What is the Youth Development Program (YDP) philosophy?

The Problems with Fear Based Motivation: Fear based motivation is a behavior of working extremely hard to reach a goal because the player is afraid of failing. While it can seem advantageous on paper, this behavior can be destructive in the long run, causing players to build up situations in their heads, compare their success and failures to teammates/other players, and ultimately take mistakes much harder than others.
Within the YDP we focus on the Mastery Approach to Development where we focus on the growth of the individual player. We avoid comparing players with each other and focus on making sure the players see only how their efforts have and can make them better. To do this, we build an environment where players gain confidence and turn their mistakes into learning opportunities. Some players have the confidence to do this on their own, but for others this mindset must be developed and we believe it starts from the coaches and parents continually building the players up and pushing them to challenge themselves.
What does it mean to run a Developmentally Appropraite Program? Developmentally Appropriate means that players are equally parts successful and equal parts challenged. On either side of this spectrum, a player who wins every match up is clearly not being challenged enough which prevents development. As well as a player who concedes every match up may become upset, lose interest, as well as not develop because they are unable to succeed. This also applies to our team league placements. While we do not keep score in our league, we aim to place our teams in divisions that allow them to equally be challenged and find success. When our players ask, “What was the score?” our coaching staff response will be, “Did you have fun? What did you learn today?” A season’s success judged by individual player development - not wins and losses.

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?

Due to COVID-19, please see most recent newsletter for questions concerning practice schedules, league updates and more. If you have additional questions, please reach out at pcusc@pcusc.org.

What kind of travel is involved?

As of Fall 2020: Due to COVID-19, please see most recent newsletter for questions concerning team travel, league updates and more. If you have additional questions, please reach out at pcusc@pcusc.org. Pre-COVID: 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 does team placement work?

The first two or three practices of the season are used by our coaching staff to create training groups that will be developmentally appropriate for each player. Our program is built on players of all levels finding their love for healthy competition, working as a team and soccer as a whole. We welcome players of all abilities in this program.

What if my son/daughter plays another sport or participates in other activities?

Our club will always supports our players that participate in other activities. Please communicate with your player's coach and inform them when conflicts arise well in advance helps lessen the impact. We believes soccer is a part of a players and families life, but should never control it.

Where and when do PCU teams train?

PCU teams train at Buckman Field in NE Portland (416 NE 12th Ave). To view the most recent practice schedule, view our latest club newsletter. Buckman Field is a 245,000 square foot facility with brand new synthetic, FIFA approved turf and lights (finished Summer 2020). Our office and clubhouse are also located in the blue buidling at the NW corner of the field. Our clubhouse, (pre-COVID) offered a warm and safe place for players to gather before and after training and games. We have a conference room for player reviews and a classroom with white board for teams to use. It also has bathrooms for our player, families and staff to use. Our clubhouse is currently closed to prioritize the health of our staff and players. We have office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-9pm (come to the gate outside of door, and our staff will come out to you). Masks are required.

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 (when available), and Futsal training and league fees.

What does a year look like for PCU's players?

Summer & Fall ($650)

• Two practices each week at Buckman Field Park
• Summer tournaments and jamborees in June, July, & August in the Portland Metro Area
• Fall league games on Sundays in September, October, & November in the Portland Metro Area

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.

How do tryouts work? What if my player is new to soccer?

We do not run "formal tryouts" for our YDP teams. During our tryout dates, our coaches will get to know your player's focus, listening skills and ability to participate as part of a team through fun challenges and games. What if My Player is New to Soccer? In general all players, regardless of technical skills, will be offered a spot on a team. This is a great opportunity to get your child active and engaged with other player's their age!

What programs does PCU offer? How do I know which one is best for my player?

U8-U10 Program: (Players born 2012-2014) Girls and Boys Teams

• Summer & Fall ($650): Two practices each week at Buckman Field Park. Summer tournaments and jamborees in June, July, & August in the Portland Metro Area. Fall league games on Sundays in September, October, & November in the Portland Metro Area