Each May, Boise Nationals Soccer Club ("BNSC") has tryouts for our new U11 competitive teams. This is the first opportunity to join the competitive arm of BNSC. While all of our teams are known as BNSC, our girls teams take the nickname “Blast,” thus recognizing the history of our girls program, while the boys maintain the club name of the Nationals. A traditional year with BNSC is comprised of a required fall outdoor season, an encouraged winter program, a required spring outdoor season and an optional summer program.
Teams
During the Technical Phase (U11 & U12), our teams play 8v8 and players are either grouped into a pool or an individual team. BNSC does not create “Premier” or “A” teams during the Technical Phase. All teams are given the name of a professional club or country (example: U11 BNSC Sweden or U12 BNSC Arsenal). In the pool system, a pool is composed of 16-22 players who train together, but compete as two teams within league play, thus allowing flexibility for player development and more games for the players. While all players must be rostered on one team or the other, within the pool, most players will float between the two teams that their pool comprises. Pools are typically staffed with two to three coaches who plan out the “floating” schedule prior to the season, with periodic opportunities to float for additional games as the schedule allows. Players grouped into an individual team operate in the traditional manner, with one to two coaches and a roster of 9-13 players. During this phase there are four to six local tournaments per year, 8-10 league games per season (fall & spring) and optional travel tournaments.
Once players reach U13, BNSC typically (but not always) transitions into A & B teams, if numbers permit. Teams are composed of 13-18 players, have one to two coaches and play 11v11. All teams are guaranteed at least one coach, while most receive two or more. In age groups where A & B teams are created, the top team is known as “Premier” (example: U15 BNSC Premier). All other teams are given a color (example: U13 BNSC White). From U13 on, most teams are required to travel to tournaments, chosen by the coach in conjunction with the parents of players. This is necessary for our players to see higher levels of competition, college exposure, and player development, which is simply not possible for premier level players if a team is only playing locally. At U13 our teams begin participating in State Cup and Regionals in addition to league play and local tournaments. Teams continue to play both a fall and spring season through U15. From U16-U18, players play high school soccer in the fall and club soccer in the winter and spring. The exception to this is the player who makes his/her varsity soccer team as a freshman (typically U15).
Playups
The opportunity to play-up is granted only by the BNSC Technical Training Staff. At U11, many players are allowed to participate as U10’s, and some U9’s. From U12 and up, BNSC prefers to provide opportunities for higher level competition through the utilization of the club card, which allows a U13 rostered player to play in a U14 club game.
Winter Program
BNSC offers a winter training program on artificial turf and hard wood surfaces. The winter program focuses on technique and freedom of expression through competition. These programs are included in club fees.
Summer Program
BNSC offers a variety of summer training programs that are available at an additional cost, in order to pay staff to provide the programs. This includes a summer academy, summer camps, 3v3 tournaments and more.
College Advisory Program (CAP)
All high school aged players have access to Idaho’s oldest college placement program. BNSC has placed literally hundreds of players in college soccer programs and hundreds more in college. Our CAP program focuses on the academic and athletic timelines and considerations necessary to make an informed decision on where to attend college. Our CAP offers college seminars each winter and individual advising throughout the year.
Speed Training
BNSC offers speed training through SAQ International licensed staff. Speed training is available in the winter and summer at an additional cost necessary to pay staff and purchase equipment.
Psychological Program
BNSC works to develop mental strength through goal setting, evaluations, lectures, videos and articles on the website.
