The Blackhawks Program is the Competitive Program of Scottsdale Soccer and is one of the leading programs in the Southwest region. Headed by an Executive Director and two Divisional Directors of Coaching, the all professional training staff oversee Black and Red level teams, with our Black level teams being the most competitive. This year, we have provided opportunities for more than 800 players on 57 teams ages 7 through 18.
Each Blackhawk team is assigned a professional trainer who guides the team through their season. Seasons begin in August or September and end in March or May depending on the age, level and schedule of each particular team. Each team is supported by a Team Manager whose responsibilities are primarily focused on administrative duties in support of the team’s Coach. Except in emergency circumstances, all on-field training and coaching is done by the professional trainer.
Our soccer programs, as a Club, are mutually exclusive: Blackhawks players play for the Blackhawks Program and cannot also register for the Recreational Soccer Program. Likewise, Recreational Program soccer players play for the Recreational Program and cannot also register and play for the Blackhawks Soccer Program. That said, there are several initiatives this past year to help the transition from recreational play to competitive play such as our Round Robin Series and All Star Programs.
In addition to Registration Fees, Blackhawks Players pay Team Training, Tournament, Travel and Uniform fees. The amount of these fees varies from team to team and is determined at the beginning of each season. Regardless of the team’s level of competition, Blackhawks Registration is a non-refundable $200.00 with the additional costs for team training, league, administration and tournaments which can average $120.00 - $175.00 per player, per month. This varies by player age, training intensity, tournaments and travel. The best way to determine if the Blackhawks Program is right for you is to attend our programs, our try-outs or communicate with the trainers and coaches on the field or through email. Contact information for each of the staff can be found on the Coaches Page.
The Blackhawks Program also offers a variety of additional training, some at no cost to the players. Goalkeeping training and the College Advisory Program sessions are two examples. All Blackhawks players are expected to participate in their age appropriate Summer sessions, which may be at additional costs (FUNdamental Skills, Junior Academy or Senior Academy).
Blackhawks Expectations
At the start of each season, the Club conducts the Blackhawks Kick-Off which draws every player and their family to an opening day event where we have the opportunity to outline expectations for the season. This program covers many areas such as training times and attendance, playing time and attendance, schedules, budgets, parent support and equipment. The Blackhawks Program currently brands itself in NIKE uniforms which presents a consistent and cutting edge approach to what the players wear. Selection of uniform style, vendor contracting and price negotiation are done by the Club. After tryouts and team player selection, the Team Manager can assist with the game and practice uniform requirements for each player. Individual player families submit, online, the uniform order for fulfillment by the pre-established uniform supplier. Uniform and equipment fees are the responsibility of each player.
If you have any questions about this, please see your Team Manager or your team trainer for information.
