Being a Member of the Palo Alto Soccer Club
Common Questions
What is the PASC Philosophy on Team Formation? The Palo Alto Soccer Club
forms competitive teams for boys and girls from ages U8-18. Most age groups have
two or more teams that are divided by developmental level. Teams are chosen by a
tryout process and are coached by outstanding youth coaches.
How often are tryouts held? For most of our teams the primary tryout is after the
completion of the fall season – late November/early December. We also hold
supplemental tryouts to fill open roster spots and to allow for the influx of players
from other programs such as AYSO.
What do the team color designations mean? The PASC teams are denoted by
color – typically Blue, White or Red. The strongest team in each age group is
designated as Blue, the second White, and the third Red. Regardless of the team
color all are coached at a developmentally appropriate level.
Is the commitment level different for different color teams? Generally, there is
little difference in team commitment based on color designation. Teams practice
two or three days per week and PASC offers a variety of add-on programs such as
goalkeeper specialty training outside of typical team practices. Our teams also travel
to compete in tournaments. Our older and most competitive teams may travel
outside the Bay Area and occasionally outside of northern California to play other
outstanding teams. Since soccer is a team sport and the players rely on each other in
games and to make practices function properly, all players are expected to regularly
attend games and practices.
Are players allowed to move between teams or to play with an older age group
within PASC? Yes, our directors and coaches work together to create the best
developmentally appropriate soccer experience for our players. Age group teams
often train at the same time and location and players sometimes guest play for other
teams in our club. We want our players to be enriched by many coaches over the
course of their youth soccer experience. Player movement between teams within an
age group or with an older team in the club is only done after discussion with the
player development director, coaches and after communication with the player and
his/her parents.
Can a player be dropped from the club during the year? No. Once a player is
selected in a tryout, she/he is a part of the PASC for that year. Our coaches will
communicate with players and their parents if they believe there is a situation
where there is a better developmentally appropriate team fit within our club. We
encourage regular communication between coaches and players and their parents
so that all are working in harmony for a great soccer experience.
Who do I contact if I have concerns or questions? Team-related questions are
best handled by the team coach and/or team manager. Also, we have Directors of
Player Development who coordinate and oversee teams within specific age groups.
General age group questions can be addressed to them at the addresses below.
Boys and Girls U8-U12: Armando Luna (victoryschedules@gmail.com)
Boys and Girls U13-U15: Ian Drury (ianjdrury@gmail.com)
Boys and Girls U16-U18: Bret Simon (bret.simon@pasoccerclub.org)
Should you have club-wide questions, please address those to Bret Simon, club
Executive and Technical Director, at the address above.