The club’s goal is to find the right level of competition for all teams. As such, the club works with the teams to guide players’ learning opportunities and challenge them as they approach high school and beyond. There are three levels of competition:
 

• Recreation Travel ~ Western Suburban Soccer League (WSSL)

• Select Travel ~ Western Suburban Soccer League (WSSL)

• Premier Travel ~ Michigan State Premier Soccer Program (MSPSP)

• Premier Travel ~ Midwest Regional League (MRL)

Recreation Travel

An introductory level of competition for players who are gaining more interest in soccer, but are still developing individual skills and gaining more knowledge of the game. The competition level will vary based on team competency. Players do not need to attend the tryouts unless they would like to be evaluated for a higher level travel team. Teams wear a standard club uniform.
Recreational teams play 8 games a season in WSSL recreational league against teams from surrounding communities.  Teams play half of the schedule at home and half with commute distances (for away games) of typically 20-40 minutes.  Depending on the team, they typically have practices twice a week, participate in one or two indoor sessions and an outdoor tournament.  Recreational teams are typically coached by a parent volunteer, though they have full support from United in all respects (e.g., clinics, coach training, etc.). 

The transition stage for players who display a little more comfort with their individual skills and would like to pursue a higher level of competition than the recreation. There are different levels of competition within select travel. The experience of teams within the age group as well as the number of teams representing each of the organizations helps to determine the level of competition. Teams wear the official custom club uniforms.

Select teams play 8 games a season in WSSL against teams from surrounding communities.  Teams play half of the schedule at home and half with commute distances (for away games) of typically 20-50 minutes.  They typically have practices twice a week, play 2 or 3 indoor sessions and play in 1 or 2 tournaments a year.  Select teams are typically coached by a licensed soccer coach supplied by United and have full support from United in all respects (e.g., clinics, coach training, etc.)  

Individuals on such teams have a strong desire to excel at soccer and to play with other players of a similar desire and commitment to the game of soccer over other sports and activities.  This commitment is expected of them by the coaches, with attendance at practices, games, tournaments expected if at all possible.  Players typically take part in summer soccer camps. 

The highest level of competition which requires the highest level of commitment. Players demonstrate greater game awareness and improved technical proficiency. Preseason and/or in-season tournaments should be expected. Travel distances are generally greater for these teams than Select competition because of statewide competition. Teams wear the official custom club uniforms.

Premier teams play 8-10 games per season against teams from around the state and travel time will vary from 40-120 minutes.  Practices are held twice to three times per week and participate in two to four tournaments per year.  Indoor practices are also scheduled typically twice per week from November to March with games scheduled at regulation sized indoor facilities.

These teams are formed through tryouts in June and are comprised of higher level players with a strong desire to excel at soccer.  They also seek to play with others sharing a similar desire and commitment to the game over other sports and activities.  This commitment is expected of them by the team, with attendance at practices, games and tournaments.  Summer soccer camps or other training opportunities prior to season of play is highly encouraged. 

For information on joining a team, please contact us at: [email protected]