North Stars Soccer Club Programs

North Star soccer programs include the School of Excellence for younger players, and a Select Division for players ages U-12 and up. The focus of both programs is on the player and what is in his or her best interest. It is important for parents and players to understand that our coaching style is not about putting immediate pressure on youngsters to win. Of course everyone likes to win, but our objectives are to encourage the long-term,continual development of the player, with more pressure kicking in from U-15 and up.

School of Excellence

The North Stars School of Excellence was developed especially for 8, 9, 10 and 11 year-old players. Until the formation of the Pittsburgh Premiere Alliance (PPA), and our association with US Club Soccer, Select League clubs were prohibited from training younger players. We now are enrolling young players who want to learn from experienced professionals who provide high quality coaching in a low pressure, fun-filled environment. Practices for ages 10 and under are twice a week in the fall and spring, and once a week in the winter. USSF licensed coaches work on basic skill development and building confidence through a variety of exercises and fun games. At this age, we encourage parents to supplement our practices with their children's particpation in a local recreational soccer program. If you are not pleased with that program, we will try to form a North Star team and schedule games. At U-11, practices are held twice a week in the fall and spring, and once a week in the winter. This age group will play league games with other PPA teams, which include Century United, IFC, Strikers, Northern Steel and the Erie Admirals.

Select Division

Once players reach the U-12 age bracket they are eligible to compete for positions on our Select (or Elite) teams. Play at this level requires excellent skills, commitment, and a sincere desire to play soccer from September through June. PA West allows up to 18 players per team, while US Soccer permits up to 26 players. We do not select players just to fill a roster. It is our policy to select only those players who possess the necessary skills for higher level competition, or demonstrate the desire and aptitude to develop them quickly. Our coaching style is not focused solely on the outcome of a game, but whether or not the players show continual improvement. We pattern our coaching style after the Dutch and Europeans who believe in letting the players learn by experience. Naturally this includes making mistakes. Players who have the confidence to take chances and test new skills on the field are often the players who advance the quickest. There are many opportunites for players to develop their abilities to the highest levels possible. Talented, dedicated players can advance themselves through "Select Teams," which are similar to the Olympic Development Program (ODP), but operated under the auspices of the PPA and US Club Soccer. Select Teams offer opportunities for teams and individuals to compete at respected invitation-only tournaments and college showcase competitions. Players will be identified through a process of coaches' recommendations and open tryouts. Check back to our website periodically for details about PPA Select Team tryouts for players born in 1987, 1988, and 1989. For more information, call Bobby Vosmaer  at 724-444-4441. He also can be reached from this website via "Contact Us."