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Youth Competitive Stream | Notice Board


Comox Valley United’s Competitive Stream program is for all players aged U12 (2012) - U18 (2006) that want to develop in a performance-based program that will allow them to compete versus other upper island & lower island competition. 


Vision

To be a leader in grassroots sport best practices

Mission

To provide opportunity and promote the enjoyment of, a passion for, and participation in, the sport of soccer.

Guiding Principles  

Inclusivity:  Keeping as many players playing as possible, for as long as possible, in the best environment possible.

Opportunity: we will create environments for players to improve and have life building skills

Excellence: we will provide challenges in the four pillars of player development: Technical/Tactical, Physical, Psychological, and Socio-emotional to push players to higher levels of play.

Competitive: Winning isn’t the most important, but wanting to win, is. We will strive to be our best. 

Commitment: We are a club and not a collection of teams or players. As such, we want to all be guided by the same principles and put what’s best for the organization ahead of what’s best for the individual team 


Programming is for all boys & girls who can & want to commit to a full-time competitive soccer calendar for 2023/2024 season born in the following birth years: 

  • Super 8's (8v8 Game Format) - 2012
  • Nine’s (9v9 Game Format) - 2011
  • Eleven’s (11v11 Game Format) 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 & 2006 


The Program is a September to June program, however not all players will play until June.


The program is split into two parts, Pacific Development League (PDL) Part 1 with two phases and a West Coast Soccer League (WCL) Part 2 with a single phase.


Part 1 PDL play is an inclusive program open to any Competitive Player wanting to play in programming primarily focused on developing players for Soccer for Life.  


Part 2 WCL is a selected program with a greater focus on developing players who aspire to play Post-Secondary or Semi-Professionally.


CVUSC Competitive Program Flyer.  


Select the Buttons below for more information on the PDL, WCL, Upcoming Season, Registration and Fees, Coaching the PDL/WCL and Program's Game and Training Model



Pacific Development League | CVUSC Competitive Stream


Pacific Development League Play (Part 1 Phase #1) -  September - December: 

Pacific Development league Play (Part 1 Phase #1) September - December 


Phase 1 PDL play is an inclusive program open to any Competitive Player.  League play is followed by a short PDL District Cup competition in December.  

  • Consists of league play on Sundays requiring travel to other Island Communities.

  • All U12 to U18 teams play against other Upper Island teams.

  • U16 to U18 teams will also have some games against Lower Island Clubs.

  • Program shut down for the holidays & new year - End of December - early January

     

PDL Island Cup Play (Part 1 Phase #2) January - March: 


Phase 2 PDL moves into Island Cup play.  Teams compete with other UI teams for the opportunity to play a Lower Island Team for the Island Cup.

  • Consists of Island Cup and friendly games on Sundays vs Upper Island clubs only.  Island Cup Finals could be played in the Lower Island and on a Saturday. 

  • U12 and 13 league play ending with an Upper Island Jamboree

  • U14 to U18 play includes Island Cup games.  UI teams compete for the opportunity to play a Lower Island Rep in the Island Cup finals.  Lower Island team (U14, U16 and U18 hosted by Lower Island)

  • Our PDL teams will not play in BC Soccer’s Provincial B-Cup competition.

  • All teams U12 to U18 will play towards attending the Mayor’s Cup Tournament in March at the end of the PDL Part of our season.  

  • April - program shut down for spring break & easter and to reform into new teams for Part 2. 

PDL Practice and Game Schedule

U12 and U13 Boys and Girls Practice Wednesday and Friday nights 5:00 to 6:15. Vanier Turf. - Games Sunday

U14 Boys and Girls Practice Wednesday and Friday Nights 6:30 to 8:00. Vanier Turf. - Games Sunday

U15 to U18 Boys and Girls Practice Tuesday and Thursdays.  5:00 to 6:30 and 6:30 to 8:00.* - Games Sunday

*Please note, registration and the number of teams could require adjustments to the practice schedule.  U15-U18 start times will be determined once the number of teams are finalized.  


PDL Team Formations


Comox Valley United Soccer Club will no longer be holding formal ‘tryouts/evaluations/ placements’ for our PDL Competitive teams.


CVUSC believes all players should play at the level that they desire to play (Valley Youth Soccer League (VYSL) or Competitive.  Key differences between VYSL and Competitive streams are commitment level and mindset.  CVUSC wants to include and service as many players as possible within our programming.  Not holding tryouts/evaluations for the PDL teams reduces player stress and anxiety.  CVUSC Technical Staff and Coaches are constantly monitoring and evaluating players in their own environment (VYSL or Competitive). 

