Overview 

The LSC soccer program is a year-long program that runs from September through late June (or early July) with three distinct seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring.   LSC offers numerous training and camp opportunities over the summer, and winter indoor training in between Fall and Spring seasons.  This year, winter training will be held in the new indoor soccer facility at Kimball Union Academy (details available on the LSC website). While players do not have to participate in all three seasons and there are try-outs in between the fall and spring season, LSC tries to maintain continuity of teams during the school year (September – June). 

There are four programs being offered at LSC this spring: a Development Clinic, Club Team, Premier Team, College Showcase Team.   In addition, this spring and summer, LSC will be hosting four regional ‘all-star’ teams (U14-U16B, U16G) to play in United Soccer League’s Super-Y League.  Rosters and fees for Super-Y are separate and distinct from the spring LSC program.

Spring Programs

Development Clinic (U8 co-ed):  the Development Clinic is a non-travel program designed for younger players.   Outdoor sessions are 2x per week beginning in mid-April and there is optional indoor training beginning in March. The focus of the Development Clinic is to develop technical skills, and begin to apply those skills in various small-sided games and scrimmages in a fun and creative environment.  Players receive a training kit, and there are no try-outs/cuts for the Development Clinic. Season runs until late May.

Club Team (Boys and Girls U8-U18):  Club Teams are competitive travel teams that compete at the state level, typically in the Granite State Soccer League, and compete in one regional tournament in May (Memorial Day Weekend).  Indoor practices begin in late February 1-2x per week and move outdoors 2-3x/week in April as weather permits.  New players this spring will receive a game kit (fall players returning for the spring season may buy replacement kit items). Season runs until mid June.

Premier Team (Boys and Girls U10-U18):  Premier Teams are highly competitive travel teams that compete at the regional level, usually in the New England Premiership league.  Premier teams also compete in a regional tournament, State Cup (U12 and older), and potentially in the Region 1 National Championships if the team advances.   Premier Teams may elect to participate in other tournaments (not included in the spring fee) such as Nordic Cup or the NEFC Tournament.  Indoor training begins in late February 2-3x per week and moves outdoors in April as weather permits.  New players this spring will receive a game kit (fall players returning for the spring season may buy replacement kit items).  Participation on a Premier Team requires a higher player/team commitment and increased travel.  Season runs until late June or early July.

College Showcase Team (Boys and Girls U15-U18):  College Showcase Teams are high school-aged premier teams that participate in a regional premier league (i.e. New England Premiership or Region 1 League), and in college showcase tournament(s), State Cup, and potentially Region 1 National Championships if the team advances.  The focus for College Showcase Teams is to provide the training and visibility for players with college soccer aspirations and will include an LSC College information session this spring.  Indoor practices begin in late February 2-3x per week and move outdoors in April as weather permits.   Players will receive a game kit.  Participation on a College Showcase Team requires a higher player/team commitment and travel to regional/national tournaments. Season runs until late June or early July.

Alternate Position
Alternate positions are offered on some teams for qualified players.  Alternates participate in training and may be called up to compete in game(s), solely at the discretion of the head coach.    Alternate players receive a game kit but pay a reduced fee.

Player Pool
Player Pool is a training-only option offered to motivated players who wish to improve their skills to compete at the travel level. Pool players participate in training but do not compete in games.  Player pool players receive a training kit and pay a reduced fee.

NEW for 2012: Lightning SC to compete in the USL Super Y League

LSC has been accepted into the USL Super-Y League and will be entering 4 regional ‘all-star’ teams to compete in the 2012 season.  The Super-Y rosters and fees are separate and distinct from the regular LSC rosters, and placement/tryout for a Super-Y roster will be by invitation.  LSC is teaming up with other premier clubs in New England to field highly competitive teams who will compete in the Northeast Division in four age groups: U14B, U15B, U16B, U16G.    The Super-Y season begins in late spring and runs through early August and players can play on both a LSC team and Super-Y team.    

Super-Y National Finals and ODP (Olympic Development Program)

Super-Y teams who win their respective division can advance to the Super-Y National Championships in Tampa, Florida in early December.  In addition, players will be evaluated over the course of the Super-Y League season by the coaches of opposing teams as well as their own club and can be identified for ODP (Olympic Development Program).    The selected ODP players will attend the ODP National Camp held on their corresponding age group date. Once at the ODP National Camp, players will be evaluated over intense competition and training by the ODP Staff.  At the completion of the event, a final selection for the ODP Select Team will be made recognizing the top players in the Super-Y League. Once this selection has been made, certain ODP Select Teams may be invited to participate in events beyond the camps.