What is the Blast Soccer Club? 
The Blast Soccer Club is a tax exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code run by volunteers dedicated to providing a quality soccer program on the Gulf Coast that will promote the growth and appreciation of the game. The Club provides the opportunity to play soccer to young people between the ages of 8 and 18 in a fun and competitive environment. See also Board of Directors.

What is the player cost?
There are two fees for players: Player fee and uniform fee.

The player fee is established by the board of directors annually. The fee for 2009 was $625. This covers the monthly fees we pay our coaches, their traveling expenses, each teams league fees, referee fees, tournament fees, equipment, field maintenance, bonds and other club expenses.

Player cards will be issued after fees are paid.

The uniform supplier, Select Team Uniforms and Equipment, has promised that the uniform styles we have chosen will never be discontinued. See the new uniform here. Plus, a sleeveless version of this jersey is available for girls. The uniform kit includes two jerseys (white and green), a pair of shorts and two pairs of socks. Last year we only included one pair of socks and the feedback we got is that a minimum of two pairs are needed. Of course, extra shorts and socks can be purchased separately. Uniform kits for 2008-2009 season are $130.

Fees for Training Players is $225.

Fee for the Blast Developmental Academy is $100.

The Blast is seeking sponsors for the club to help underwrite the costs of scholarships and other the costs. Each year the club has granted a significant number of scholarships for players that otherwise would not have been able to play. Many families have added these players to their entourage as they traveled around the state and the Gulf Coast.  If you or your company is interested in being a sponsor or providing a scholarship, please contact any member of the Board.

Fees are non-refundable.

Will there be one team for each age group?
This depends on the number of players in an age group. There may be two teams in one age group or it may be necessary to combine two age groups in order to have enough players to form a team.

Teams U-10 and under play 6v6 and have a roster limit of 10 players.

Teams U-11 & U-12 play 8v8 and have a roster limit of 14 players.

Teams U-13 to U-16 play 11v11 and have a roster limit of 18 players.

Teams U-17 and up play 11v11 and have a roster limit of 22 players.

Where are practices held?
Blast Soccer Club does not own or operate its own fields. We are fortunate to use fields owned by the City of Fairhope (Founders Park), City of Daphne (Trione Park), Bayside Sports Complex in Daphne, Fairhope Middle School and J. L. Newton School. See Fields.

What is expected at practice?
Players should arrive 10-15 minutes before practice time. Players should bring ball, shin guards, cleats and water bottle. Players should not wear their team uniforms to practice. Club coaches want the training sessions to fun, but players should be ready to listen, learn and work hard. Parents can help their coaches by making sure their player is on-time and ready to play!

How often are practices and games?
The team coach will set the practice schedule after teams are announced. Generally teams will practice twice a week, though some teams may choose to practice more. Special foot skills training and goal keeper training is offered weekly.

Many teams will play in a State league this fall. These teams may play league games two weekends a month and a tournament on a third weekend. League games will begin in late August or early September. Specific team schedules will be arranged over the Summer.

Other teams may not have league games, just tournaments. Tournaments conclude with the State tournaments in Decatur in November.

Teams may play additional games (friendlies) or additional tournaments. Generally those teams playing in a State league are budgeted for league games, a few friendly games and four tournaments including the State tournament. If a team decides to play more friendlies or tournaments, the costs will be split among the players.

How much travel will there be?
This depends in large part upon the level of competition. We encourage all teams to participate in the State tournament. In the past, we have played in tournaments in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia and throughout Alabama.

Depending on their competitive level, teams may travel quite a bit.

Division I & II teams participate in statewide leagues and may play in Montgomery, Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Decatur and other places.

Division III teams play tournaments mostly along the Gulf Coast (Pensacola, Panama City, Gulfport, Biloxi, etc.) and up into the middle of the state (Montgomery, Dothan).

What does "Division I," "Division II," "Division III" and "Division IV" mean?
Alabama Youth Soccer Association provides different "divisions" for teams to play in during the fall and spring seasons.

Division I is the highest level of competition playing teams from Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, etc. Normally eight regular season games are schedule (four home, four away) and then the Division I State Tournament (held on two weekends in Decatur). Teams must be U-13 or older to participate in Division I.

