The Evolution
A County UNITED in the pursuit to support and develop well-rounded soccer players
In the fall of 2017, we set out to explore an evolution of Leelanau County Soccer Club brand. We felt that as our children grow up, it was time to have our club’s brand grow up with them. The purpose of the rebrand was multifaceted. We wanted to differentiate between our vibrant soccer program and the apparel line M-22, both from a legal and visual branding standpoint; we wanted to explore different logos and badges so the program feels refreshed, exciting, modern, and dynamic; and we also wanted to explore uniforms that the kids would be excited to wear as well as additional apparel that coaches, parents, and the community could be excited and proud to wear as well.
We have decided on the name change, logo, and uniforms as we seek to be a county United by the sport we love, played by the kids we love, in a beautiful place we love. We look forward to the exciting years ahead for our program as we continue to teach our children about being a part of team as they develop a fun, healthy lifestyle with their friends and community.
The LSC United teams are competitive teams built from players from all across the county. We compete against similar and relatively close teams (e.g., Cadillac, Elk Rapids, Petoskey, Northstorm, etc) in “friendly” games and participate in local tournaments (Traverse City and Petoskey held in both the fall and spring). LSC United believes all players can and will develop individual and team skills, love of the game, a strong sportsmanship and practice ethic and confidence in themselves and their teammates on (and off) the pitch. The kids that make LSC United possible are those that have a passion for the game. LSC United seeks to give those kids extra training opportunities with like-minded players and give them the opportunity to be challenged in a competitive yet supportive environment at close-to-home tournaments. Players signed up for LSC United are automatically enrolled in the LSC Recreation league (as applicable based on age group) at no additional charge, to allow LSC United players to play with all their friends, get more game experience, bring up the quality of play in the recreational league, and allow players to participate in the Romp N Stomp.
In order to be a “select” program, we need to have fair “tryouts” – this is something that is mandated by our state soccer association – because in some areas, this can be very contentious! We know that the concept of a tryout can be intimidating for a young player. Our Try-outs are run like a big practice. This session will include individual skill drills and then do some small sided scrimmages. Players that may need more development than others may be invited to participate in practices and friendlies with LSC United teams – but in some instances players simply may not be ready for tournament play – that is not to say they will be cut!! We strive to include all players that have the desire/passion to play an opportunity and to do so in a developmentally appropriate level for the player. At tryouts we will be running drills and warm ups to assess players individual skills. We will add some complexity to assess interaction with other players (passing/defensive skills, etc) and will then set up small-sided scrimmages to assess performance in game situations – a pretty typical practice experience.
Players should come dressed to play in shin guards and cleats, no jewelry and have a water bottle ready.
All players must register for tryouts using the pre-registration link below. For more info click here.
Fall 2019 – Spring 2020 Age Groups:
U-14 U-13 U-12 U-11 U-10 U-09 | Players born 2010 Players born 2011 Players born 2012 Players born 2013 Players born 2014 Players born 2015 (includes U8 – 2016) |
Tentative Fall 2019 – Spring 2020 BOYS Teams & Play:
The following outlines expected Boys LSC United teams by age groups for Fall 2018-Spring 2019:
Fall 2018 | Spring 2019 | Additional Games | ||
Boys Age | Tournaments | Age | Tournaments | |
U9 | 1* | U9 | 2 | 2-3 Friendlies + Rec |
U10 | 2** | U10 | 2** | 2-3 Friendlies + Rec |
U11 | 2 | U11 | 2 | 2-3 Friendlies + Rec |
U12 | 2 + NMSA | U12 B | 2 + NMSA | NMSA (+/-rec) |
U13 | 1?+ NMSA | U13/U14 | 2 + NMSA | NMSA (+/-rec?) |
NO U14 – Middle School Soccer conflicts |
* Additional tournament in Petoskey at discretion of coach/parents; expect additional cost if selected.
** Tentatively expecting two teams in this age group
NMSA – Northern Michigan Soccer Alliance – Northern “league” play. At least four double headers on Sundays. Rec play is still possible but participation in LSC United practices and games over rec practices and games is expected. By participating in one or more rec game, players are eligible to participate in the Romp N Stomp.
For the fall season, the U12/U13 aged kids will play combined in NMSA. U12 will players will play in the Autumn Classic. Depending on numbers, the team may play Petoskey as U13. Costs will be proportioned as appropriate, based on tournament play, as selected by the coaching staff following tryouts.
Tentative Fall 2019 – Spring 2020 GIRLS Teams & Play:
The following outlines expected Girls LSC United teams by age groups for Fall 2019-Spring 2020:
Fall 2019 | Spring 2020 | Additional Games | ||
Girls Age | Tournaments | Age | Tournaments | |
U9 | 1* | U9 | 2 | 1-2 Friendlies + Rec |
U10 | 2 | U10 | 2 | 2-3 Friendlies + Rec |
U11/12 | 2 + NMSA | U11/12 | 2 + NMSA | NMSA |
NO U13/14 – Middle School Soccer / Volleyball conflicts 1?+ NMSA | U13/U14 | 2 + NMSA | NMSA |
* Traditionally there have been insufficient numbers to form a fall U9 Girls team; however, start up in the spring without fall experience puts the girls at a competitive disadvantage – We think the talent is there!! Players in this age group will be invited to participate in one tournament with the U10 girls in the fall should a standalone team fail to form.
The cost to participate in the LSC United is driven by tournament costs which typically run about $50 per player per tournament. In order to make it work costs generally run ~ $300-$375 for the full season (typically a little more for the older age groups) and we will look at the number of players attending tryouts in order to establish final costs. Jerseys will also run approximately $80 if you are purchasing a new one. Costs will be determined based on number of rostered players and the above tournament schedule. Teams may elect to play in additional tournaments; however, the team will be responsible for tournament fees in these instances (e.g., winter indoor tournaments like CMU or Grand Valley).
The LSC United program is intended to be financially accessible to all players – so if you need to set up a payment plan over the course of the year or need some financial relief to help offset some of the costs, we will work with your family to make that happen.