Player registers for their preferred stream (VYSL or Competitive)


  • PDL registration period occurs from mid-April to mid-May

  • Fall VYSL registration period occurs from mid-June to end of July

Once registration closes players are organized on teams by CVUSC Technical Staff with consultation of Club Coaches.  Teams will be formed to best to ensure everyone desiring to play has a team. 


CVUSC believes players will stay in soccer and improve if they are in the proper environment.  At times some players may not be technically, socially, or physically ready to play on a PDL team.  Players may be asked to play in the Valley Youth Soccer League for a period to develop the skill set for them to be successful at the PDL level.  


CVUSC also believes players are part of the club, not individual teams.  Player movement between teams is a large part of player development.  Players in the VYSL will be called on to train and play with the PDL teams.  Players wanting to play with the PDL team who are asked to develop in the VYSL will have the opportunity to train in the PDL.  


Super 8's U12 (8v8 Game Format) and Nines U13 (9v9 Game Format) Team Numbers


Pacific Development League Part 1 Phases 1 and 2. 2-4 teams per division

There will be multiple teams per Division.  For example, 28 U12 players and 26 U13 players would be formed into two U12 teams of 14 and two U13 Teams of 13.

Each team will be formed using a flexible approach, understanding the identification and placement of players in these ages is tough due to many children still being in the childhood stage of their development


However, each individual competency will still form a vital tool in placing players and forming our teams.


The guiding principle when forming teams is for a majority of players to play in their age group. 


Secondary is for a younger player to be moved permanently to the older team.  Any players permanently moved will be determined by the Technical Staff and only offered to players who will be successful playing for the older team. 


Younger children, those in U11, who have shown high potential/high performance & full commitment in previous programming will only be considered - the club’s staff will reach out directly to those identified through UDP (ACADEMY) & Valley Youth Soccer League (VYSL) programming. 


Players will train collectively for the pre-season and first few weeks into the season.  Players will be placed in groups, over these weeks, the technical team and team coaches will move players between the groups until teams are formed.

 

Players may be required to move between teams if the competitive balance is not correct.  


However, all players in each Division will train together albeit in separate groups thus carpooling, socializing with friends can take place. 


Players may be asked to occasionally play with an older team. For example, an U12 player playing for the U13 team or an U13 player playing for the U14 team.

 

Primary goal for playing up will be to form player pools.  Identified players in the younger age groups who will be called on to play for the older teams so more players have the opportunity.  Pooled players must be willing to have their game day schedule changed on short notice. 


CVUSC supports children playing multi-sport and does not want them to have to choose until they really need or want to.  Players though are expected to participate for the duration of both Phases and offer a minimum of 50% to the soccer program.  Please email our staff so a tailored plan can be developed to support participation and commitment to soccer. 


CVUSC believes everyone be afforded the opportunity at U12 and U13 to play if they desire.  Soccer is a late developing sport and all players have yet to develop to their full potential.  Many will be developmentally behind their peers.  Many factors determine the players current ability; experience, physical and cognitive development are a few factors.  CVUSC also recognizes the players relative ability to their peers will also determine their enjoyment and continuing with soccer.  Players may be asked to play in the VYSL.  Train and play with their VYSL team while continuing to train weekly with the “Super 8” or “Nine’s” program. Participation in the UDP is highly encouraged.  


U12 and U13 Nine’s do not play beyond March.  Players wanting to continue with soccer can register to play in the Vally Youth Soccer League


Elevens's U14 to U18 (11v11 Game Format)

1 Team per division with a possibility of a second team if registration supports an additional team.

There will be at least one team per division (birth year).  Players, when possible, will play within their division (birth year).

Teams will be formed with the goal of having a minimum of 16 players. Maximum of 20 (League maximum).

Players may be required to play on a non-birth year team, so all players have a place to play, and the club has viable teams.  Players may play on teams with older and or younger players.  

Players may be asked to play on older teams if a birth year’s registration exceeds the league roster maximum of 20.  Players moved permanently to the older team will be determined by the CVUSC Technical Staff in consultation with the Team Coaches.  Any players permanently moved are those who the Technical Staff determine will be successful playing for the older team.

CVUSC supports children playing multi-sport and does not want them to have to choose until they really need or want to.  Players though are expected to participate for the duration of both Phases and offer a minimum of 50% to the soccer program.  Please email our staff so a tailored plan can be developed to support participation and commitment to soccer.

