Competitive Program Overview
Clippers FC's Competitive Program has over 365 players on 28 Competitive teams.
Our competitive program aims to promote the experience of competition in an enjoyable environment for players and families as well as develop a player’s passion for soccer as they develop their knowledge of the game.
Fundamental technical skills (ball mastery) are stressed at younger age groups, with winning being a secondary consideration. As players mature and progress, decision making and tactics are introduced with winning becoming a greater consideration. Throughout the entire process Clippers FC's Competitive Program strives to emphasize the importance of being part of a team and a well-rounded individual.
Who coaches the competitive teams?
Competitive teams are coached by professional coaches from the 24-7 UK Soccer Academy. Please see bios of professional coaches here.
The 24-7 Academy combines elite technical, tactical, physical and psychological training by a team of Nationally Licensed coaches.
All of Clippers FC's Competitive Coaches work in line with the Clippers FC curriculum which has a clear set of learning objectives, based upon the age of the players. The coaches are supported by Technical Directors for each age bracket and the Director of Coaching, Rob Busa.
Clippers FC's Competitive vision is to enable its players to play both possession retention and creative attacking soccer.
What level teams are available?
Competitive teams can play at five levels: Premier, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper. Through the Try-out process Clippers FC aims to form at least one team at one of these levels in each age group. Most age groups have teams at various levels of play.
Premier, Gold and Silver teams play in the highest level of youth soccer available and require a greater time and financial commitment.
Bronze and Copper level teams require less time and financial commitment than Premier, Gold and Silver teams.
How are competitive teams formed?
The Competitive Teams are formed using a player tryout process that happens in May each year. Team formation is dependent upon the number and quality of players who attend tryouts and commit to playing for the Clippers FC team for which they are selected.
What is the tryout process?
Tryouts are run by professional coaches from 24-7 UK Soccer Academy on behalf of Clippers FC. Players interested in participating in the Competitive Program must attend at least one of the tryout dates for their age group, but are highly recommended to attend them all.
Player evaluations and selections are made by the Clippers FC coaches in conjunction with the Director of Coaching.
All players will be notified regardless if they make a team, within a week of the last tryout date for each age group.
How much does it cost to participate?
The cost will vary depending upon the team's age group and level. Teams may choose to do fundraising or seek sponsorships to help offset costs to participate in the program.
Clippers FC has financial aid opportunities for those players and families demonstrating a financial need and commitment to soccer and the club.
Please refer to these links on our website to learn more:
Where do teams train and play their games?
Competitive Teams train within close proximity of Montclair at some of the best soccer facilities within the Oakland area:
- Merritt College – 3 grass fields and a turf field at the Stadium
- Oakland High School – Floodlight turf field
- Skyline High School - Floodlight turf field
- Edna Brewer Middle School – turf field
- Bret Harte Middle School - turf field
- Bladium Sports & Fitness Club - turf field
Home Games are played at the above locations or one of our partner fields within the Jack London League. Away games (roughly 50% of games) are played against surrounding teams. Rarely will an away game be over 25 miles.
What is my child’s soccer alternative to competitive soccer?
Competitive soccer requires a high level of commitment from the players and families who participate. The decision to play at this level is a choice that needs careful consideration. Even if a player is skilled enough and is selected to a competitive team, the choice to play competitive soccer may not be a good fit for the player and/or his or her family. For those players and families who seek a lower commitment of time, travel, financial and volunteer requirements of Competitive Soccer, Clippers FC offers the option to play at the Recreational level.
For Recreational Soccer, players are assigned to teams by the Club. Recreational teams usually practice once per week beginning in August and finish in November. Players are guaranteed 50% playing time in games and the focus is on a fun soccer experience with minimal emphasis on game results. Coaches are usually the parent of a child on the team.
We are enthusiastic about our Competitive and Recreational programs. Picking a soccer program is a family decision. No matter what program you choose, we wish your family the very best in the Beautiful Game. We aim to offer its competitive and recreational players all the encouragement, support, training and experience we can.
For more information on the Clippers FC Competitive Program, please contact the Director of Coaching, Rob Busa at
