1. What are the benefits of playing for the  Arkansas United Soccer Club (United)?

   United typically has the most competitive teams at each age group in the state.         

   2 State Champions, 2 President's Cup Champions in the  fall 2015 State Cup! 

• Our competitve teams are coached by the most experienced soccer coaches available in Arkansas. Most played collegiate soccer, have coached at the classic level for a number of years and hold USSF National coaching licenses.
• Our coaches are dedicated to improving the skills of every player on the team.
• Our teams have won more state soccer titles in the last 5 years than any other soccer club in Arkansas.
• We are known in our multi-state region as the premier club from Arkansas. United teams are competitive with the strongest clubs from surrounding states.
• More players from United receive collegiate scholarships than any other club in the state.
• United offers competitive teams at U-11 through U-18 for both boys and girls, it offers everyone in the family a chance to play for the same great club.
• Skills training and Goalkeeper training weekly led by staff coach.

If soccer is your sport, then playing for a classic team will develop your skills as you play with other high performing players, learn from
experienced coaches, and play for a club with a 30+ year tradition of success. 

2. When are tryouts? Who is the coach of my team?

Each age has specific tryout dates and times.  Click on the Tryouts and Coaches Bio links to see the details or your age group. Coaching assignments will be announced prior to tryouts.

3. Where are tryouts?

All tryouts will be held at the Verizon Soccer Fields and Murray Park in Little Rock and Centennial Soccer Field in Conway.   

4. Should I attend all the dates listed?

Yes, try to attend as many of the tryout dates listed as possible. The more sessions you attend, the better chances you have for the coaches to evaluate your skills. 

5. What if I will miss several sessions?

Try to attend as many as you can.  Notify the coaches if you will miss and explain the reasons why, but don’t think you will not be seriously considered or even chosen just because you missed one or two tryout dates.

6. What should I bring to tryouts?

Bring water and a soccer ball. Dress in shorts, a light colored non descriptive t-shirt, shin guards and soccer cleats.

7. Should my parents stay for the tryout sessions?

Parents are welcome to stay and watch, but do not need to stay for the tryout sessions. If they choose to stay, they should sit in the bleachers and not distract the coaches or players. Often coaches or other club administrators are available to answer parent’s specific questions before or after a tryout session.

8. When will I know if I make the team?

Unless specifically told otherwise, players will be notified of their selection by phone or mail within 4 days of the final tryout date.   However, at any time during age group tryouts, team coaches may contact players to offer a roster spot. Just because some players get an early offer, does not diminish the chances of those not chosen early. Each player is evaluated on their own merit. If you have not heard anything regarding your tryout outcome by one week following the last tryout please notify the Arkansas United office. We will have a signing party or team meeting, at that time, you will be asked to sign an annual contract with Arkansas United and provide a copy of your birth certificate.

9. How much does it cost?

Costs vary from team to team and among age groups. Factors that influence costs are related mainly to the amount of out of town tournament travel and team sponsorships.  Costs range from $650-$1,550 per year.   Costs include uniforms, referees fees, field maintenance and upkeep, state, and local club fees, coach’s stipends, tournament entry fees, and other miscellaneous expenses.  Cost should not be a factor in preventing any player from being selected for a team. Full and partial scholarships are available on a demonstrated need basis. The first payments will be due in August and are usually billed monthly.

10. How many players will be selected for each age level?

The number of players selected for each team depends on the number of players participating in the matches.  Most teams playing 11 a side (U13 - U18) will select between 16 and 22 players. Teams playing 9 a side (U11 & U12) will select between 11 and 15 players. The number may vary based on the number of players who tryout and the skills exhibited.  When skills and numbers permit, and qualified coaches are available, we may offer Premier, Elite, and Select teams in a single age group.

11. What if I don’t make the competitive team?

We encourage you to keep playing soccer with us on one of our rec teams.  United offers rec teams at almost every age level. Many of these teams are highly competitive, practice several times a week, and attend in-state tournaments. 

12. How often do competitive teams practice? What is the time commitment? Does everyone play equally?

Competitive teams usually practice 2-3 times a week, 10 to 11 months a year.   Most teams will play in excess of 40 regular and tournament games per year.  The total number of games is of course dependent on each individual coach.  Coaches determine playing time for each game situation. Players are not guaranteed equal playing time.

13. Where are practices and games held? 

Competitive practices are held at Murray Park, Burns Park, Natural Steps and Otter Creek. Competitive teams based in Conway practice at Centennial Soccer Park. Our facilities that have lights are Murray Park, Otter Creek, and Centennial Park.  Home games are played at the Verizon, Natural Steps, Burns Park, Otter Creek, and Centennial Park. 

14. Can I play for my school team and still play with my United competitive team?

Yes, many United competitive teams at age U15–U18 take a break in the spring so their players can play for their high schools.  United teams usually resume in the spring after the state high school tournament allowing the United team to compete in state and regional tournaments.

15. Can I play other sports and still be on a competitive soccer team?

Yes, competitive soccer requires a commitment to attend all practices, games, and tournaments.  You may play other sports, but will need to balance your time wisely between school, soccer and other sports.   Your signed contract is annual commitment, not just for the fall season.

16. Can I tryout for an age level higher than my birthday?

Yes, you can tryout for an age level above your birth date if you have received written permission from the Director of Coaching. However, United strongly encourages you to tryout for your correct age level team. You may not play at a younger age level.  Arkansas State Soccer Association (ASSA) Age Levels are listed below for the 2016-2017 seasonal year:

11 and Under  Jan 1, 2006 - Dec 31, 2006
12 and Under  Jan 1, 2005 - Dec 31, 2005
13 and Under  Jan 1, 2004 - Dec 31, 2004
14 and Under  Jan 1, 2003 - Dec 31, 2003
15 and Under  Jan 1, 2002 - Dec 31, 2002
16 and Under  Jan 1, 2001 - Dec 31, 2001
17 and Under  Jan 1, 2000 - Dec 31, 2000
18  and Under Jan 1, 1999 - Dec 31, 1999

17. How many people play on the field for my age group?

United will follow the Arkansas State Soccer Association rules as follows:
Age             Players                                 
U11-U12         9 v 9                               
U13-U19         11 v 11