Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the advantages of playing on a premier soccer team?

Answer: A premier soccer team exposes a player to a higher level of training than they would normally receive on their club team. It also allows them to train and play with a group of above average players in a competitive environment.

Question: What type of skill level and commitment is Middlepath trying to identify?

Answer: As stated in our Mission statement, “The mission of Middlepath FC is to identify the top youth soccer players in the region and provide them with a comprehensive training and competitive playing environment that will enhance the skills of these committed soccer players.”

Question: How is Middlepath similar to State ODP?

Answer: They are similar in that the main emphasis is on training, which makes players better, technically and tactically. US Club Soccer also has an ID2 camp that gives the players an opportunity to be identified on a national level, and receive training at national camps and the potential to access the US National teams. For 2004/2005, Middlepath had two players who were invited to attend the ID2 camp.

Question: Why should I choose Middlepath over other Premier programs?

Answer: Click here for detailed response.

Question: When is the season for Middlepath?

Answer: Tryouts are held in May and June of each year. Outdoor training during the summer and fall is dependent on individual team activities and the descretion of the coaches. Indoor training starts in early November and runs through late March. In April, the training moves outdoors and continues into late July/early August. Participation in winter/spring and summer tournaments and Premier or MAPS league play can be expected and is scheduled at the discretion of the coach and the Middlepath Advisory board.

Question: Is there a plan for the Middlepath program to play teams in a league or is it just designed to be a tournament team?

Answer: Middlepath is committed to the development of the individual player and the development of the team at each age level to the highest level possible. With this in mind, and at the discretion of the team coach and Middlepath Board, individual Middlepath teams will participate in premier level tournaments through out the year, Regional premier leagues, and national US Club soccer championship qualifying tournament.

Question: Are the players expected to exclusively play for Middlepath or will they also be able to play school ball and club soccer?

Answer: A child can play on a school team and also play for Middlepath. Beginning with the 2006/2007 season, Middlepath teams U13 and up will be dual registered with USClub soccer and USYouth soccer. For these teams Middlepath will be the players fulltime club team.

Question: Is it Middlepath's long term goal to make Middlepath the primary team for a player instead of his/her current club team?

Answer: Beginning with the 2006/2007 season, the Middlepath Advisory Board feels that it would benefit the players and their development to have Middlepath as their primary team affiliation.

Question: Who are the team’s opponents?

Answer: Middlepath competes against premier level teams from across the United States and Canada

Question: What are the practice commitments?

Answer: Typically 1-2 times a week for U12 and under (being US Club only) and 2-3 times a week for U13 and up in general is the commitment.

Question: Where will the practices be held?

Answer: The winter and early spring practices will be held indoors at “The Net” in Poughkeepsie, NY and the outdoor practices will be located at the discretion of the individual coach, typically at Stringham Park in the town of Lagrange,

Question: How many tournaments will the team attend?

Answer: The exact number of tournaments is at the discretion of the coach and the Middlepath Advisory board. Typically, a team will attend approximately 3 to 4 winter tournaments and 4 summer tournaments including an US Club soccer National Qualifying tournament.

Question: When and how often are the tryouts?

Answer: The main tryouts for each season are held in May and June of each year. After this set of tryouts, the initial rosters will be determined for the year. Additional tryouts after this date will be handled on a case by case and team by team basis. Please contact the Boy’s or Girls's Director if you would like to arrange a tryout.

Question: Can my daughter/son play up in age?

Answer: All players must tryout on age, click here for Middlepath playing up policy.