RFVSC AND GSSC PARTNERSHIP
Q: What are the reasons for combining the clubs?
The primary reason is opportunity.
Specifically:
● More and better opportunities for players – the driving force behind combining the club comes from increasing the opportunities for players from both clubs to have access to greater development and programming options.
● Greater community partnerships and sponsorships – simply, we are a better organization together than we are working separately.
● More depth in each age group allowing more opportunity for players to play with others of similar ability.
● More opportunities and resources to support the development of our coaches and to pursue a wider range of coaching opportunities.
● Benefits of scale – we will realize valuable administrative and organizational efficiencies from combining the two organizations.
● Long-term strategic projects: The opportunity to create resources to undertake strategic projects in the future ranging from facility development, program infrastructure and improved financial assistance allowing greater access to the game for our players.
As we have been working through the details of bringing the clubs together, the common denominator has always been a focus on the players and providing enhanced player experiences for all – inclusive of all ages and abilities.
Q: How will the integrated club be structured?
The two clubs are being integrated into a single entity structurally, operationally, and culturally. Through the conversations that brought about the agreement to combine the clubs, we realized quickly that both clubs share may of the same philosophies, interests, and intents. We aim to be a comprehensive soccer organization with players as young as 3 through adults.
Q: What will be the new club be called?
The new club will be called Roaring Fork United. Beginning this spring, a subcommittee of the RFVSC and GSSC club’s Board of Directors was created to discuss the new club’s mission, values, vision, and club goals. Staffing and fundraising have also been discussed and plans are in the works to provide more opportunities and support to our players.
Q: What do I need to do now?
The short answer – nothing. There is nothing to do now other than enjoy the remainder of the spring season! The clubs will continue to function in their current states through the remainder of the spring – teams, coaches, and programming will remain as current in both organizations. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing information about registration for upcoming player placements, programming options, staffing announcements, upcoming calendar of important dates and more.
Q: Will my child’s coach and practice change for the Fall 2022 season?
There will be little to no changes to practice locations, game locations, team coaches, or club programming for the Fall 2022 season. Information will be disseminated in the coming weeks included coaching rosters, practice and game field locations, club programming, registration fees and much more.
Q: What is club’s uniform policy and who will have to buy new uniforms?
Both GSSC and RFVSC’s uniform contract finishes at the end of this Spring season, so both clubs will be moving to a new kit. The club colors will be Black and White and new kits will be available this summer. To ease this transition, club uniforms will be included in your registration fees and will be passed out prior to the season.
Q: How much is everything going to cost, and will registration fees change?
We expect to announce the 2022-23 programming details and fee structure for the 6U / 8U Academy, 10U In-House, MRL and Advanced League programs in the coming weeks. We are making every effort to keep soccer affordable for all families in our communities. Due to the different price structures that exist currently in the two clubs, some families will pay less for their soccer experience, and others may need to pay more. We are committed to providing an experience of the highest value to each player at a price point that is extremely competitive as compared to other clubs in the state.
We hope everyone will recognize that the costs of day-to-day operation of an organization like ours is ever-increasing and often by matters outside of the club’s control e.g., CSA fees, facility and field rental costs, referee costs and more. We intend to offer multiple programming options for members to allow everyone to make the best choice for their player and family.
Q: Will there be a new website for the combined club?
Yes - the new www.RoaringForkUnited.com is nearly completed. Keep checking back to find more information added weekly.
Q: How will we register for the fall season?
Registration for all programming will open in early June. Player registration will be online with links and registration information being sent all members of both clubs in the weeks ahead.
Q: Will there still be access to financial assistance?
Yes, absolutely. The application process for financial assistance will be similar to the process employed by each club currently.
Q: What efforts will be made to integrate Hispanic and non-Hispanic players?
The game of soccer is a terrific vehicle for bringing people together – people from different ethnic backgrounds, from different religious backgrounds, from different socio-economic backgrounds and from different cultural backgrounds. This happens around the world and will continue to happen in our community as well.
One of our continuing primary objectives is to create a club that is not only reflective of the diversity in the Roaring Fork Valley but can be looked to as one of the great models in our community that brings children and families from all backgrounds together, working toward a common cause and the common good. Growing the game and creating playing opportunities for players from all areas of the communities we serve are current goals of both RFVSC and FC Glenwood and is another example of how we can be better and more impactful as we work together.
