Missouri Elite FC is a “girls-only” soccer club based in Springfield since June of 2003 (this is the beginning of our 11th year). The club is committed to developing female athletes’ leadership and soccer skills. The younger teams focus on skill development and fostering a true passion for the sport. The older teams continue to advance their knowledge and abilities in preparation to take their game to the collegiate level and/or improve upon their skills for high school. The key club goal is to open doors for girls who want to play college soccer.

 What to expect . . .  

• Dedicated, skilled, caring coaches focused on what’s best for the players
• Total staff of 8 women and 2 men (plus adding 3 dads as assistants Jeff U10, Brent U8, and Justin U7) 
• Training 7-10 months per year depending on age group; training held typically two nights a week August through February (HS teams) or August through May (U6-U14 teams) A club calendar with training dates and times for the fall will be distributed in September after league schedules are posted. The training schedule for August will be communicated by email. 
• Participation in competitive Fall Leagues (All teams) and Spring Leagues (U6-U14 only) 
• Participation in Fall and Spring tournaments- local and Midwestern area travel (U10-U18) 
• High School teams (U15-U18) play Fall and Winter (September through February) College Showcase Tourneys may include: Tulsa in Nov, KC in Dec, & Little Rock in Jan 
• Training will be held at Lake Country, Drury University and other local fields 
• Time off from intense training Thanksgiving to New Years (U6-U14 Only) 
• Option to participate in indoor leagues during the winter (Nov/Dec and Jan/Feb) 
• Indoor skills training and conditioning in January/February
• Individual fundraising opportunities if cost is an issue

Benefits of being part of a club . . .

• Regional recognition by college coaches and when applying for tournaments 
• Support from additional club coaches when needed by the team
•  Proven success at state cup level tournaments and college showcases  Older players to help mentor the younger players 
•  Option to share fields and guest trainers 
•  Ability to share administration for fees and financial management   Club success helps when recruiting new players 
•  College Recruiting Workshops and Mentoring Sessions 
•  Place to grow as a player (long-term) with a consistent coaching staff

Club Fees . . .

• Includes uniforms & practice t-shirt (jerseys & shorts are property of the club for U6-U18) 
•  Includes League fees for fall and spring (HSG fall only) and MYSA player registration costs 
•  Includes small coaching payments & small travel reimbursement budget for coaches for tournaments 
• Includes field rental for training and small supply budget for each team
• Does not include tournament fees (collected separately) or individual player travel expenses 
• Does not include indoor league fees 
• Does not include balls, socks, bags (optional) or warm-ups (optional)

More on Fees...

• We are a not-for-profit organization that strives to provide the best environment for growth and development of soccer while keeping the costs at an affordable rate for its members. 
• Club fees are collected in the fall and cover the entire playing year. A $100.00 “commitment fee” will be due on July 1 this year. Then half of each player’s club + tournament fees will be due by August 15. The remaining balance will be due by October 1. 
• Upfront collection of tournament fees for the year was new for 2012, and was implemented as a result of collection challenges in prior years. It worked well last year and will be continued for 2013. 
• The fees for 2013-2014 year are estimated as follows and will be finalized after roster numbers and other budget related adjustments are confirmed: 

Club Fee (range)                     Tournament Fee (which includes)
U6-U7 $300.00-$350.00       n/a
U8 $350.00-$400.00    n/a
U9-U10 $450.00-$500.00          $200  (2 fall and 2 spring)
U11 $450.00-$500.00    $250  (2 fall and 3 spring)
U13 $550.00-$600.00    $200  (2 fall and 2 spring)
U15-U18 $500.00-$550.00        $250   (2 fall and 3 showcases)  

• Additional tournament fees will be collected if a team decides to add tournaments in addition to the ones included in the tournament fees above. 
• Please contact Karla Burgbacher or your team manager if special financial circumstances exist to discuss other payment options.

Coach/Player/Parent/Team Expectations. . .

• RESPECT is #1. We show respect for all teammates, coaches, referees, parents, opponents, parents of opponents, everyone. Disrespectful behavior is not tolerated. Your behavior reflects on the club. 
• Communication. ALWAYS make sure your coach is aware when you will not be at practice or a game. Call, text, email. Provide as much notice as possible. 
• Sideline behavior and comments must be 100% positive. Cheering is encouraged but no coaching. 
• Please do not confront coaches with issues before a game when they are focused on getting the team prepared for the game or directly after a game when emotions are still running high. 
• U14 girls will participate in collaborative venture with SSC this year. Forming a joint MRL team that will compete in state cup and a southwest Missouri team that will play league in Spfd or Kansas City.

Other sports...

• Many players in the club participate in other sports. Clear communication between coach, player and parents is key when there are schedule conflicts. As long as schedule conflicts are identified well in advance, there will be time for the coach to ensure the team’s needs are covered. 

Outside Opportunities...

• We have a great relationship with Drury University. In addition to attending Drury soccer camp at an Elite club discounted rate, our club also provides ball girls for the Drury teams in the fall. 
• Many former players of the club are playing at the collegiate level and love to come back and work with the younger players during winter and summer breaks.