Competitive Soccer & the Placer United Experience

Posted On October 13, 2010 by PUSC

Important Questions and Answers

What is the Placer United Soccer Club (PUSC) experience?

• Young soccer players of all levels who develop in an environment where they can realize their promise and potential
• A challenging, dynamic organization and club culture that strives for and breeds excellence
• High caliber people and players who enjoy professional training that translates into success on and off the field
• Competing with and against the best in league play and top-level tournaments

“We heard good things about Placer United from a friend, and our son wanted to try competitive soccer. We are so glad we did. Our family’s experience with Placer United has been amazing!” – Kim Stahl, Cliff’s mom, U11 Boys Black

What makes soccer and life lessons learned from Placer United coaches so special?

• Because many of our coaches have played and coached at high levels nationally and internationally, they offer a broader view and more effective tools for player development.
• Our coaches have more combined experience, advanced degrees, and coaching licenses than any competitive soccer club in the Greater Sacramento region.
• We uniquely emphasize team chemistry more than the individual so young athletes are equipped through soccer to be team players in school and later on in their lives.
• Experiencing and overcoming the ups and downs of competitive soccer as a team creates the foundation for lasting friendships and memories.

“Winning the U.S. Club National Championships was a life lesson in perseverance and dedication for my teammates and me as we faced many challenges and adversities along the way. While it’s the final game that we will always remember, it’s the journey we traveled together that made it possible.” – Savannah Coiner, U17 Girls Gold

Why do more than 600 kids and 38 teams play competitive soccer at Placer United every year?

• Our explosive growth as a club indicates that we offer a soccer venue that kids love and thrive in.
• Parents see the value of their investment in their child as they enjoy watching their games and seeing them grow as players and people.
• Quality training sessions and top-notch facilities where many Placer United teams train at the same time foster interaction and motivation among older and younger players.

“It’s wonderful to see how our daughter has grown as a player and person. She absolutely loves the sport and her team. Our family is looking forward to another great upcoming year!” – Stacey Schultz, Savannah ‘s mom, U13 Girls Gold

Since its founding in 1981, how many players from Placer United have played at the collegiate level or higher?

• Our history dates back more than 28 years when our first U19 boys team was formed, and one player advanced to play NCAA Division 1 soccer with San Diego State University and two others played at Consumnes River College.
• Since 2005, our club has averaged more than 25 players per year playing at the collegiate level, including UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Sacramento State , Cal Poly SLO, Pepperdine, Biola, Naval Academy , UC San Diego, Sonoma State , Westmont, CSU Monterey Bay , Emery, Southern Oregon, University of Seattle , Dominican and Sierra College .
• Five players have participated in the U.S. National Team pool.
• During 2009, three Placer United players have been pursuing professional soccer careers.

“Moving to Placer United was a big step. It was a necessary change to get me where I need to go. The club and coaches bring out the best in every single player.” – Christian Grapel, U18 Boys Gold, recently signed to play at Stevens College and major in biomedical engineering

What is CDA, and how can it benefit my son or daughter who loves soccer and dreams of playing at the highest level?

• The California Development Academy (CDA) is a collaborative effort between PUSC and San Juan Soccer Club.
• CDA is the only club in the Sacramento area that received the prestigious U.S. Development Academy designation from the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) because of its organization and leadership.
• Development Academies designated by the USSF provide the training and competitive environment for the best youth players striving for U.S. National Team opportunities.
• USSF Development Academy Showcase tournaments provide direct exposure to U.S. National Team coaches and top Division I college coaches from across the nation.
• Visit www.cdasoccer.com.

“The caliber of play and the environment at the Nike U.S. Development Academy Showcase in Phoenix last month sums up what the U.S. Development Academy is all about. The quality and ability of the players there was phenomenal, and being able to watch and compete in that environment has given me a great sense of how good we can become.It provided me with tremendous exposure and the challenge to play against excellent teams. Because of CDA and my play, I’ve recently had the opportunity to play with the U.S. National team as an invitee at
the Olympic Training Center in San Diego . For any player hoping to do the same, the academy is the only way to go.” – Austin Bravo, CDA U18

Why are other programs forming in our area that claim to offer new competitive Division 1 soccer?

• In 2009, PUSC, along with all but two other competitive clubs in the Sacramento area, were forced out of CYSA because of its onerous requirements of competitive teams and players.
• CYSA is attempting to backfill this loss of high-level competitive clubs, teams, and players.
• Two new programs are being formed in the Placer area by parents who want to coach their own kids.

“Because of PUSC, my 18-year-old nephew is being looked at by several universities, and he is one of my son’s mentors. This is my son’s first year playing soccer, and I have seen his skills improved tremendously because of the talented, passionate, and dedicated coaching staff. I plan to keep my son with PUSC for years to come.” – David Ibarra, Steven’s dad, U13 Boys Black

Why is Placer United Soccer Club the best competitive option?

• We are the only viable competitive soccer club with a proven history located in Placer County .
• Our track record and ability to develop top-level players and people is unmatched in our region.
• We are viewed as one of the best-organized and best-run competitive soccer clubs in the country, as demonstrated by our receipt of USSF Development Academy distinction.

“Are we perfect? No. Any organization that thinks it has it all together stops improving. Our club may not be for everyone. But we will continue to strive to create the best opportunities for our players and to be one of the finest competitive soccer clubs possible.” – Paul O’Brien, Boys Director of Coaching