Q: What exactly is C.A. United?

A: C.A. United is the premier soccer program sponsored by Capital Area Soccer League (CASL), one of the largest soccer leagues in the state of Michigan. C.A. United teams have a rich history of success within the Michigan State Premier league, including recent State Cup champions, runners-up, and several division champions. Our objective is to assemble, train, and develop the most competitive teams at all age divisions by attracting, developing, and retaining the best coaches in the area.

Q: Are C.A. United coaches paid?

A: Yes, our coaches are paid from team fees. Through our C.A. United programs and our CASL affiliation, we also pay for our coaches’ training and licensing.

Q: What is the Premier Development Program?

A: This program, open to boys and girls U9 to U12, has been designed to help qualified players advance their skills to a higher level. Teams will be registered with US Club Soccer and play in the Michigan Champions League.  Players will also be able to roster with their local CASL team. The qualified coaches of the development program will put an emphasis on personal technical development: ball control, dribbling in tight spaces, beating opponents, receiving, turning, agility with the ball, quickness and footwork, 1v1, 2v2, and other small-sided play skills.  Mastery and understanding of these skills are the foundation from which premier players begin their development.

Q: How many premier leagues are there in the state?

A: There is only one – the Michigan State Premier Soccer Program (MSPSP) league. Sponsored in part by Farmer Jack, MSPSP exists under the umbrella of the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA). The MSPSP generally offers two premier divisions per age and gender group U13-U19, and one or more additional select divisions. After each season, fall and spring, the teams are reshuffled within the divisions. Depending on their finish, teams may stay in their division, be promoted to the next higher division, or be relegated to next lower division. New teams are assigned to the lowest division. In older age groups, the top division may be designated “FJ Elite”. CASL and many other leagues are properly designated as “select” leagues. All soccer in the U.S., youth or adult, is overseen by the US Soccer Federation (USSF).

Q: What are the other leagues I've heard about (alphabet soup!)?

A: Top premier teams in the state at U14 and up are invited to participate in the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Region II League (the Midwest Region). In Spring, 2003, the C.A. United U15 Boys team won the division championship of the Midwest Regional League (MRL). Some clubs participate in the Super Y-League, operated by United Soccer Leagues (USL), a private, for-profit company. The Michigan Champions League (MCL), centered in Grand Rapids, is sanctioned by US Club Soccer (USCS). Both USCS and USYS are members of USSF. C.A. United registers its U9-U12 development teams with USCS to compete in the MCL.

Q: How much does it cost to play for C.A. United?

A: C.A. United is a not-for-profit program. Team costs, and thus player costs, vary according to age, tournaments, coaching expenses, uniforms, apparel options, and community practice field fees. The typical cost per player is around $450 per season, although it can range from $300 to $700. The fees include our preseason training programs in the fall and the winter, as well as league competition and tournaments.

Q: Does C.A. United provide help for players with financial needs?

A: Yes, financial aid is available from CASL for qualified families/players to help defray some of the costs. If you are interested in finding out more about getting financial help, please notify the team Coach, Manager, Premier Director, or the CASL Treasurer. C.A. United is also working hard to develop partnerships or sponsorships to reduce costs overall.

Q: What is preseason training about?

A: Many of the elite clubs in MSPSP do preseason training as a team-building and skill-building program. The preseason fall training is an outdoor clinic (in August) focusing on various skills, small-sided drills and games, and full-sided scrimmages. The winter program is set up as weekly training focusing on technical skills and preparation for the spring season. High school age players use these training camps as a lead-in to their school tryouts and practices.

Q: What type of time commitment is required for a player?

A: Expect at least two practices a week, plus scheduled games. If a player cannot attend a practice or a game, the coach (or manager) must be informed with as much advance notice as possible. It is common to have a game on both Saturdays and Sundays during the season. Most premier teams participate in State Cup competition, held in the fall for girls, and the spring for boys. In addition, teams typically travel to two tournaments in the fall and two in the spring. Most teams go to one common tournament fall and spring. Players considering participation in a second sport should discuss their plans and expectations with the coach before accepting a position.

Q: Describe the tryout process

A: The tryouts will involve various drills and short-sided games. Players are strongly urged to attend all tryout sessions. Each tryout participant will be evaluated by the head coach as well as several independent evaluators. In addition to technical skills and athletic ability, the coaches are looking for: excellent first touch on the ball, quickness and speed of play, a positive attitude, excellent field vision. Depending on the number of players trying out, some cuts may be made after the first tryout. Tryout participants that have made the team will be notified by phone within 48 hours. A list of selected players will also be posted on the C.A. United Web site, by tryout number.

Q: Who should play Premier Soccer?

A: Players interested in playing premier soccer should be highly motivated, highly committed players with above average skill. Premier soccer requires a year round commitment to training, and developing both technical and tactical skills.

Q: Who should play in the CA United Premier Development program?

A: Any player that feels they are ready for a more challenging training environment. Players that are excelling on their current teams, and feel that they need a higher level of coaching and training in a fun and exciting atmosphere should consider the C.A. United premier development system. All players should be encouraged to play at the highest, most challenging level possible.

Q: How does a player get registered for C.A. United?

A: All selected premier players (and a parent or guardian, if the player is under 18) are to attend a Registration meeting on July 1, at Soccer Zone. Bring a copy of the player’s birth certificate. Both the player and the parent must sign the MSPSP player registration form. The team Manager will collect a 1” x 1” player photo, as well as medical release / liability waiver form, and fee deposit. The player will also get fitted with a uniform, if needed, and have an opportunity to order optional C.A. United apparel including caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, warm-ups, and bags. Some teams also schedule a brief organizational meeting. If a player and parent cannot attend this registration event, they must contact the team Manager, or C.A. United official, to make other arrangements for getting signatures during the open registration period. We apologize if the date or the registration process in general is inconvenient, however we have no choice. No player may sign with any team prior to July 1 under MSYSA rules. MSPSP is extremely diligent about ensuring these forms get signed during the open registration period of July 1-15. Extra fees apply to late registration.

Q: Is it possible to play on a C.A. United team and a CASL team?

A: It is possible to dual register on a C.A. United team and a CASL select (aka "USSF") team, subject to both coaches’ approval. Should a conflict between the two teams arise, the C.A. United commitment must take precedence. Players may not skip a C.A. United game in order to play in a CASL game. All other conflicts should be discussed with the appropriate coach.

Q: How can parents get involved in C.A. United?

A: Since C.A. United is a non-profit organization, volunteers are a key part of our success. Our parents help in a variety of ways – from acting as team manager or treasurer to serving on our governing body – the Premier Committee. We also welcome parent help with our major events such as Game Day, Annual Meeting, and organizing the annual tryouts. Parents will have the opportunity to complete a volunteer form at registration. You can also talk to your coach about team-specific volunteer opportunities.