ABOUT THE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Monroe United, one of the most successful youth travel soccer programs in Southern NY State created the "Player Development League" (PDL) for boys and girls 3-8 years old that began play in April 2003. If you are not already familar with Monroe United, take the time to browse this site (click on "Travel-Home"). Monroe United (MUSC) was established in 1994 to provide an opportunity for young athletes to learn the game of soccer at the highest level possible. With a commitment to coaching standards that are far and away the highest of any youth soccer club in the area (90% of our coaches hold a United States Soccer Federation "D" License or higher) we have developed our players to succeed at the high school and college levels (see "scholarship" page on our travel site).
PDL's philosophy is that proper training must start at a young age. The Player Development League program teaches sound soccer fundamentals to both players and parent coaches in a fun, safe inter-club environment (no travel). Developed for boys and girls 3-9 years old, PDL teams play on Saturdays in age appropriate divisions; Squirts (3 year olds), Bantams (4-5 year olds) and Juniors (6-8) year olds. Juniors are evaluated throughout the year for advancement to our travel program. Parent participation as coaches, assistant coaches and team managers are fundamental to the success of the program (and your child's success as well). All parents are required to volunteer in some capacity in the PDL program (see application). PDL provides regular coaching modules to all of our parent coaches which are taught by our USSF "D" Licensed Coaching Staff. The modules are mandatory in each coach's first year and lead to MUSC's sponsorship of each coach for their USSF "F" License and beyond. There is no additional charge for coaching modules. PDL also holds regular training clinics for players and coaches throughout the season.
Why PDL for your child? A young athlete can still have a lot of fun in an environment that teaches proper fundamental skills like PDL. Often, other clubs (though well intentioned) do not focus enough on fundamental skills at these formative years or on coaching development. Young players who may aspire to play on travel, high school teams and beyond often are left behind if they come from a club program that has not focused on their fundamental skills. PDL works to prepare young players to play at higher levels when they get older should they wish to. All the while, they have a great time playing soccer!!
How to apply: Because of field space limitations, we will only be accepting a limited number of children to this program. Players will be accepted on a first come first served basis with completed application, parent volunteer affirmation and league fee.
The PDL fee for the Fall/Spring 2009/10 seasons is $140 This includes a uniform. Bantam and Junior games will be held on Saturday afternoons and Junior Division practices (one per week) are held at the discretion of the team coach during the week or on Saturday mornings. Bantam Division players meet only on Saturdays with training sessions held prior to their games. Squirts will now also meet on Saturday's (Times TBD) each week and the program stresses athletic movement, coordination, and non-competitive group games. To apply, go to the site navigator to the right, click on "Apply" and follow the directions for on-line applications and payment. If you have other questions, you may e-mail us at the link below. Be sure to include your e-mail address (it is not forwarded automatically) so that we can respond.
