SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT, SOCCER EDITION

Revolution United, entering our 11th season of competitive soccer in New Hampshire as an active affiliated club with the New Hampshire Soccer Association, is pleased to once again be showing strong growth in participation in our youth soccer age groups U8-U19 on the boys and girls side.
 
The soccer landscape in the state has continued to change to create more opportunities for players and sometimes with more opportunities can come some confusion. If you are like us, we are somehow attached to many email databases as parents of young athletes of our own. Just this week along, we have been bombarded with emails about “player scholarships” and “free money”. Blanket statements like this can be confusing as new parents to the sport, or even your long time veteran parents. Some at this point, have to look at their most recent uniform or t-shirt to know what club they are playing for. Some have even asked why has youth sports become more competitive off of the field than on the field. Well, we are here to answer some of these many questions that are being asked and will continue to do so as more questions come up.
 
Why does it matter what club my child plays for? Participation with any club should always be the choice of the parents, no matter what “pathway” may be thrown your way, benefits or even the carrot that is dangling with “free play or scholarship money”. The things you want to be sure is your child is participating in a safe, affiliated club (whether local state, town, etc), and their affiliations check out. For example, Revolution United is an affiliated club of New Hampshire Soccer Association, who is governed by US Youth Soccer. We also participate in the New Hampshire Soccer League. This affiliation and participation not only provides insurance, but also provides us with the coaches Safesport approvals, Kids Safe program, coaching resources, certified and insured referees along with much more. Not all organizations who refer to themselves as affiliated clubs, are in fact affiliated.
 
Why are foundations reaching out to only certain clubs to give scholarships or free money away? Here is the great thing – there are many organizations that are available for financial assistance with youth sports and programs. In fact, even now many health insurance companies will give credits towards youth sports and “active workout” programs through various HSA programs available. While we know it sounds better to make it seem like foundations are actively seeking out clubs to give money to, it isn’t always the case. Revolution United was one of the several clubs that played and were an active part in the Granite State Youth Soccer League. This former league has created a scholarship foundation open to all clubs and all players, not just select organizations. This is a great program that they are offering to give back money and / or equipment to players and clubs in need. Revolution United has also been a part of some huge gains by personal and business sponsorships and grants. One of our grants allowed for us to hire a full time Program Director at no added cost to registration fees to our players or financial impact to the club.
 
How can some clubs, especially new, offer so many free programs? This is always a great question, and we believe most of our parents and participants know the answer. It is tough to say something is free all the time to gain followers or participants. Whether it comes from sponsorship, scholarships, personal donations, higher than normal registration fees, etc., there is a chance it is coming from somewhere. Revolution United pride ourselves on offering some of the lowest registrations fees still in the state but also still providing as many programs and offerings as possible. Regular season registrations do not exceed $300 in the competitive season which also includes the players two required uniforms, shorts and socks. Our goal has always been and will continue to give the most opportunities to as many players as possible whether a competitive player or recreational player.
 
Why is Revolution United different? We try our best to offer some of the highest offerings to all of our athletes, but we also fully understand and standby our philosophy as coaches and an organization that we want our players to do their best and to play at their level. We understand that all levels are different, however we are here to fully support and help as player to reach that possibility. We are extremely proud of our 11 year history within the state and our continued growth across our programs, under the same club name – Revolution United. While some clubs may change names every few years, months or weeks, the ideas and ability to accept change in the game or administering a club is not changes. Revolution United has a strong bond with our coaches and families to directly hear what they want to see within the organization that they are a part of.
 
Why are there different pathways available for different clubs? The simple answer, there aren’t. While there might be differences of opinions or how to achieve certain outcomes, the pathways are very similar. While some clubs may discuss their “club affiliations” or to try and build off of the success or larger organizations in the state, all of these programs are always an option and available to Revs players. Revolution United continues to be a community soccer club serving the towns and schools that we are in. We don’t pretend to have ownership of players or tell them where they can go, and many times will find that we work together with other likeminded clubs such as Lakes Region United and Mt Washington Valley Soccer Club who share the same mission for players. Furthering that, a player should never be held back as they continue to grow, and if there isn’t a program for them within the club, they would be encouraged to seek the many other options that are available within the state such as NHSA’s Olympic Development Program, Seacoast United, or other various academy programs that are available. Many times, Revolution United has players competing in several of these programs simultaneously.
 
As you can see just by some of these very important questions that are being asked, they are legitimate and we are always happy to address any of these. Our coaching staff, local community coaches and parents are working their very best to provide the best for all of our young athletes and will always continue to do so.
 
For more information on our programs or what we may have to offer visit www.revsunited.com or email admin@revsunited.com