Elite FC Mission Statement
The Elite Football Club was established to provide players
in Northwest Columbus with an opportunity to play competitive soccer with great
coaching. The club's main focus is to develop the players's skill and passion
for the game of soccer. The club provides an elite soccer experience with
great coaching while keeping player fees as low as possible.
"Its not about elite players....it's about an Elite
experience...."
Elite FC History
The Elite
FC Soccer Club was a brainstorm of two high school boys from Youngstown, Ohio. Chad
Simkins and Marc Kirsch developed the idea of Elite FC during their high school
years. In 1999 the idea became a reality. Kirsch started the club with
the help of Dan Lahut to provide opportunity for high school boys to play in the
spring season. The club had two teams during the spring of 1999. The first
youth team was added in the fall of 1999. In the fall of 2000 Elite FC moved
from Delaware, Ohio to Marysville, Ohio. The club then took off with many youth
teams and high school aged teams. The growth was due to the great coaching staff,
low fees, and family style environment that Elite FC tries to foster amongst all
their teams. This club currently has more than 35 teams and over 500
players with nearly every age group having two teams within the same gender. The
club has sent many players onto playing for their high school teams and also onto
the college ranks to play.
Fees
The Elite FC club fee for the 2009/10 season is $360 - $650 per player depending
on the level and program that your athlete is enrolled in. These fees cover player
state registration fees, coaching, insurance, uniforms, field maintenance, and up
to two tournaments.
We have two major fundraisers built into the Elite FC fee structure. The first fundraiser
is the annual golf outing. The proceeds from the golf outing are directly allocated
to field improvements and equipment. We count heavily on our parents and club
friends to support this fundraiser in order to keep our costs low.
Our second major fundraiser is the Kroger Community Rewards program. After the parent
signs up and encourages family and neighbors to do the same, half of the reward
accumulated through the associated cards will be applied back to your club fees,
while the other half goes to Elite FC for the purchase of field equipment.
Playing fees should not be a barrier to any child interested in travel soccer. If
your player is interested in playing but cannot meet the financial requirements
listed above, please let us know and we will try to make accomodations.
Playing Time
It is our policy that all players selected for a team will play. However, this does
not mean that playing time will be equal or even that every player will play in
every game. Playing time is determined by the coach and will depend on a variety
of factors including skill, attitude, commitment, and conduct. Players may not get
to play the position of their own choosing; it is the coach’s job to position players
where they can best help the team.
Players are expected to exhibit a commitment to the team and put forth effort at
practices and games. Commitment (attendance) and effort can effect playing time.
We recognize that players and families may have conflicts on occasion that
will keep them away for practice. The manager or coach should be informed of these
conflicts ahead of time.
Coaches
Our current coaching staff includes current high school and college coaches, current
college soccer players, as well as several former professional players. Elite
FC coaches are selected based on their abilities to help develop proper soccer skills,
communicate with the players, the temperament to control themselves in competitive
game situations, dedication to the sport and their team, and teach team tactics.
Team Managers
Elite FC team managers are the business and organizational part of each team. They
are responsible for scheduling and attending all team events, arranging out-of-town
accommodations, assisting at team practices as needed, and to make sure there is
good communication between team parents and the coach. They take care of all organizational
issues, freeing up the coach to concentrate on coaching and making all decisions
about playing time, positions, game tactics, and training.
Uniforms
For many years it has been the goal of the club to have all of our teams outfitted
in the same uniform. This gives us a consistent club image across all age groups
and gives us tremendous buying power with our vendors. Elite FC has partnered
with Puma due to their superior quality and affordable price. Each player is provided
two jerseys, one pair of shorts and one pairs of socks. At the end of the
season, the players keep all items. Additional items such as extra game socks and
club apparel may be purchased if desired.
Practices
Most teams practice 3 or 4 times per week, less if games are scheduled. Practice
length is usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours in length. Outdoor practices
will usually begin in the early spring as weather permits, although some of our
teams play a year-round schedule and start activities in the fall.
Tournaments
The number of tournaments a team plays will be determined by the coach. Most Elite
FC teams play 1 - 3 fall tournaments and 2 - 3 spring tournaments. On average teams
will play 5 tournaments each year although some teams will play more. These trips
make for good weekend vacations, and help the players (and parents) come together
as a team. Everyone has a lot of fun.