ABYSA Classic
The Highland Football Club (HFC)

Click HERE for a complete tryout schedule (pdf)
REVISED FOR RAINOUTS

Prospective HFC Player/Parent,

Thank you for your interest in attending tryouts this year. We want to make sure that all of your questions about ABYSA/HFC and classic soccer are answered. In addition to the information on this page, you can access material about the cost of playing classic soccer.

CLASSIC SOCCER

The goal of HFC is to provide talented young athletes, who possess a strong interest in soccer training and competition, an environment that will allow them to reach their maximum potential in the sport. We strive to offer the highest level of soccer training available to youth in Western North Carolina and employ the best coaching staff available. Over ninety percent of our coaches have played soccer at the collegiate level or higher and hold coaching licenses from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Coaches in the older age groups commonly have collegiate coaching experience.

HFC teams compete in the NCYSA classic league, the highest level of competition available to youth players in our state. Playing classic soccer with HFC requires a significant level of commitment from both players and their family. This commitment is an essential component for each player who wishes to reach his or her potential in soccer and for our club and our teams to be successful. If selected, you will need to arrange your schedule so that you can participate in your team's training sessions, games, and tournament activities. HFC families help each other and cooperate with transportation and travel in order to make this happen. We do ask our families to give a serious commitment to the club regarding finance, time and other resources, but the rewards from the friendships developed and the quality of time spent with your child are immeasurable.

Additionally, we expect the highest level of sportsmanship from our players, coaches and parent spectators at all times.  It is important that all of our members support us in this endeavor.

PLAYER SELECTION POLICY

HFC holds fair and open tryouts every year to form teams from the best soccer players that are capable and committed. We are always interested in identifying new talent. The average team has 15 - 18 players on their roster (U11 & U12 teams average 11 - 13 players). HFC coaches make all decisions on team selection. Unless excused by the Director of Coaching, every player must tryout in his or her true age group. Players will only be assigned to an older age group team for player development reasons, not for convenience, and these are rare exceptions. After the first team has been selected, HFC may form additional teams in any age group where enough classic level players are available.

NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION

HFC will notify via e-mail players who have been selected, not selected or who will be asked to attend a supplemental tryout at a later date. All e-mails will be sent as soon as possible after the initial tryout dates. It is very important that you let us know if you will accept a position, if offered, by the second tryout date. If you are undecided please contact us.  An HFC representative will help you with any questions you might have about the program.

WHAT IF I AM NOT OFFERED A POSITION ON A CLASSIC TEAM?

Players not selected for a classic team will be referred to the ABYSA Challenge Program. Assessments made at Classic tryouts will be forwarded to the Challenge Director, who will contact the player.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Tryout Fee: $10

Age Groups: From Under-10 to Under-18, boys' & girls' teams - See age group chart

Training Seasons: Fall (July-November) and Spring (January-May)

Game Seasons: Fall (September-November) and Spring (mid-February-mid-May)

Tryouts: Beginning Monday, May 19, 2008.

Travel:
- League Play mostly western half of state (2 hours or less)
-Tournaments: (2-3 per season) regionally (up to 4 hours)

Coaching: Professional, nationally-licensed coaches. Specialized goalkeeper training.

Practices: 3 per week, plus goalkeeper. Time of day, day of the week and location depends on field and coach availability.

Cost: around $750 per season plus uniform and travel expenses.  Partial financial aid and fundraising opportunities are available to mitigate costs.  Also see cost of playing classic soccer and G.O.A.L.S. Financial Aid Information.

For more information and to continue the registration process,
click here.