Competitive: U-13 – U-15 (Coming Fall 2026)

Sandy Spring Soccer Club Team Programs

The Sandy Spring Soccer Club (SSSC) Competitive program is designed for boys and girls U-13 – U-15 to learn how to play 11 v 11 and a complete game. The SSSC Style of Play is introduced to players at this age, and practice sessions are meant to emphasize playing soccer the right way. The level of the players in this age group are expected to have previous soccer playing  experience. Players in the Competitive program play in various leagues depending upon the skill level of the team and some leagues may even include travel to the Northeast (NY, NJ, PA) or Southeast states (NC, SC, GA). The leagues may range between the Elite Development Program (EDP) League, Club Champions League, and the US Youth Soccer National League. Leagues will be determined based upon the skill level of the team.  

Physical changes to the body are prevalent during this competitive period and players are more attuned in coping with tougher training programs and increased schedules to build stamina and personal strength. Tactical awareness and more advanced exercises to improve skills are introduced and applied in real game time. A greater understanding and further advancement towards possession, retention and distribution techniques is encouraged and the concepts of the 5 pillars of play: technical, tactical, psychological, physical, and physco-social are all emphasized. Preparation and strength is openly discussed as part of the program.

When?

Each season is 10 months long and runs for 3 terms (Fall, Winter, and Spring) from late August – Early July. In collaboration with 3 other local clubs, we are the host of the D.C. Cup, held during July 4th weekend, and it is mandatory that the elite level teams in Competitive compete in the tournament.  

Where?

Training and games are typically played at Sandy Spring Friends School soccer fields and the local Montgomery Parks and Recreation fields. Depending upon the level of the Competitive team, games are also played away at the competing clubs between Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Competitive teams may also participate in local and regional soccer tournaments. 

What’s Included?

All Players who register with the SSSC Junior Academy will receive the following: 

  • Training from former college/professional coaches and United States Soccer Federation License Coaches. 
  • 3 practices a week
  • 1 game a week (11 v 11) with Game Analysis
  • 4 tournaments (travel and accommodations not included for out of town tournaments) 
  • SSSC Game Uniform (2 jerseys, 2 shorts, 2 socks, 1 jacket, 1 pants) 
  • SSSCC Training Uniform (2 training jerseys, 2 training shorts, 2 socks, 1 winter jacket) – Game and Training uniforms are issued every 2 years or if a player has grown out of their uniform.
  • Players are registered with the Maryland Youth Soccer Association and insurance is included. 

Age Group Program Descriptions?

U-13 and U-15 

Reach for Sky 

With the introduction of 11 v11 and full size fields for game time, this program enhances all the knowledge and understanding of the game learned to date and formulates to another level of skill progression. There is a directive to work with players far more technically and to home-in on personal, individual qualities that favour particular positional play and to build on such strengths without ignoring the need to overcome weaknesses. A broader approach to the game is coached which includes nutritional and dietary teaching measures for sustained and better health, and psychological awareness to cope with the ups and downs of soccer which can be applied to winning, losing and injury recovery. It is a period within the academy which pays a lot of attention towards the speed and pace of the game all while continuing to develop the 5 pillars of play: technical, tactical, psychological, physical, and psycho-social. Whilst individualism is always encouraged, soccer is a team sport and the awareness and movement of others on the field of play is a constant topic for discussion. There is no ceiling to the progress that can be made from the program.

Refund Policy: 

  • If withdrawing before the beginning of the 4th practice session, the player will receive a pro-rated refund minus a $75 cancellation fee. 
  • After the 4th practice session, there will be no refunds. 
  • Partial refunds will not be given for missed practices, games, or tournaments.