is placed into a league by the ASE Training and Coaching Staff based on several factors including team qualifications, past team success, and overall player development objectives.
When are Academy teams formed
Academy teams are typically formed in March to May and run until tryouts the following year, but it is important to check the website regularily because ASE could hold a tryout as early as February or any time throughout the year. Certain age divisions (e.g. high school
divisions) are held shortly after HS seasons come to an end.
How are Academy teams formed?
Academy teams are formed based on an evaluation and selection process (tryout) conducted by the ASE Training and Coaching Staff. Evaluation camps are held at different times of the year depending on age division and level of play.
What are the ASE Team Fees once my child has made a team?
Once your child has made an Academy team, there are four additional costs that you can expect to incur; Soccer Operations fee, League Fees, Player Kit Fees (uniforms, bags, warm-ups), and Tournament Fees.
Soccer Operations Fee is an annual fee that is used to support the overall playing for your child. Each player is required to pay the Soccer operations fee by Aug. 1st. The soccer operations fee includes player insurance, player cards, referee expenses, field usage fees, some coaching expenses, and a soccer operations expense.
League Fees are fall/spring season fees that are used to register your team into a league. Each player is required to pay a portion of this fee 60 days prior to the starting of the league. League fees are determined by the league organizer (e.g. Inland Northwest COPA league, PSPL, etc.). The typical league fee can run from $5 to $27 per player depending on the level of play your team chooses to compete at.
Player Kit Fees - Each player is required to purchase the minimum player kit which includes your home and away game jersey, shorts, and socks. Player kit fees are collected shortly after the team is formed. The player kit typically runs about $140 + tax. You may also buy ASE warm-ups and an ASE bag. (really cool!)
Tournament Fees largely depend on the number, and type, of tournaments that your team chooses to compete in. These fees are difficult to estimate for the year although, typically teams that compete in state leagues, such as the PSPL, end their seasons with at least one state tournament which runs approximately $400 or $29/player (assuming a 14 player roster). If a team chooses to play in additional tournaments, then those fees would be in addition to this one. Tournament Fees are typically collected just prior to registering for a tournament. You can expect your team to play in between 1 and 6 tournaments per calendar year. These tournaments are chosen based upon the coach with parent input.
Note: Academy teams are encouraged to raise additional funds through team sponsorships and team fundraising. Team sponsorships are divided equally amongst the team to reduce individual player costs. Team fundraising is based upon the amount of players participating in the fundraising. Players may also get individual sponsorships for their portion of the costs.
How much travel is involved with an Academy team?
This depends on the league and the number of tournaments that the team chooses to compete in.
District Select and Inland Northwest Copa leagues play games primarily in Eastern Washington. For the most part, there are no overnight stays involved. Most U-11 and U-12 teams will play in either District Select or the Inland Northwest Copa League.
Premier teams compete in the Puget Sound Premier League and play games throughout the state. Normally this involves 3 - 5 trips to Western Washington during league play with some overnight stays, possibly required.
Select and Premier teams are likely to attend one or more tournaments throughout the year which typically require overnight stays.
We recommend that you speak with your head coach about league and tournament plans prior to accepting an offer to join an Academy team.
General FAQ
How does ASE keep player costs relatively low in comparison to other club soccer programs?
The ASE budget includes some very aggressive fundraising and sponsorship assumptions and, in order to achieve them, we desperately need your help. It is in the best interest of the ASE membership to help in this regard since fundraising and sponsorship dollars are used to lower overall costs that are passed on to the General Membership. The ASE budget includes a minimum Academy sponsorship income to help pay for ASE administrative operational costs and each competitive team is encouraged to obtain a team sponsorship to reduce team fees.
What do ASE Registration Fees include?
ASE Members receive:
- Voting privileges at all General Meetings
- ASE Newsletters
- General email deliveries
- Special registration rates at certain ASE organized events
- Access to exclusive “membership only” training programs throughout the year.
What other commitments will be expected of meonce I’m a Member?
ASE was formed for you and your children to enjoy. The founders of ASE envisioned it being a “family of members” with similar missions, visions, and values. Therefore as ASE members (players, parents, coaches, trainers, and administrators) we are required to commit to a “Code of Conduct” of which we are all expected to comply with.
Other ASE Programs
What other programs does ASE offer?
ASE will continue to offer player, parent, and coaching activities throughout the year. Player development camps/clinics; parent education courses; coaching development clinics; member appreciation days; and guest trainers, are all examples of what ASE plans to offer throughout the year. As a member, you will be notified of these events through the general email delivery system, the ASE Newsletter, and/or the ASE website. Some, but not all, activities are open to the general public and most are designed exclusively for the ASE membership.
ASE plans to provide as many programs as can be successfully conducted with the resources available, although ASE must also continue to improve upon the quality of products and services currently provided. As more members of the Academy choose to engage on the administrative side of program development and implementation, we will roll out new products and services for our membership.