Division II is the next highest level, again playing a regular schedule of games with travel to other cities. The Division II Tournament (one weekend) ends the season. Teams must be U-11 or older to play Division II.

Division III is the third level of competitive play. Many times Division III teams play in a regional league like the "Lower Alabama Soccer League." The Division III tournament is the Governor's Cup in October.

Division IV is generally the local recreation league sponsored by the city or other organization. For more information, visit the Fairhope Soccer League website here.

What is the "6-man" or 50% rule for High School soccer?

Participation during the school year by students from any high school team (varsity and JV) on a non-school team (like Blast Soccer Club teams) during the off-season is limited to 50 percent of the number of players required to play the game of that sport (i.e. six in soccer). The rule does not apply to seniors who have completed their high school eligibility in that sport nor to middle school students who will not play on a high school team the following season. This rule was established by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and governs most of the high schools in our area.

How may the "6-man" or 50% rule affect my child?
If there are more than six players in the same age group and same gender from the same high school, the club may be forced to put some of these players on a older age group team or form an additional team in order to protect the eligibility of these players for the spring high school soccer season. This becomes difficult when there are more than six players from the same high school on several teams that are close in age.

For example: Let's say that the U-16 boys have nine players from XYZ High School, the U-17 boys have seven from the same school and the U-18 boys six. In order not to affect the eligibility of these boys for their spring high school season, the club may have to form an additional team to include at least three boys from the U-16 team and one boy from the U-17 team. The team could be either a U-18 team or a U-17 team.

In that same example, if the club knew through consultation with the XYZ High School boys soccer coach that three of the U-16 boys and one of the U-17 boys would be playing for the JV team in the spring, then the club could place all nine on the U-16s and all seven on the U-17s and would not violate the AHSAA 50% rule.

Confused, yet? Join the crowd! But, you can see what our club is up against when it comes to forming teams.

Can anyone try out?
Yes, the Club encourages all interested players to tryout. We have had players from Mobile and throughout Baldwin County. Evaluations will be held for players playing at the D3 or D4 level. Players should plan on attending at least two sessions, all four is preferred.

What if I'm sick or on vacation?
If a player cannot make the dates due to vacation, illness, injury, etc., we can make arrangements for a make-up tryout. Please let us know asap here.

How are teams formed?
Teams at the DI and DII level are formed through a tryout process. Teams for DIII and DIV are formed after an evaluation process. Coaches evaluate each player’s skills, knowledge of the game, fitness, attitude, and commitment and place players accordingly. Players will be notified after tryouts and evaluations have been completed.

When will players be invited to join a team?
Players selected for a team will receive an Invitation by phone and their tryout number posted on the website after tryouts are completed. Player can accept the team invitation by visiting a special website link that will be provided after tryouts are completed. The website link is a new state-wide registration program implemented by the Alabama Youth Soccer Association.

Unfortunately, some players may not make a team roster. The Blast Soccer Club Board of Directors has committed the club to finding a spot for every player that wants to continue improving her or his soccer skills. See "training player" below.

What is a training player or training package?
Some of these older players (U-12s and up) may be asked to join as a "training player" who would train with a team of their age group under the tutelage of one of our coaches, but would not be on game rosters. Training players would be expected to attend all training sessions and possibly, do to injury or absence of other team players, be asked to play with the team for a game or tournament. 

Others of these younger players may be invited to join the Blast Developmental Academy. The Academy is designed to offer more structure for the serious young player age 7-10. Skills and small game tactics are stressed. Academy players will also have the opportunity to play against other developmental teams from the surrounding area.

What are the qualifications of the Blast coaching staff?
Jamie Ferguson, the Blast Director of Coaching (DOC), grew up playing in his native England. As a player he made numerous appearances in the FA Cup in England and twice participated in the U.S. Open Cup. Ferguson is a two-time All American at the University of Mobile and a member of their 2002 National Championship team. As DOC, Coach Ferguson is responsible for the player development curriculum as well as hiring and supervising staff coaches. We are fortunate to have many qualified coaches along the Gulf Coast. Each coach has taken soccer coaching courses geared toward the development of youth soccer at different levels. In order to successfully complete these courses the coach must be complete both a field evaluation and written examination to receive the appropriate license.