What is the PCU philosophy?
PCU is committed to providing a positive experience for both players and parents by providing good administration, top level coaching, and access to first class facilities. PCU usually has multiple levels of teams within an age group so players can be placed at the appropriate level to develop. PCU works to offer additional opportunities like out of state tournament travel to help players grow both on and off the field.
Can you tell me more about your coaching staff?
PCU works hard to find coaches who are committed to the development of the player, through individual and team training and games. PCU encourages our coaches to continue to challenge themselves by attending coaching courses offered by US Soccer.
Our coaches complete Background Checks, SafeSport Training, and Concussion training. You can find individual profiles on PCU coaches on our
coaching staff page.
Is playing club soccer a year round commitment?
Fall Classic Program (U11-14)
Tryouts are in early to mid May. Teams will then practice twice a week and play in at least 3 tournaments over the summer. The fall league is played in September and October, teams usually train twice a week during this period. In November, teams participate in an end of the season tournament. Some teams will play in either our 7v7 league or other indoor options. Teams will then participate in the spring league, with training twice a week during February, March, and April.
Winter Classic Program (U15-18)
Tryouts are in early to mid May. Players will train and play in tournaments during the summer then go off to their high school teams until November. Practice starts in December and runs through May tryouts. In that time teams will play in the Winter League from late January through the first weekend of April (no games spring break) and in State Cup or Presidents' Cup in April/early May.
What kind of travel is involved?
The majority of the games are played in the Portland Metro area. There is an occasional trip to Bend or Rogue Valley, but these travel games are rare. Teams will often carpool or rent vans to help lessen the impact on families.
PCU does like to offer several out of state travel tournament. Many of our teams travel to San Francisco and Seattle for tournaments. The trip to San Francisco is always in early March and we also tour several college campuses on the trip.
How do tryouts work?
Fall and Winter Classic teams have tryouts in early May. Players register online for tryouts and will receive a number upon arrival at the tryout site. Players will be divided up into teams and play in multiple short-sided games and/or full scrimmages where they will be evaluated by our coaching staff.
If you are interested in becoming a member of PCU, it is recommended that you attend both of your Age Group's tryouts.
By attending both sessions coaches will have the best chance to assess your skills, decision making, physiological and psychological aspects of your play.
What if my son/daughter plays another sport or participates in other activities?
PCU supports our players who participate in other activities. Communication is key and letting the coach know when conflicts arise well in advance helps lessen the impact.
PCU believes soccer is a part of a players and families life, but should not control it.
Are there different levels of classic soccer?
Teams are placed into level appropriate leagues by the Oregon Youth Soccer Association. PCU does its best to put teams into leagues where the players and team development can be maximized.
Where and when do PCU teams train?
PCU teams train two time a week with the majority of training at
Buckman Field in NE Portland (416 NE 12th Ave).
Buckman Field is a 245,000 square foot facility with synthetic turf and lights. Our office and clubhouse are also located at our facility.
The clubhouse (blue building on the NW side of the field) offers a warm and safe place for players to gather before and after training and games. We have a classroom with white board for teams to use.
Is there financial aid available?
Families may apply for
financial aid. PCU will never turn a way a player based on financial reasons. Financial aid applications can be found on our website under the forms section. Financial aid applications must be turned in at the time of tryouts.
What fees/costs are not covered by the Registration Fee?
PCU registration fees do not cover uniform costs, out of the area travel costs for coaching staff, out of state travel, and Futsal training and league fees.
What does a year at PCU look like for U15-U19 players?
Each season begins with tryouts in May. Teams are formed and training begins right away. Teams will play in 3-4 events over the summer months including PCU sponsored Beaverton Cup 4v4 and PCU Summer Classic in July. High school players begin training August 1st with their high school programs. Players return to PCU in November and start training. Players and teams may choose to participate in an optional Futsal league in December and January. Many of our teams will play in college showcase events in December and January. League play begins the third week of January and runs up until Spring Break. State Cup, President’s Cup, and Founders Cup all take place in April.
Can my player join mid-season? What are Supplimental Tryouts?
Players interseted in joining mid-season have two options:
1)
E-mail us at pcusc@pcusc.org to inquire about open spots on teams (please include what year your player was born). If there is a spot avaible, the coach will reach out and have your player attend a practice as an evaluation. If you are offered the spot, the cost will be the prorated-yearly fee, determined from the date your player joined the team. If there are no spots on the team, the coach may offer a "practice-player" spot where your player may train with the team but will not be added to the roster for any games until a spot opens up.
2)
Attend Supplimental Tryouts that are offered each winter (2020 date coming soon) after the high school soccer season concludes. Our teams will run a regular training session with their returning players, and use it to integrate and evaluate potential new players. Players are highly encouraged to register online in advance of tryouts. There is a $25 tryout fee for online registration. On-site registration is available $35.
The pro-rated club fee for joining a team through supplemental tryouts is $1120. This fee includes league, coaching, administration and field fees. This fee does not include uniforms, tournament fees, or travel expenses. Payment plans and scholarships are available. Applications for financial aid must be submitted during the registration / tryout process.
What is your refund policy?
We DO NOT OFFER CLUB REFUNDS after 30 days from tryout dates, as our players have begun training and our teams have already been formed and finalized. An administration fee of $295 is charged for anyone who drops before the 30 days.
We do not offer club refunds on player's $25 tryout fee.
In the event of an additional COVID-19 government imposed closure, adjustments will be made.
Annual fees do NOT cover uniforms, tournament fees, travel (when available), or additional PCU programs including futsal.
Please reach out at pcusc@pcusc.org with any questions.
