FAQ's player development league (pdl)
What is the Player Development League?
The Player Development League (PDL) is a division within Arsenal Colorado to give players a more consistent level of competition and coaching under the recreational umbrella. It is viewed as a bridge between conventional recreational soccer and competitive soccer. The League has two separate tiers: Select (formerly travel) and Foundations (formerly home). The PDL program follows the USSF mandates, using the birth year format instead of a grade based format.
NEW PLAYER ORIENTATION MEETING (geared toward 2016 birth year players): April 22, 7:00 pm, Arsenal Colorado office (2721 S College Ave)
:: PDL 2024/25 Online Registration
:: PDL Orientation (Powerpoint)
:: BYT / Tryout - register online
Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 Age Divisions:
U9 Players- All players born in 2016
U10 Players- All players born in 2015
Who is eligible to apply to play in the PDL?
Application to play in the PDL is open to all boys and girls who are age appropriate and desire to play soccer at a more consistent and competitive level. Players may play up onto a PDL team in respect to age (in some situations - with club approval); however players may not play down on a PDL team.
Playing in the PDL is a one year commitment.
Players will be rostered to the same team and coach for both the fall and spring seasons and are financially responsible for the entire year of team fees and club fees.
How are the coaches selected?
Application to coach in the PDL shall be open to all who demonstrate a commitment to the League, agree to adhere to the guidelines and coaching curriculum, and who agree to participate in coaching sessions, education programs and evaluations. Coaching applicants will participate in an interview process with the Director of Coaching. After completion of the interview process, coaches will be selected by the director and staff.
What is the difference between a Select team and a Foundations team?
PDL Select provides a pathway for player development by forming teams based on ability after an evaluation period. It is a year-long commitment and is intended for players who are both highly motivated and ready to perform at a high level. An emphasis will be placed on continued technical development through training and competition in the Colorado Soccer Association’s (CSA) Front Range League (FRL). Half of the team’s league games will be played at home and the other half along the Front Range. The team will be led by a paid coach who will follow the Arsenal Coaching Curriculum provided by the Club’s professional staff.
PDL Foundations provides a pathway for players who are highly motivated to build their technical base in an environment that eliminates the tryout process and reduces the amount and length of travel for competition. Players must make a full year commitment to the team and will compete against other Arsenal teams as well as teams from neighboring communities including but not limited to Windsor, Loveland, Laramie, Cheyenne and Greeley. A minimum of half of the team’s league games will be played at home. The team will be led by a paid coach who will follow the Arsenal Coaching Curriculum provided by the Club’s professional staff.
How are players selected for Select teams in the state CSA Front Range League?
All players interested in being considered for U9 and U10 roster spot for a select team will take part in the evaluation process conducted in the spring season the previous year they are eligible for (U8 year). Players will be selected based upon a list of criteria (including the player’s technical, tactical, physical, psychological abilities as well as the player’s history). Registration will be available for this evaluation beginning in April. Players will be notified of an active roster position by the head coach by the player notification deadline after the conclusion of the evaluation period.
What is the cost to participate in the PDL?
What is the cost of the ADIDAS Uniform Kit?
The kit includes: 2 jerseys (navy blue and white); 1 pair of navy shorts; 1 pair of socks. The cost of the total kit is $75.00. Cost is subject to change.
Can my child still be considered for a team if we miss the evaluation period?
Anyone interested in PDL after the evaluation process concludes will be placed on a waitlist. Players on the waitlist will be invited to team training sessions for evaluations by the head coach and possible placement.
Will there be any traveling to Saturday games for PDL Foundations players?
Yes, there is a potential to inter-league with Cheyenne, Laramie, Greeley, Windsor, and Loveland. There may be games out of town. However most of the games will be played at home, at Arsenal Colorado’s Soccer Complex.
If you have questions, please contact;
Mary Casson
Director of Boys & Girls Recreational & PDL
casson@soccerfortcollins.org
970.226.4253