1. How is youth soccer in Michigan organized?

Much of competitive youth soccer in Michigan is overseen by the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA). Organized soccer leagues such as the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA) belong to and are obliged to take direction from the MSYSA.  Local clubs, including Lakeshore Premier SC are members of the GVSA which sponsor clubs like us in the Michigan State Premier Soccer League (MSPSL) and oversee all Select Level soccer in West Michigan. 

2. What are the different levels of organized Youth Soccer?

Recreational: This experience encompasses many of the youngest and some older players for whom the opportunity to play the game is more important than the competition or skill development offered at higher levels.

Select: Is a competitive soccer experience that can start as young as U8. Players find clubs, attend tryouts, and are typically placed on teams based on skills demonstrated in the tryouts. This level of soccer requires a greater commitment, and is often more expensive, than recreational soccer.

Premier: This experience comprises the “best” players from U12 and above who want to be on a development path to play technically superior soccer in high school and possibly beyond. It requires a greater dedication by players and parents because of the more extensive game, training and travel time. This level of soccer can be more expensive than Select, but encompasses greater player development opportunities that are not typically part of a Select experience.

3. What organization oversees Premier soccer and how are teams organized for league play?

Premier soccer teams play in the Michigan State Premier Soccer League (MSPSL) which is governed by the Michigan State Premier Soccer Program and begins at the U13 age group.

At U13, teams are assigned divisions for the fall season. When that season is complete, the team’s record determines placement for the following spring. At the conclusion of each successive season, teams are relegated or promoted to the various divisions based on their records.

Teams can be placed in the following divisions from highest to lowest competitiveness.

· Premier 1

· Premier 2

· Classic 1

· Classic 2

· Classic 3

4. What makes Premier-level soccer different than Select-level?

· Commitment – More time can be required for practice, training, number of games, tournaments and travel.

· Quality of Coaching – Higher level coaching credentials are required to coach Premier teams and these coaches typically have played the game at a higher level and have more experience in team tactics and player development.

· Competition – Teams comprise the best players at their respective age groups.

· Player Development – Because Premier teams play more soccer, have higher-quality coaching and play against more competitive teams, Premier-level players enjoy greater development opportunities.

· Cost – Because of all the above, the cost to participate in Premier soccer can be more than Select.

5. How does that benefit my child?

The items referenced above contribute to challenging players to become better at the game. Because they play and train in an environment more challenging that Select, they master technical skills with a faster “speed of play”. These attributes become very evident closer to high school when the player’s mental and physical development accelerates allowing for the mind and body to play the game at a very high level.

6. What is the Lakeshore Premier Soccer Club?

There are elite players along the lakeshore for whom the Michigan State Premier Soccer League (MSPSL) represents the “next step” in their soccer development journey.

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC was created to satisfy this demand where players from multiple clubs are “pooled” locally, allowing the placement of competitive teams in the MSPSL at a reasonable cost to families.

7. What does it cost to play for Lakeshore Premier SC and what does that include:

There are several levels of pricing for LAKESHORE PREMIER SC depending on the age group of the players. These packages include

· U12 - $695 (full year)

· U13/U14 and U15 Supplemental - $825 (full year)

· U15/U16/U18 - $520 (half-year)  

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC U12 Boys & Girls teams play in the GVSA for the 2017-18 Season. The fee for this age group includes:

· GVSA Team Fee

· League and Junior State Cup Referees

· Coaching

· Summer Team Training Camp (includes Lakeshore Premier SC technical shirt)

· 2 Tournaments (excludes personal travel and lodging)

· Junior State Cup tournament

· Practice& Game Fields

· Coach tournament lodging & travel  

· Club Window Decal 

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC U13/U14 and U15 Supplemental Boys & Girls teams play in the MSPSL. The fee for these age groups includes:

· MSPSL& GVSA Team Fee

· State Cup tournament (all GVSA Premier Club-sponsored teams are required to play State Cup)

· League& State Cup Referees

· Coaching

· Summer Team Training Camp (includes Lakeshore Premier SC technical shirt)

· Team Fees for 2 Tournaments (excludes personal travel and lodging)

