Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If a player is involved in another time-intensive sport or activity, what is NEU's policy about missing team activities to participate in the other sport or activity?
A: While NEU does not have a specific policy regarding attendance, NEU does not recommend that players attempt to participate in a second time-intensive sport or activity during the fall - it's just too much. In the winter and spring seasons, players have the flexibility to focus on other activities and NEU teams work around such schedules. In particular, NEU encourages participation in a winter sport and offers optional indoor/futsal sessions that many kids can participate in while playing a winter sport.
Q: How much does it cost to participate in competitive soccer?
A: NEU's registration fees and expenses are posted on the website for the different programs offered. These fees and expenses cover the year-round play as described in the calendar, including coaching fees, 3 tournaments, Fall & Spring League play, Winter academy, team equipment, field permits and rental, and administrative costs.
Uniforms are a separate expense and are not included in the player registration fee. New uniforms must be purchased by any players new to NEU, or for current team players after every 2nd year in the NEU program. Refer to NEU's Financial Assistance Policy for information about financial assistance.
Q: What is the schedule for competitive soccer? How much time is involved?
A: NEU's mission is to offer a soccer program that is balanced and flexible while providing a high quality soccer experience. NEU understands that family and school activities come first, yet NEU does expect that soccer will be a priority for players and families. Participation on a NEU team offers, but does not require, year-round play. Typically, NEU teams have (2-3) 1½ hour practices per week in the summer and fall seasons; games on both Sat & Sun occur often. Keep in mind that there are times of the year when participation is focused and expected, times when it is optional and times when everyone needs a break! Kids will miss practices, games, tournaments for many reasons - the expectation is that players make NEU events a priority, come on time, ready to play, with a passion for soccer in their hearts!
Q: When are tryouts and how do they work?
A: Tryouts for the 2013-14 season will be held on May 8th & 9th. Each year, all competitive clubs have open tryouts to form teams. Rosters of 16 -17 players are typical for U11-U14 teams. There are no geographical restrictions on who can try out, and no special consideration for kids from a particular club or neighborhood. Players should come prepared to play soccer and should not wear any form of club uniform. While attendance at only one session is required to be considered for a team, players should attend both tryout sessions if possible. If there are special circumstances that do not allow for tryout participation, contact the NEU Director Director@northeastunitedsoccer.org . NEU coaches will call all players within 24 hours of the last tryout session with the decision of whether the player has been placed on a team. Players have 24 hours to respond or they may loose their spot.
Q: Where does NEU practice and play?
A: Convenience for families is a priority for NEU. Practices will be held at inner NE & SE Portland parks and schools. NEU's goal is to keep practice fields within a 10 minute drive for most families. Summer tournaments are typically in the Portland Metro area unless a team decides to travel for a tournament. NEU's home field for the Fall League games will likely be Grant High School or Rose City Park, and Spring practice and home games will likely be at Concordia University. Travel out of the Portland Metro area is a possibility during the Fall League for 'away' games; typically day trips to central or southern Oregon occur 1-3 times in the season. Travel out of state to a special event is up to the individual team, our u11 teams will typically not travel out of state (outside of Oregon or the Vancouver, WA area).
