The Select Program represents the highest level of competitive club soccer available within the state of GA to players in the U-13 age group and above. Georgia Knights FC's Select teams compete in the Georgia Youth Soccer Association (GYSA) statewide divisions - Athena for girl's teams and Classic for boy's teams. It is Georgia Knights FC’s intention to offer select players the opportunity to compete at the highest level possible.  We believe in creating an environment that is challenging, both technically and tactically, and that stimulates the players to reach their highest potential and personal goals.

Open try-outs for the Select age groups are scheduled (as per GSSA rules) in late May and early June with players being assigned to teams based on factors individual skills, tactical awareness, level of competitiveness and fitness to name a few. For more information on the try-out schedule, click on 'Programs/Try-Outs'. If you are looking to join the program outside of the open try-outs period, please email Martyn Lancaster: [email protected]. For information on 2016/17 fees, click here. 

FAQs:

1. My child is in the U12 Academy at the moment. How does the U13 Select program compare?
The Academy program shares many similarities with the Select program in terms of typical game opponents and practice schedules (number of practices and duration of season). There are some differences though:
A. Rosters are much more 'concrete' at U13 and above, in that the majority of players are assigned to defined teams through club-wide open try-outs for the entire age group and those rosters remain the same through the entire year. While there is still some occasional movement (using the Club Pass system), it is not as commonplace as in Academy where 'pool' rostering is much more typical. 
B. Game Schedules are set by the state and are created for each individual team, rather than the typical 'club-vs-club' fixture in the Academy program.

2. My child is on the Recreational Program. How does the Recreational Program compare with the Select program?
 Aside the from the cost, the Recreational and Select Programs differ in the following ways:
A. Select teams are coached by licensed and experienced staff coaches, while the typical Recreational team is often parent-coached.
B. The seasons are typically longer, starting in July and finishing in December in the fall, then starting up again for U13 and U14 teams in February before finishing in late May. Older Select age groups may have a short spring season.
C. Players have to attend a try-out to join a team.
D. Select teams will typically attend additional pre- and post-season tournaments (at an additional cost), while Recreational teams may only play a regular-season schedule unless the coach decides otherwise.

3. How are players assigned to teams during try-outs?
In the Select age groups, try-outs are mandatory for all players. During tryouts, all of the age group coaches have the opportunity to observe all players together. Players are then assigned to teams taking their playing level into account.  

4. How are teams assigned to divisions?
As the try-out process nears completion, clubs 'declare' teams to Georgia Soccer, the governing body for soccer in the state, in the process requesting a particular level of play (Athena A - E levels for girls, Classic 1 - 5 for boys unless the team has prequalified for inter-state Region III league play) based on the perceived competitiveness of the individual team itself. This information goes to age-group coordinators at the state who then compile divisions by assigning teams based (though not always guaranteed) on this information.  

5. My child is on a high school team. Is there a Spring season in Select? 
At the Select level, GYSA only offers a full Spring Season for the U13 and U14 age divisions. Teams at U15 and above will have the option of a shortened season with practices typically starting as the high school season finishes. The season will consist of regular practices, tournaments, and some friendly games. A team decision about the Spring season will be made before the fall season ends.

If you have more questions, please feel free to email Martyn Lancaster:  [email protected].