Boise Nationals Soccer Club

Frequently Asked Questions - Competitive

How do I get on a BNSC team?
- You should contact the BNSC Technical Staff for information about trying out.
When are tryouts?
- Each year we hold tryouts for our U11-19 teams on the Monday one week after the completion of the State Cup Finals, which occur on Memorial Day.
How often do BNSC teams train?
- Typically, 3 weeknight evenings per week at the following times:
  - U11-15: 5:45-7:15
  - U16-18: 4:00-5:30
What is the training scheme?
- The team coach typically attends all three sessions, while the Technical Staff will float with each team one time every other week. Most (but, not all) teams have an assistant who covers for the head coach and assists during training sessions.
How are coaches selected?
- Coaches are selected based upon the following criteria:
  - Character
  - Ability
  - Education & Licensing
  - Experience
  - Fit with the particular age group
What is the BNSC policy on play-ups?
- All players are expected to play at age from U12 - U19. Any exceptions to this are limited to players who are of "First 11" caliber on the year older premier team, at the discretion of the Technical Staff & DOC's. Play-ups are not permitted on 2nd teams in any situation where the player is of the caliber to make the premier team at their own age group, at the discretion of the Technical Staff & DOC's.
What is the playing season?
- The fall season runs from early August through the first weekend of November. The winter training program runs from the middle of January through the middle of February. The spring season runs from late February through June.
Where are league games played & how many?
- Most league games are played at Simplot Sports Complex east of Boise. Each team plays 8-10 league games per season (Fall & Spring). Most games are on Saturdays, but teams will also play at least several weeknight games. Fall games begin after Labor Day while Spring games begin in early March.
How many tournaments do most teams play in?
- At U11-12, most teams play in 4-5 local weekend tournaments. We also provide every individual with at least 1-2 optional travel tournaments within driving distance (Coeur d’Alene, Portland, Walla Walla, Pocatello, etc).
- At U13-18, most teams travel to 2-3 out of state tournaments per year, plus State Cup & Regionals (if team qualifies), plus 1-3 local tournaments.
Where do BNSC teams train?
- BNSC’s home training complex is located at the Jabil Fields in Meridian, which are located off of Central Drive, southwest of the intersection of Locust Grove & Franklin. Click here for a map. All teams train at Jabil at least once per week. Our second club training facility is at Ann Morrison Park in
How does BNSC operate?
- BNSC is run by a 7 member Board of Directors. Answering to the Board of Directors is a Director of Coaching (DOC) and a Director of Operations (DOO). The DOC is in charge of hiring, managing & training the coaching staff, while the Director of Operations is in charge of all administrative and operational functions of the club. BNSC also relies on an extensive volunteer network to support the club staff and programs.
How do I volunteer?
- All members are expected to volunteer in some capacity. Some volunteers put in countless hours as team managers and fundraising directors, while others support the team or the club with smaller tasks such as helping set up the net and flags prior to each game?
What is the annual assessment for BNSC?
- U11: $595
- U12: $625
- U13-15: $750
- U16-18: $625
What do club fees include and what are the additional costs?
- Our club assessment covers all of the following: team coaching staff for the fall and spring season, winter training program (Jan-Feb), fall league/field/ref fees, spring league/field/ref fees, technical training support & floating sessions, two formal evaluations (fall & spring), College Advisory Program, State Cup Banquet, Big Brother/Sister – Little Brother/Sister Program.
- Additional costs include: all travel, tournament fees, uniforms & the following optional programs: summer programs, camps, speed training.
How much are uniforms?
- The uniform package varies from roughly $150 - $230 depending on the age group.
Does BNSC have a policy regarding the fall of U15 year and HS/Club soccer conflicts?
- U15 BNSC players are expected to participate in club soccer for the duration of the playing year (Fall & Spring), with the exception of players who play on a Varsity roster. BNSC believes that for those who are able to play Varsity, the possibility of playing against older, faster, more skillful players is of benefit to the player. BNSC does not believe that this applies to the Junior Varsity level. While many players may choose to tryout, BNSC expects that all players NOT making the Varsity roster will play club soccer during the fall, as ID HS Activities Association rules prohibit HS soccer players from playing club ball while the HS season is taking place. However, ALL players, including those who play Varsity during the fall, are still responsible for the annual BNSC fee, as our costs for operating the team (coach salary, registration, team/player fees, etc) do not change based upon a player playing HS soccer for two months in the fall. This ensures that a players roster spot is held until they return from Varsity soccer in late October.
Other questions?
- Contact the BNSC Technical Staff.
- Reference the BNSC Handbook or Travel Annex located online under General Forms.