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General Information |
| Desert Foothills developmental and competitive soccer,
known as the Desert Elite
Program, is recognized across the state of Arizona as one of the
fastest growing and balanced programs available. Our program focuses
on player development, with emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship.
The standards of the Desert Elite program are high for
both parents and players. Respect, commitment and accountability are
qualities we ask all our members to endorse both on and off the
field. Our Desert Elite and Desert Fire teams compete at the
highest level in Arizona and throughout the Southwest United States.
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Fees |
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Elite player fee $130* (after DFAC base
registration fee)
U8, U9 and HS teams playing 1/2 season player fee $80*
(after DFAC base registration fee)
*Additional Team Fees will vary depending on number of tournaments, training, etc. Consult coach for details.
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Clarification of Skill Levels
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| Developmental–
For players willing to make a more
significant commitment than our recreational program. Players are selected from
skill evaluation sessions. There will usually be 2 practices a week, all teams play in the
Valley Youth Soccer League (VYSL), with 2 or more weekends dedicated to
tournaments, and additional fees for training/tournaments depending on
coach. Everyone plays half the game minimum. Season runs through early Feb. Most of these teams use our Desert Fire name and fall under the
Desert
Elite Program. Also, includes all our U9/U10 Desert Elite teams. |
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Competitive/Premiere– Our highest level of play for
players U11 and above; usually one team per division. Players are selected from
skill evaluation sessions. Includes multiple
practices a week, additional fees for coaching/training/tournaments/equipment.
Playing time is dependent on coach. Typically 5 or more weekends
dedicated to tournaments. Season could run into March/April. Teams are
expected to participate in State tournaments during March and April.
The most competitive teams will participate in tournaments outside of
Arizona to support their level of competition.
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Coach/Team Selection
Process |
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Coaches for Desert Elite and Desert Fire teams
are selected/assigned by the Desert Elite Subcommittee. All
players are selected through the skill evaluation sessions scheduled in
the spring. DFAC has a formal process for selecting players to
eliminate subjectivity. Two or three evaluators are assigned to each
session, including the team coach, and another member(s) of the DFAC training staff not affiliated with the team. All players must
go through this process each season. Players are evaluated on
various skills, attitude and teamwork. |
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Training |
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Each Desert Elite and Desert Fire team will be
assigned a professional trainer. In most cases, the trainer will
serve in a coaching capacity for the team. Private training is
available for those players who want to further enhance their skills.
The Desert Foothills soccer program has a complete training staff including goal keeping,
offense skills, defensive skills and conditioning. All training is
under the guidance of the Director of Coaching. Desert Foothills
soccer uses Coerver training methods based on the 6 building blocks of
player development: ball mastery, receiving and passing, 1v1 moves, speed,
finishing and group attack. |
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