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: ‘Home’ and ‘Travel’. The PDL program follows the USSF mandates, using the birth year format instead of a grade based format.
NEW PLAYER ORIENTATION MEETING (geared toward 2015 birth year players): TBD, Arsenal Colorado office (2721 S College Ave)
:: PDL 2023/24 Online Registraation
:: PDL Orientation (Powerpoint)
:: BYT / Tryout - register online (coming April 2023)
:: PDL BYT & tryout Dates
:: Keeper Evalutions (travel - see tryout link)
Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 Age Divisions:
U9 Players- All players born in 2015
U10 Players- All players born in 2014
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; 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 ‘Home’ team and a ‘Travel’ team?
Travel teams are based on ability; players will be selected by ability after a two-day evaluation period. Travel teams will compete in Colorado Soccer Association's (CSA) Front Range League (FRL). Teams and players are registered through Gotsoccer and must adhere to the guidelines of the state league. Travel can be as far as Colorado Springs for a single Saturday league game. Professional coaches are selected for travel teams as well as all teams receive staff-run training sessions throughout the season and professional GK training. All travel team games that are considered home games will be played at Arsenal Colorado’s state-of-the-art complex.
Home teams are based on desire; players will be selected for home teams after the registration process is complete. Home teams are formed by geographic location and school preference. This process is used to minimize travel to training locations during the week. Home teams will compete in Arsenal’s Player Development League and against other home teams as well as inter-leaguing clubs in the Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming areas. Home teams will receive staff-run team training sessions with professional coaches as well as professionally run GK training. Home teams will play their home games at Arsenal’s complex.
How are players selected for Travel competition in the state CSA Front Range League?
All players interested in being considered for 9U and 10U roster spot for a travel 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 made available for this evaluation beginning in April. Maximum roster size is 11 players per team. 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 directly 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 (Home) players?
Yes, there is a potential to inter-league with Cheyenne, Laramie, Greeley, Windsor, and Loveland. There may be one or two games out of town. However most of the games will be played at home, at Arsenal Colorado’s state-of-the-art Soccer Complex.
If you have questions, please contact;
Mary Casson
Director of Boys & Girls Recreational & PDL
casson@soccerfortcollins.org
970.226.4253