DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE HOMESCHOOLED?
No. Trailblazers welcome players from all schooling situations. However, if you have graduated from high school you are not eligible to play.
CAN MY CHILD PLAY ON ANOTHER TEAM WHILE PLAYING FOR THE TRAILBLAZERS?
Trailblazers is for players who do not have another place to play soccer. Trailblazers require that you make our team a priority during our season, if you are involved in another sport.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A TRAILBLAZER?
We offer Boys 19U, Girls 19U, Coed 14U, and Coed 12U. The maximum age is no older than 19 by the last day of the National tournament. The minimum as is at least 8 years old by the last day of the State tournament. Please see registration information for more details, as these dates change from year to year.
IS PREVIOUS SOCCER EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
No. Previous soccer experience is definitely valuable, especially for Varsity team players, but it's not a requirement for any of our teams.
All players, regardless of experience, are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the FREE individual Training Challenges that are delivered by e-mail every week starting in June.
WHEN DOES THE SEASON BEGIN AND END?
The season typically begins mid-July and ends after the National Tournament at the end of October. Please note only the Boys 19U and Girls 19U teams attend the National Tournament. All other teams are finished at the State Tournament, which is early October. We wrap things up with an awards ceremony in early November.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Our practices are on Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. There is an optional Monday practice for the 19U teams from 6-8pm. Local games may be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the further away games will be played on Saturdays.
We play teams from around the state, which are located in the following areas: Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Greenwood, Indianapolis, Jeffersonville, Middletown, Tippecanoe, and Zionsville. To help minimize travel, we try to balance the number of home and away games, along with playing a few double header games.
The State Tournament, depending on where it is held, may require over night stays as it is played over a Friday and Saturday. This tournament rotates locations each year.
The National Tournament is held out of state and is a 2-3 day tournament depending on which tournament we attend.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
We work hard to help players afford to play on the team. We diligently look for ways to save money so that we can keep our player fees as low as possible. Our club is ran 100% by parent volunteers. The player fees go toward paying for field fees, referees, player insurance, equipment, tournament fees, and club administration. There is a separate fee for uniforms, which are player owned. Along with personal player soccer equipment.
Ways To Save:
- Player Owned Uniforms: Players are encouraged to take care of their uniforms, in hopes that they can be used for several years. Reusing uniforms is easier to do for the older players as they are not growing as much. However, for our younger players, we encourage families to pass down or sell the outgrown uniforms to another player, if the uniforms are still in good condition.
- Pick a Date to Donate Fundraiser: Our players have the opportunity to receive 100% of donations from family and friends by downloading our Trailblazer Calendar. Many of our families have had much success with this. There is no selling candy, popcorn, or gift wrap! Super simple and super easy.
- 50/50 Sponsorships: We encourage players to seek sponsorships from local business to help offset the cost of fees. The player will receive 50% of the money they collect and can then apply this to their player fees. The club will receive the other 50% to help with ongoing club costs.
- Corporate Sponsorships and Fundraisers: Our fundraising committee works hard to find club sponsors and other ways we as a club can raise funds help off set the costs.
Other Costs:
These expenses are not included in the player or uniform fees.
- Travel and meal expenses
- Out-of-town tournament accommodations
- Club spirit wear (optional)
- Player and team pictures (optional)
WHAT OTHER SOCCER GEAR IS NEEDED?
All players will need to provide their own cleats, shin guards, compression shorts, ball, and water bottle. Extra shorts and socks are also recommend for use during practices. Please see a detailed list under the Soccer Gear Guidelines tab.
IS THERE A CHRISTIAN CONPONENT TO BECOMING A TRAILBLAZER?
Our mission is to promote Christian character through competitive soccer. Competitive soccer requires training and discipline, pushing players to test their physical, mental, and emotional limits. We view the soccer field as a unique venue for uncovering our responses to such tests and then shaping them in ways that honor God, edify our teammates, and reflect good stewardship of the time and talents given to each of us.
The Trailblazers coaches and board members are Christians. There is a time of devotion and prayer at the end of each practice. But it is not necessary that a child or family that participates in the Trailblazers program be Christian. We expect player and parent conduct that is in keeping with moral values, such as honesty, integrity, self-control, and respect, and it is necessary for participants to be in alignment with these values.