The Premier program (previously D3 or Bronze/Copper) is a competitive level where coaches select teams in a draft following tryouts in which any interested and eligible player may participate. The goal of Premier is both competition and player development. Premier teams are coached by suitably qualified volunteer Mustang coaches, often the parent of a player on the team. Premier players can expect a significant commitment of time, particularly in the period from July through mid November. Competition typically includes tournament and league play throughout the Bay Area, State Cup across Northern California. Premier teams play a substantially greater number of games than their Recreational Division (Division 4) counterparts and practice 2 times per week for 90 minutes each practice. One of these practices will be with a professional Mustang trainer while the other is with the volunteer coach. Practice and informal team activities may begin after teams are formed, with most teams beginning practice in June (depending on field availability). Teams attend a weeklong camp in July. August weekends are designated as tournament weekends. Attendance at August tournaments is required.
During the month of September and October teams typically play both Saturdays and Sundays. Post-season tournaments are held in November and December for the younger age groups 2009-2005 (U9-U13) while older age groups 2004-1999 (U14-U19) may play through mid-May.
In addition to the Mustang registration fee, parents can expect to spend approximately $625-$900 in additional team/program fees for training, equipment, tournaments, etc. Travel to games and tournaments is at an additional cost.
How to become a Premier Coach and other FAQs
Coach Selection
Interested coaches may apply to coach a Premier team beginning in February.
All applicants will also need to register online as a volunteer/coach in their player’s age group/gender. Click HERE to get started.
Criteria for coach selection includes:
- Previous Coaching Experience
- Licensing Level (see Coach Licensing Clinics for more info)
- Playing Experience
- Active Referee License
- Mustang Volunteer Hours
- Parent Evaluations
- Assistant Coach’s Experience
- Previous Coaching Results
Licensing Level
Coaches in Premier ideally obtain licenses appropriate to the age level they are coaching. CYSA "F" or NSCAA Youth are expected for coaches of 2009 (U9) and 2008 (U10) teams. By 2007 (U11), coaches should have their CYSA E or NSCAA Regional licenses. By 2005 (U13), the CYSA E/D or NSCAA Advanced Regional should be obtained. Coaches wishing to extend their education should pursue the CYSA D or the NSCAA National licenses.
Coaches Meeting
All Premier Coaches selected for this season will be expected to attend the Premier Coaches Meeting. Information about the season, procedure for tryouts and draft, as well as other important information will be presented. Coaches who cannot attend are asked to send an assistant in their place. Meeting time and location will be sent to the selected coaches.
Tryouts/Callbacks
Tryouts are scheduled to start in April, after Spring Break. Players who can not attend the opening week or weekend of tryouts will be allowed to come directly to callbacks. Sign ups for Premier tryouts begin at the end of February and there is no cost to tryout.
Calling Players after Tryouts
In terms of contacting players, you may email the players invited to callbacks but you must call the parents of the players you are not calling back. Be sensitive and supportive - these calls can be very emotional for parents and players.
Regular Season FAQ
Who will we play against besides the other Mustang teams?
There is a NorCal playing league for 2009-1999 (U9-U19) teams, where you will play other teams from all over the Bay Area. Occasionally, other clubs from outside our district may participate in an age group.
When do practices start?
Formal practice space is assigned starting in July. Teams may hold non-mandatory practice prior to that by requesting field space on an as-available basis from the Mustang office. Practice is limited to 3 hours per week, although a week of team camp (10 hours) is allowed prior to the start of the season.
How do I secure a trainer?
Premier teams typically use a paid Competitive Elite trainer for one of their two practices a week. 2009 (U9) and 2008 (U10) teams are assigned a trainer by the coaching directors. That trainer is paid for out of the team's fees. 2007-1999 (U11-U19) teams can contact any of the trainers on the approved list and make arrangements for their weekly season training days and team camp.
When does the season start?
The first weekend after Labor Day. Pre-season tournaments are usually attended in August.
How many games will we play during the season?
Typically, you will be scheduled for a minimum of 8-10 league games, with the season ending in mid November. With 8-10 games and State Cup games, most weekends may have one league game each day. In addition, a time for tournament play is typically set aside during the last weekends in September and October. Including formal scrimmages, tournaments and Cup play, most teams play roughly 30 games during the season.
When is State Cup (season tournament for 2009-1999 teams)?
NorCal State Cup begins in September and finishes as late as mid December for 2009-2005 (U9-U13) teams and as late as mid May for 2004-1999 (U14-U19) teams.
Have More Questions?
Please ask them by contacting the Competitive Coaching Directors listed on the Contact Us tab.