· Practice& Game Fields

· Coach tournament lodging & travel

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC U15/U16/U17/U18/U19 Girls teams play in the MSPSL in the fall  and U15/U16/U17/U18/U19 Boys teams play in the MSPSL in the spring. The fee for this age groups includes:

· MSPSL& GVSA Team Fee

· State Cup Fee (all GVSA Premier Club-sponsored teams are required to play State Cup)

· Referees

· Coaching

· Summer Training Camp (includes Lakeshore Premier SC technical shirt)

· Team Fees for 1 Tournament (excludes personal travel and lodging)

· Practice& Game Fields

· Coach tournament lodging & travel  

8. What other costs are there?

At this point, all players will be required to purchase a basic uniform for a cost of approximately $150 which consists of:

· 2 Jerseys

· 2 Pair of Shorts

· 1 Pair of Socks

Lakeshore Premier SC will be announcing new uniforms for the 2017-18 season as our current uniforms are being discontinued.   There will be optional items to purchase as well including warm-ups, backpacks, etc.

Other costs might include Winter Training and personal travel to games.

9. How do these costs compare with other Premier clubs/teams?

One goal of the Lakeshore Premier SC is to offer Premier-level soccer at an affordable cost to families. We invite you to compare the cost of participating versus what it may cost to play at other clubs. With Lakeshore Premier SC being a local club, the costs to travel to weekly games and practices are reduced as well. Remember U13-U14 teams play in both the fall and spring. U15-U18 teams play in either the fall or spring.

Midwest United. $1,655* (2016-17 U12DA)

Midwest United. $2,060* (2016-17 U13-U14)

Midwest United. $1,525* (2016-17 U15-U18)

PASS $1,150* (2014-15 U13-U14) (Does not include Tournaments.)

PASS $850* (2014-15 U15-U18) (Does not include Tournaments.)

Michigan Fire Juniors $1,405* (2015-16 U12DA) (Does not include required $340 uniform kit) 

Michigan Fire Juniors $1,620* (2015-16 U13-U14) (does not include required $340 uniform kit)

Michigan Fire Juniors $930* (2015-16 U15-U18) (does not include required $340 uniform kit)

Alliance FC $1,645 - $2,100* (2014-15 U13-U14) (Basic fee of $1,645 does not include State Cup or  tournaments)

Alliance FC $1,295 - $1,970* (2014-15 U15-U18) (Basic fee of $1,645 does not include State Cup or  tournaments)

SCOR $1,650* (2015-16 U13-U14)

SCOR $875* (2015-16 U15-U18)

* Parents are encouraged to view the websites for these clubs to compare what is offered for the cost. In some instances, winter training is included in team fees. These fees represent fees as published on the website for the respective club. Unless otherwise noted fees are not available at time of publication.

10. How much travel is involved?

LAKESHORE PREMIER SC teams can be expected to play teams from the major metropolitan areas of the state. The team coach is involved in scheduling games, so teams could play several games in a weekend that are geographically close to help minimize travel.

11. Is there a league higher than the MSPSL?

Yes. Very successful Premier teams can be promoted to the Midwest Regional League (MRL) where they play against the very best teams in the Midwest and perhaps, the country!

12. Who will be coaching in Lakeshore Premier SC?

The roster of Coaches for LAKESHORE PREMIER SC is currently available by clicking here.

13. When are Tryouts and what do I need to know about them?

Tryouts for teams playing in the Michigan State Premier Soccer League will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Grand Haven High School, 17001 Ferris Street, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417.   Age/Gender Group Times are TBA

The stadium and practice field are located on the North end of campus.

The schedule will be available by June 4, 2017

Tryouts for U12 aged-teams playing in the Grand Valley Soccer Association are TBA and will be conducted at Grand Haven High School, 17001 Ferris Street, Grand Haven, Michigan.

Players should bring to tryouts an age-appropriate, properly inflated ball, shin pads and socks, soccer boots, plenty of water and the gotsoccer.com Tryout Registration Agreement.

Players should NOT wear any article of clothing that could be identified with any Select or Premier level team or club.

14. Do I need to register for tryouts?

Yes.  Online links are now active.  Go to the Tryouts Page to access.

15. Is there more to learn?

This FAQ will be updated regularly to reflect questions that parents have about  LAKESHORE PREMIER SC. Check back often!