To Register Click Here

CVUSC Refund Policy


Questions can be directed to our Director of Soccer and Technical Lead darrin@cvusc.org

 


Pacific Development Teams FAQ

Competitive Stream General FAQ

  • Can my Under 11 (a year younger) child be considered to play on a PDL team?

    Children who have shown high potential/high performance & full commitment in previous programming will only be considered - the clubs staff will reach out directly to those identified through UDP (ACADEMY) & Valley youth soccer League (VYSL) programming.

  • Do I have to register to be placed on a team?

    Yes all players must be registered beforehand so they and the club are covered by BC Soccer’s registration and the club can plan accordantly to place players and form teams.  

  • My child plays multiple sports, will this be considered?

    Yes, we want to support children to be able to play multiple sports without having to choose until they really need or want too. Players though are expected to participate for the duration of Phase 1 and 2 while offering a minimum of 50% to the soccer program.  Please email our staff so a tailored plan can be developed to support participation & commitment to soccer. 


  • My player wants to be with certain friends & certain coaches. Why are they not with their friends?

    In some cases players will be placed with current friends, in some cases players will be asked to make new friends, just like we all have done in our everyday lives.  This ties into our philosophy that this is more than soccer & key life skills will be created by playing this game.  However all players in each division will train together albeit in separate groups thus meaning carpooling social with friends can take place & they will still see each other week to week.

  • What does it cost to play?

    All PDL players U12 to U18 player fees are $495.  Include shorts, socks and a training top, plus the use of a home and away club jerseys. 

    WCL players U14 to U18 players fess is an additional $195. 

  • What do the fee’s cover?

    The fee’s cover a large number of expenses including but not limited to the following:  The use of a home and away Club Jersey.  Registration with Upper Island Soccer, BC Soccer and Canada Soccer.  Game Officials.  Playing equipment.  Rain kit for coaches. Staff wages, the club employees a full time administrator and Technical Lead plus a full time Technical Team member plus part time positions.  Registration for one tournament for all Competitive teams.  Turf field recapitulation fee.  Office expenses. Capital Projects like the new change rooms scheduled to be built in the spring of 2023.  Coaching Courses and Referee courses - All our coaches are required to be certified and have to take at minimum three courses over a career.  The club also pays to train Referees and to have them re-certified.  

  • What if my player does not want to partake in the academy program however wants to play for their team? Is this an option?

    Yes.  We don’t want to force players to train in the academy however given that repetition is the key to getting better, fulfillment & enjoyment in any activity, we want all players to do academy programming to enhance performances within their teams & their games.

  • What is a typical training week programming consist of?

    Note this may be different due to scheduling needs & individual player needs however 4 days per week is typical for competitive soccer programming in Canada

    Example 1: Monday UDP Academy programming Academy programming delivered by professional academy staff.  Tuesday Competitive teams practice.  Training delivered by team coaches.  Wednesday Day off.  Thursday Competitive teams practice.  Training delivered by team coaches.Friday Day off.  Saturday Day off.  Sunday Match Competitive game day.

    Example 2:  Monday UDP Academy programming Academy programming delivered by professional academy staff. Tuesday Day off. Wednesday Competitive teams practice.  Training delivered by team coaches.Training delivered by team coach Thursday Day off. Friday Competitive teams practice.  Training delivered by team coaches. Training delivered by team coach. Saturday Day off. Sunday Match day Competitive game day.

  • Will everyone be placed on a team?

    CVUSC is committed to keeping as many players playing as possible and placing players in the most appropriate environments. 

    This being said, please be aware that there are various constraints and team formation requires numerous factors to be considered.

    CVUSC believes everyone be afforded the opportunity at U12 and U13 to play if they desire.  Soccer is a late developing sport and all players have yet to develop to their full potential.  Many will be developmentally behind their peers.  Many factors determine the players current ability; experience, physical and cognitive development are a few factors.  CVUSC also recognizes the players relative ability to their peers will also determine their enjoyment and continuing with soccer.  Players may be asked to play in the VYSL.  Train and play with their VYSL team while continuing to train weekly with the “Super 8” or “Nine’s” program. Participation in the UDP is highly encouraged.  

  • Will I have any other fees if successful making a team?

    Yes teams will attend tournaments, showcases and can qualify for Provincials. These expenses are not covered by registration fees. 

