FAQ
FAQ
What is the clubs philosophy?
TFA’s answer:
TFA places a player in a fun, competitive environment where your son will be challenged to make his own decisions with highly qualified coaches guiding him. Player’s learn to make better decisions on the field; this helps them learn to make better decisions in life.
Prominent coaches outside of N.W. Ohio recognize TFA demeanor in TFA players.
All players participate in at least 40-50% of games (playing time), to allow for growth and understanding of the sport.
What is the minimum coaching license for a club coach?
TFA’s answer:
TFA’s minimum is a USSF “D” License or NSCAA “National” License. Before committing to any program, please find out how other clubs have committed themselves to truly understanding the game of soccer. We train (and pay for) our coaches to obtain higher levels of licensing each year.
How often do the teams train (both indoor and outdoor)?
TFA’s answer:
TFA practices up to 4 times per week outdoors (2 mandatory – 2 optional), throughout both the fall and spring seasons. Through the winter months we train twice weekly (this is included in the fees). We try to keep our practice ratio at 4:1, that is, players have 4 practices for each competitive game they play. This helps develop players more fully.
How far does the team travel and how many tournaments per season do they play?
TFA’s answer:
TFA tournament travel is kept to around 3 hours travel (or less) from Toledo. U10’s and under will participate in one local tournament (developmental training is more important at this age).
U11-U14 will participate in 5 tournaments per year (3 in fall and 2 in spring). High School players participate 3 in spring tournaments.
For league play TFA will schedule up to 2 games per away day to limit traveling costs and time.
Does the coach do written/oral evaluations?
TFA’s answer:
TFA’s coaches are required to do one written evaluation per year for every single player. All goalkeepers receive an individual evaluation from our specialized goalkeeping coach.
Interested in playing at a college?
TFA’s answer:
TFA has produced many collegiate players. (Check our Alumni page on our website.
Some former players have given back to our program by helping out with training sessions and games,
transferring their experience and success to current TFA players.
Our coaching staff has extensive contacts with local/regional/national coaches and their programs.
We have worked through Region II ODP Camps, making contacts while selecting players for the Regional Pool, National Camp and International Events. (A select coaching pool from all 13 states makes up Region II.)
We bring in a college coach every winter to discuss and answer questions about college recruiting and its process.
Interested in ODP?
TFA’s answer:
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a separate soccer program to TFA.
TFA fully endorses Ohio North’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). We feel the chance to play with different players and learn from other coaches is very beneficial.
Many of our Academy staff has coached ODP at various levels, including head year coach positions. Greg Hennelly and Paul Holdgate are currently on Region II staff, evaluating State players for Regional squads and National pools. This allows are Academy coaches to fully see what it takes to be a future US National player.
What is the difference between a Premiership/Championship team?
TFA’s answer:
We have two levels of competition, Premiership (P) and Championship (C). Both squads participate in the same amount of tournaments, league games and practices.
A TFA staff member, who has obtained a national license through either the NSCAA or USSF governing bodies, will be the head coach.
Premiership teams compete in a higher level of competition (e.g. league and tournament formats).
Player positions?
TFA’s answer:
In the younger age groups we place players in various positions and situations. This helps them begin to understand the importance of each position on the field. We do not “pigeon hole” a player and play him in the same position for the whole season, though there might be times when he plays the same position for a whole game.
Fees (upfront or hidden costs, payment plan, scholarships)?
TFA’s answer:
TFA’s fees are all presented up front; the only additional involved cost’s are uniforms, personal travel expenses and indoor leagues (optional). Payment plans are offered to spread the fees over 10 months. Limited scholarships are offered.
When your son plays for TFA you can be confident in the knowledge that there are no hidden or additional fees in our program.