Q: Where will practices be held and what will my child’s practice schedule be?
The specific practice locations for the 2022-23 season are of course, yet-to-be-finalized; however, it is the club’s intention to retain similar practice locations as are currently being used by RFVSC and FC Glenwood and to maintain geographically beneficial practice locations for as many teams as possible. We will make every effort to accommodate teams as best we are able and appreciate your support as we put this puzzle together for the first time this coming fall.
Q: With the larger player pool what gaps will need to fill in team formation and Coaching staff to ensure roster sizes aren’t too big?
The increased player depth per age group will allow gaps within age groups to close and provide a better opportunity to place players on teams that best align with their ability, commitment, and interest. The club will continue to focus on creating rosters that are provide players with the best practice environment meaningful practice and game experiences.
Q: Will there still be movement possible within age groups?
Yes - the club will continue to support player movement between teams in an age group and/or between age groups when movement is deemed to be in the best interest of the player(s).
Q: What are the normal rosters sizes?
Roaring Fork United rosters will range from 14-19 players on a team playing 11v11 and from 12-14 players for a team playing 9v9. The club will continue to focus on creating rosters that are provide players with the best practice environment and the best opportunity for meaningful game experiences.
Q: Will the new club be able to provide more training opportunities for goalkeepers?
The club intends to hire a full-time Director of Goalkeeping - the recruitment process is underway for this position with the goal of filling the position by summer 2022.The club will always look to hire the most qualified candidate for each position who provides the best fit with the club’s culture and training and player development philosophy - regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, etc.
Q: Is it possible for a team to remain intact and with the same coach?
The short answer is YES. The club is not interested in disbanding existing teams if a team is highly functioning, in an appropriate level of league play, with a successful coach, etc. However, with player movement between teams and in/out of the club, some change is likely.
Q: Can families request to be on a team based on geographically?
As part of the pre-placement registration, players and parents will be asked to provide feedback about their intentions for the upcoming season e.g., location, level of competition, program(s) of interest, etc. The staff will make every reasonable effort to place players on teams with players of similar abilities. At the same time, the staff will be cognizant of families’ interests in terms of location, cost, and commitment.
Q: How does the club treat multi-sport athletes?
Multi-sport athletes are welcomed and encouraged to be part of Roaring Fork United. The many benefits of participating in a variety of sports are well-documented. For a player who are heavily involved with an additional sport(s), we ask that the player and his or her parent(s) communicate proactively with their team coach and Technical Director to build a plan in support of the player’s interests while balancing the demands of multi-sport participation.
Q: Will players be required to play on teams in their specific birth years?
Players may request to “play up” with players in an older age group, but players are not allowed to “play down” with players in a younger age group. Should a player choose to register with an older age group, he or she will be evaluated and placed on a team relative to the players in the older age group.
Q: At what levels will teams compete in the CSA leagues?
The club will place teams and request placement of teams that are best suited for the level of players comprising each roster. Placement in the CSA Advanced League Premier division is done via an application process initially followed by promotion and relegation of teams based on on-field performance. Placement in the Advanced League and Mountain Region League is driven by club request. Team placement will focus on providing the most appropriate balance of challenge and opportunity for success for the team.
Q: How many players are registered with RFVSC and how many players are registered with FC Glenwood?
In the 2021-22 season, including Academy, All Valley, Mountain Region, and Advanced Leagues RFVSC had over 700 registered players. These numbers are not inclusive of players in our adult teams, camps, and clinics. In the 2021-22 season, FC Glenwood had registered nearly 450 players. With over 1050 kids in the program, spanning from Aspen to New Castle, we are one of the largest most diverse sports clubs in Western Colorado.
Q: Will there be additional volunteer opportunities for club members?
Yes, absolutely. We anticipate relying heavily on the efforts and expertise of volunteers throughout all levels of the club. A dedicated staff member will keep the club membership informed of volunteer opportunities throughout the 2022-23 season.
Q: When can I expect to learn additional information about the Club moving forward and who can I contact with additional questions?
We will communicate with all current members of both organizations regularly throughout the end of the spring season and summer. Each club’s website will remain up to date on club information. Questions can be sent to [email protected] and the staff will respond to your questions.