West Coach League | CVUSC Competitive Stream


CVUSC WCL teams are an extension of the September to March U14 - U18 PDL team program.  All CVUSC players are eligible to be selected to play on a WCL team. Interested PDL players must register before the end of their PDL team season to be considered for a WCL Team.   PDL teams do not carry on past March. Players are evaluated throughout the season, the CVUSC Technical Staff and Team coaches will select the WCL teams from the registered players.  Teams will be selected mid-March to mid-April

CVUSC WCL teams will compete for a place in the BC Soccer Provincial A-Cup in June.  Our WCL teams compete against other WCL Tier 2 Teams from Victoria and the Upper Island. CVUSC will select both Boys and Girls teams to play in the A-Cup League for the  U14, U16 and U18 age groups. Travel to Victoria will be required. Non CVUSC players can be invited to play if no CVUSC player is displaced. 


West Coast League Play (Part 2 Phase 3) April to June 

  • 1 Team at U14, U16 and U18 divisions. 
  • Each team at U14, U16 and U18 will have a max game day squad to 18.
  • Teams will have a minimum of 16 players. 
  • Rosters will be limited to CVUSC players unless the team roster are not filled.  Non CVUSC players can be invited to top up rosters.
  • While U14, 16, 18 are our targeted age bands, if numbers and ability levels allow for it, additional teams will be considered.
  • Girls WCSL game day is Saturday.  Boys WCSL game day is Sunday. 


WCL Team Formation

CVUSC will no longer be holding formal "tryouts/evaluations/placements" for our WCL teams. WCL players come from our PDL teams, CVUSC Technical Staff and coaches will have monitored the players over the course of the PDL season. Technical Staff and Team Coaches will determine the WCL teams based on these observations.

WCL play starts at the end of April. Teams will be announced after the Mayor's Cup Tournament, typically played mid to early March.

CVUSC Technical Staff and Team Coaches will meet after the conclusion of the PDL season to select the WCL teams.  Teams will be announced at the end of March or early April. Teams will start training early to mid-April. 

Season Infromation can be found under the 2023 / 2024 and Registration Buttons.

CVUSC Refund Policy 


Questions can be directed to our Director of Soccer and Technical Lead darrin@cvusc.org



West Coast League FAQ


2023 / 2024  PDL and WCL Season | CVUSC Competitive Stream


PDL Sept 2023 to March 2024 

  • All players must be registered by May 19, 2023.  Registration opens April 19, 2023.
  • U14 to U18 team formation to be completed by June 9, 2023
  • Super 8 and Nine’s everyone will be contacted by June 18. 
  • PDL Season:
  • CVYSC Competitive Program Pre-season Training Camp the week of August 28, 2023. 
  • Regular season training starts Sept 5, 2023
  • League play starts Sept 9 or Sept 16, 2023
  • League play finishes March 2/3 or March 9/10
  • Mayor’s Cup March 16/17 

WCL April - June 2024

  • WCL Registration:
  • All players must be registered by March 9, 2024.  Registration opens Feb 1, 2024
  • WCL Season:
    • Training April 2, 2024 
    • League play starts April 20/21, 2024
    • League Play ends June 3/4. 
  • Play downs
    • Semi-finals June 10/11
    • Finals June 17/18
    • BC Soccer Provincials June 29 to July 2


To Register Click Here

CVUSC Refund Policy 

Questions can be directed to the club's Technical Lead darrin@cvusc.org

Registration and Fees | CVUSC Competitive Stream


Pacific Development League (Sept 2023 to March 2024)

Registration for the 2023 / 2024 Season (Play starting September 2023) opens April 19.  All players must be registered by May 19, 2023.  Registrations opens April 19.  U14 to U18 team formation to be completed by June 9, 2023.  Super 8's and Nines's everyone will be contacted by June 9, 2023 about their group placements.

All PDL players fee for the 2023 / 2024 Season (Sept to March) is $495.  Players will no longer have to purchase playing clothing and jerseys separately, a $150 cost.  Shorts, socks and a training top are now included for the players to keep.  Also a home and away jersey will be provided for the player's to borrow for the season.  Registrations also includes a Pre-Season Training Camp lead by CVUSC Technical Staff tentatively scheduled for the week of Aug 28, 2023. 

West Coast League (April 2024 to June 2024)

WCL fee is an additional $175.  Players will be provided with a home and away jersey to borrow.  All players must register by March 9, 2024.  Registration opens February 1, 2024.

