Information for U12 Players (Born in 2000)

Magnuson Ford Mariners FC and the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League

We’d like to introduce you to Magnuson Ford Mariners FC, a founding franchise in the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League (Premier League and formerly called the HPL).  Magnuson Ford Mariners FC and is supported by our partners Langley FC, Chilliwack FC and Aldergrove Youth SC.

What is the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL)?

EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League is a new league created by BC Soccer to provide a higher calibre of player training and competition than what was provided by the Metro and Selects Leagues.  Eight BCSPL franchises were granted to organizations in BC, six of which are located in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.  Magnuson Ford Mariners FC received one of these founding BCSPL franchises.

The BCSPL was created to not only implement a more competitive game environment for the province’s top youth players, but also to provide a higher calibre training environment and more professional club organization and operation.  BCSPL coaches need to meet specific technical requirements, and BCSPL coaches are paid positions.  There are also no geographic boundaries for the BCSPL, so players are free to join the BCSPL club of their choice.

Who are the players that the BCSPL is focused on?

The BCSPL is for elite level boys and girls playing U13 – U18.  BCSPL players should aspire to play in the most competitive environment available, and to achieve their provincial, national, university, and/or professional playing potential.

Why should I play in the BCSPL rather than in the Metro-Select League?

The BCSPL was created to be a higher calibre player development league than the Metro-Select League.  In addition to providing higher calibre competition, playing with a MFMFC BCSPL team provides:

·         Professional team coaching

·         Higher calibre training environment

·         Technical oversight by our highly qualified and professional full-time Technical Directors

The BCSPL is also the preferred pathway to higher-level player opportunities, including BC Provincial Team Program, Whitecaps Residency Program, and the CSA National Training Centre and National Teams, and serves as an important scouting environment for Canadian and US colleges and universities.

When is the BCSPL Season?  Is there a break in the summer?

The main BCSPL season runs from March to November, with a summer break (typically early July to mid August).

For current U12 players (2000 born), there will be a U12/13 Transition Season which runs in two phases April to July and then September to November 2012.  2000 born players will then play a full season at U13 in the BCSPL starting in March 2013.

Why would I be playing U12/13 this fall and U13 next year, instead of U13 right away?

Under BC Soccer rules, the age for a league is based on the year of the last month of play.  So, a season that ends in March 2013 (i.e. Metro Selects) is the same age  (i.e. U13) as a season that ends in November 2013 (i.e. BCSPL), regardless of when that season starts.  For example, the current BCSPL U13s (1999 born) are playing U13 BCSPL until November 2012, whereas the U13 Metro Selects season ends in March 2012.

Why should I play with Magnuson Ford Mariners FC?

Magnuson Ford Mariners FC has a long history of excellence in the development of players and coaches. They have brought this experience and expertise to the fore in the establishment and operation of Magnuson Ford Mariners FC along with the support and cooperation of our partners Langley FC, Chilliwack FC and Aldergrove Youth SC.

Coaching

Magnuson Ford has assembled a team of highly qualified, experienced and professional staff and team coaches:

·         Ian Knight, Technical Director Magnuson Ford Mariners FC

·         Shaun Mason, Technical Director Langley FC

·         Qualified and Professional Team Coaches

Philosophy

Magnuson Ford Mariners FC believes in a player-centered approach to development. This means seeking to provide players with the right environment, coaching, training, and playing opportunities that will allow them to maximize their potential as a player.  We have had several players from younger teams gain training and playing time with MFMFC teams at older ages, and our Men’s and Women’s Premier Teams. We support players who can move on to the next level (such as continued play at older age groups, Whitecaps Residency Program, Provincial Team Programs, and the CSA NTC and National Team Programs) and have many contacts with the local Universities and Colleges.

We also strive to maintain an environment where players, parents, coaches, volunteers, officials, and opponents are all treated with mutual respect and consideration.  We support the CSA’s Long-term Player Development Model, and operate our Club in accordance with the CSA Wellness to World Cup.

Program

Magnuson Ford Mariners FC’s player development program includes:

·         3 training sessions per week

·         On-field and off-field support from our TDs and staff coaches

·         Specialized coaching, including

·         SAQ, Injury Prevention, Nutrition and Goalkeeping

Exposure

As the top-tier youth soccer league in the province, the BCSPL is the preferred pathway towards higher-level opportunities.  Not only is the league scouted on a regular basis, but Mariners team and staff coaches are well connected in the soccer community, and many coaches have been actively involved in local university and college teams.

Who are the Magnuson Ford Mariners FC Coaches?

Selection of our head coaches for our U12/13 teams has not been finalized. However, they will work in conjunction with and under the guidance of our Technical Director Ian Knight and our staff coaches.

Is specialized coaching provided?

Specialized coaching for Speed-Agility-Quickness and Injury Prevention are an integrated part of our program, and we have dedicated goalkeeping coaches for our keepers.

How often do Mariners teams train?

Mariners teams train 3 times per week during the season and pre-season, and once or twice per week during the off-season.  There are dedicated rest periods over Christmas and during mid-summer.

When does the first season for 2000-born players run?

The U12/13 Transition Season (for players born in 2000) runs from September to November 2012.  The full U13 season for 2000 born players will run from March 2013 to November 2013.

What MFMFC’s player cost?

We are reviewing our costs from the initial September to November 2011 season that just ended before finalizing our cost structure for the transition season starting in April 2012. 

Where are Magnuson Ford Mariners FC training sessions?

Magnuson Ford Mariners FC teams train at Upper Sumas in Abbotsford and Willoughby Turf Fields in Langley.  In some circumstances, a team may train at another location in Abbotsford or a location provided by one of our regional partners.

Where are Magnuson Ford Mariners FC home games?

Magnuson Ford Mariners FC home games are held at Exhibition Park & Bateman Park in Abbotsford and Willoughby Turf Fields in Langley.  Games are played on either natural grass or on artificial turf.

Can you still play other sports if you are on a MF Mariners FC BCSPL Team?

Magnuson Ford Mariners FC supports the CSA Long-Term Player Development Model, which states (for U13 players):

Soccer is now the player’s primary sport, but complimentary sports are encouraged which support movement and athleticism suitable to soccer…

So yes, you can play other sports, but players must make soccer their primary commitment.  The actual interpretation of what level of commitment is required will be up to the team coaches and will vary with the age of the player.

When are evaluations for 2000 born players?