Goals of the Challenge League

The goal of the PWSI Challenge League is to provide an increased level of competition and enhanced player development opportunities. The Challenge League will provide an environment in which the level of competition, commitment, and player development falls between that of the Recreation and Select or Travel Leagues. The Challenge League will ensure that the players and coaches learn age-specific aspects of the game appropriate to the physical, emotional and psychological readiness of the players. The Challenge League is open to any player that desires a greater challenge and agrees to fully participate in the program, including a mandatory weekly player clinic.

Challenge League FAQ’s

What is the Challenge League?

The PWSI Challenge League began in the Fall 2005 season as part of the club’s structure for recreational soccer. It is designed to provide additional developmental opportunities for more committed recreational players from U7 to U12.

Challenge League players are assigned to teams and attend team practices, as scheduled by that coach, but also attend weekly challenge clinics. Challenge clinics are designed for each age group by the PWSI technical development staff.

The Challenge League differs from other Recreational League play in several ways. One of the most noticeable differences is the weekly challenge clinic. Another is that teams are comprised of players from two age groups. U7 and U8 players together form U8 challenge teams. Likewise, U9 and U10 players form U10 teams, and U11 and U12 players form U12 teams.

Challenge League teams normally will not be scheduled to play against the traditional Recreational League teams when a sufficient number of players register to form four or more Challenge teams for any given gender and age group.

What is the selection process for Challenge League?

There are no tryouts. The Challenge League is for players of all abilities who desire more developmental opportunities and are willing to take on a greater level of commitment.

Challenge League coaches will expect their players to attend practices as well as weekly clinics. “Commitment” is perhaps the greatest difference between the two structures, and it’s a commitment parents need to share with the players. Clinics are held either on Monday or Tuesday evenings during the season. Additionally, most coaches will hold their team practices on another weekday evening, meaning players are expected to make an effort to attend two weekly sessions. Also, note a greater emphasis is placed on balancing team strengths within the Challenge League, which means less emphasis is placed on honoring parent requests. The result could be driving a little further for practice.

The club also asks that players have at least a couple seasons of experience before registering for the Challenge League, but this isn’t a rule. While challenge coaches understand they will be given players of all abilities, they will expect players to come with some experience and knowledge of the game.

Is there additional cost?

The current fee for Challenge League play is an additional $25 above the regular Recreational fee per season, and subject to nominal change depending on need. This fee primarily covers the weekly clinics and the end of season ChallengeFest which is the highlight for many players. Also, please note that because of PWSI’s competitive pricing, our Challenge League fees are comparable to what many area clubs charge for recreational soccer.

What is the Soccer by Design philosophy?

PWSI strives to develop players by design rather than by chance. Our technical development staff ensures clinics offer training activities that are age-appropriate in terms of the physical, emotional and psychological demands of each. Challenge Leagues are offered for U7 through U12 players. To best meet the needs of players this age, Challenge clinics focus primarily on developing individual skills rather than team tactics, as per Virginia Youth Soccer Association’s (VYSA) Training Priorities and other leading voices within youth soccer. Our instructors incorporate many elements of the Coerver method of skills instruction, as well as that of other sources. Also, an effort is made during the preparation for and conduct of challenge clinics to further the education of Challenge League coaches, so as to enable them to better incorporate these training methods into their team practices as well.