PDL Practice and Game Schedule

U12 and U13 Boys and Girls Practice Wednesday and Friday nights 5:00 to 6:15.  Vanier Turf. - Games Sunday

U14 Boys and Girls Practice Wednesday and Friday Nights 6:30 to 8:00. Vanier Turf.  - Games Sunday

U15 to U18 Boys and Girls Practice Tuesday and Thursdays.  5:00 to 6:30 and 6:30 to 8:00.* - Games Sunday

*Please note, registration and the number of teams could require adjustments to the practice schedule.  U15-U18 start times will be determined once the number of teams are finalized. 

To Register Click Here

CVUSC Refund Policy 

Questions can be directed to the club's Technical Lead darrin@cvusc.org


Registration and Fees FAQ

  • Do I have to register if I want to be evaluated?

    Yes, all players must be registered for WCL beforehand, to be considered for a WCL team.


  • Will I have any other fees if I successfully make a team?
    Yes teams will attend tournaments, showcases and can qualify for Provincials.  These expenses are not covered by registration fees.


  • What do the fees Cover.

    The fee’s cover a large number of expenses including but not limited to the following:  The use of a home and away Club Jersey.  Registration with Upper Island Soccer, BC Soccer and Canada Soccer.  Game Officials.  Playing equipment.  Rain kit for coaches. Staff wages, the club employees a full time administrator and Technical Lead plus a full time Technical Team member plus part time positions.  Registration for one tournament for all Competitive teams.  Turf field recapitulation fee.  Office expenses. Capital Projects like the new change rooms scheduled to be built in the spring of 2023.  Coaching Courses and Referee courses - All our coaches are required to be certified and have to take at minimum three courses over a career.  The club also pays to train Referees and to have them re-certified.  

Coaching PDL and WCL | CVUSC Competitive Stream


CVUSC believes the role of a coach is critical in the delivery of a positive soccer experience. Players want to learn, grow, and be challenged, in a fun, safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Continuous education is paramount in developing coaches for their own confidence and enjoyment, but the benefit to players is critical in all levels of participation. 


CVSUC coaches wishing to Coach in the Competitive PDL or WCL program are required to have as a minimum completed the following training. 

  • Soccer Canada’s Soccer for Life

  • BC Soccer’s Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders

  • NCCP’s Making Head Way Concussion (Soccer) eLearning.

All training is free to CVSUC coaches.  All three qualifications are online and can be completed at the coach's convenience.  Soccer for Life has an on field four-hour workshop requirement.  CVSUC will strive to host a Soccer for Life workshop annually.  Coaches who are not able to attend the CVUSC workshop must complete the online theory component and complete the workshop within one year.  Either at CVUSC or another club.  Information on Soccer for Life clinics and how to register for CSA Soccer For Life on line module can be found here CVUSC Coaching Clinics


Respect in Sport can be completed online.  Contact our Director of Soccer darrin@cvusc.org for an access code and details on how register.


Making Ethical Decisions and Making Head Way Concussion (Soccer)  free online through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) 


Important Dates for Coaches 2023/2024 Season


PDL Coaching Applications:

 

More information click here.


WCL Coaching Applications:

  • Applications will be accepted February 1, 2024 

  • All coaches must apply by February 23, 2024. 

Game and Training Model | CVUSC Competitive Stream

Player and Team development will be guided by the "Comox Way" Player Development Model

Players will be also exposed to all 4 corners of development (Technical/Tactical, Physical, Psychological, Social) based on their age and stage of development. This includes but is not limited to: 

  • Player Habits - Vision and Awareness, 1v1 Attacking, Enticing Pressure, Positive Passing, Showing for the Ball/Forward Runs, Receiving & Turning, Scoring Goals

  • Four Moments of the Game

    • Attacking Organization - 'Dynamic and Fearless' DNA - A positive and dynamic attitude by individuals and the group with the ability to change and adapt as needed. Players who are confident and willing to take risks at the right moments

    • Defensive Transition - ‘Hunt Mentality' DNA - A relentless will to win the ball back immediately after the loss of possession. We want to dominate with possession of the football. 

    • Defensive Organization - ‘Organized' DNA - A unified structure that works together to regain possession of the football as high up the pitch as possible.

    • Attacking Transition - ‘Secure’ DNA - An ability to maintain possession and advance forward at the same time, if possible. 

  • Technical/Tactical 

    • Global Principles of Play

  • Physical

    • Increase physical literacy and strength

    • Helping children lead and learn about a healthy lifestyle

  • Psychological

    • Provide healthy challenge and competition

    • Give players tools to overcome adversity and celebrate accomplishments

  • Social

    • Fun environment to create new friendships

    • Learn how to work in and as a team 




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