Mission Statement
The foundation of the San Francisco Vikings' Select Team Program is to develop the whole player. Our coaches provide an environment that encourages each player to achieve their highest potential, both as an individual and as a member of a team.
Through the spirit of cooperation and competition, our program fosters the physical and mental development that is necessary to excel at soccer in a healthy character-building environment that combines fun and excellence for youth soccer players year-round.
Download the Parent Letter to find out more about the Select Program. All select team parents must sign the parent pledge and turn it into the team manager.
Travel Teams and Upper House Teams
In the fall of 2010, the Vikings Club will offer travel teams in the U10 to U18 age groups and UH (Upper House) teams in the U10 to U13 age groups. There will be both boys and girls teams.
What is the difference between travel and UH?
Travel teams play their league games
split five home in San Francisco and five away. The away games can be as far
away as San Jose. UH teams play
their league games in San Francisco with possibly one or two in Pacifica if
there is a Pacifica team in that age group that wants to participate.
Travel teams participate in 2-4 tournaments a year, with usually at least one in August, one in September or October, one in January and one in the spring. The locations of these tournaments vary over Northern California, and can be viewed at www.cysanorth.org on the tournament calendar.
The UH teams will participate in one or and maybe tournaments at the most.
Both teams play winter futsal in the SF Recreation & Park program.
Both teams play spring soccer.
The costs for the teams are relatively similar, roughly $100 per month, but the more tournaments a team participates in, the more it costs, since each tournament costs about $400-$500 (about $30 per player).
Both teams will have a coach with a minimum of an E/D
license and emphasize player development. However, the travel team is required to have tryouts every
year and a player could be cut from the travel team. A player will not be cut
from the UH team if the player makes a minimum of 75% of the practices and
games, and is not disruptive to the group. If a player is in danger of being
asked to leave the UH program because of failing to attend a minimum number of
practices/games, or disruptive behavior, the parent will be given a written
notice and an opportunity to correct the situation.
A player can stay on the UH team every year, and not have to tryout for the team each year. The travel team players are required to tryout every year, and will be assessed by a group of independent evaluators at a series of formal tryouts. A player could be cut from the travel team, even if that player has never missed a practice or game, if in the consensus of the evaluators, there are more talented players trying out that year.
Travel Team vs. Recreational Soccer
How does Travel Team or competitive soccer differ from recreational soccer? Being part of a Travel Team requires a significantly greater commitment of time and dedication on the part of the players, family members, coaches and volunteers. Travel Teams practice several times a week, compete more than six months a year, and are often play games and tournaments outside of San Francisco.
The San Francisco Vikings Soccer Club encourages boys and girls from throughout our community to participate in the Travel Team and UH tryouts. Our goal is to provide a team for every child who has the commitment and physical ability to be a successful competitive player
Qualifications
Players must demonstrate the commitment, positive attitude, good sportsmanship, spirit of cooperation and the physical abilities necessary to play competitive soccer. Our travel and upper house teams practice several times a week, play at least six months a year and compete in tournaments and games outside San Francisco.
Team Fees
Monthly team fees for Travel Team players are approximately $100 per month for coaching/training fees. In addition, there are additional expenses, such as uniforms, balls, tournaments, etc. that these fees do not cover. While these fees are low in comparison to other clubs that we contacted, we realize that this may still be a financial hardship to some families. Financial assistance is available to families that qualify. There is a limited amount of scholarship funds available this year. These funds will be distributed to players based on need. The Club also needs volunteers to assist with various tasks during the year whether it is on the fields or in the office. Some of your fees can be defrayed by your participation in our volunteer program. Please don't hesitate to call SFVSC at 415.753.3111 or email Libby Rappolt for more information.
Select Team Financial Aid Information
The Vikings Club has extended its deadline for applying for financial aid for the 2010-11 season as follows:
- July 1st, 2010: Please notify Clay Leighton if you will be applying for financial aid this year.
- July 9th, 2010: All applications for financial aid are due and should include:
- A brief statement of your need and amount of aid you are requesting
- Copies of the most recent family federal tax return(s)
Financial aid applications can be mailed or delivered to the office (2521 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122) or sent by e-mail to Clay.
The general Club policy regarding financial aid is available by clicking here. The Club has a limited financial aid budget and generally expects all families to contribute to the Club. As part of the financial aid award, the Club may ask families to volunteer time.
The Club expects to make all financial aid decisions by 7/25/10.
If a family notifies the Club by 7/1/10 that it will be applying for financial aid, the deadline for the next payment of the season fee will be extended to 8/1/10.
Please send Clay an e-mail if you have any questions.