Ballistic United and Ballistic Gold Teams

The Ballistic United Division I program is the logical progression from the outstanding Division III and IV programs offered by BUSC and its neighboring clubs. Ballistic United teams are composed of some of the best players and coaches from Pleasanton, it's surrounding communities and Northern California. The coaches, trainers, players and their parents are dedicated to the development of advanced soccer technique and tactics. Good sportsmanship and fun are still a major part of our program focus, however, BUSC Division I players work hard to achieve the soccer success they have come to expect and enjoy.

Playing for Ballistic United Division I offers the opportunity to play with and against players of the highest ability and to travel and meet players from other cities throughout California and beyond. Many Ballistic United Division I players compete for positions on district, state, regional and national Olympic Development teams as well as high school and college teams. Ballistic United Division I teams play in the CYSA District III or IV playing leagues (Al Caffodio or GSSL playing leagues) and in tournaments throughout California. BUSC is also a US Club Soccer Member and participates in select events that offer additional developmental opportunities for our players and teams. In 2007, our clubs U-9 and U-10 teams participated in the Nor Cal Fall league.

Season

For our U-9 program, trainings begin twice a week in July. We will participate in local jamborees and typically attend 1 "sleepover" tournament in Sonoma Valley. League runs from September through Mid-November. Mid-November through January 1st will be OFF! We will begin optional trainings once a week In January leading up to placements.

For U10 through U15 teams, optional training starts in April. Many of our players choose to participate in the Nor Cal Spring league but it is not mandatory. All teams get serious in July. During the school year, training sessions are usually held 2 to 3 days per week for an hour and a half to two hours. The District III/IV Al Caffodio or GSSL playing league fall season starts in September and goes to mid-November. Division I tournaments for U11-U19 start in late July and are normally held once a month through February. Division I jamborees for U10 are scheduled during the same time frame. The playing season ends with the State Cup tournament, which starts in January for U-11 through U-13 and March for U-14 through U-18. Ballistic training sessions cease in mid-November for the winter high school soccer season for U-14 through U-18 with training resuming in mid-February following the conclusion of the High School season.

Commitment

he competition is with and against the best. Players selected for a Ballistic United Division I team must expect to work hard individually at home and at team training sessions to improve their level of play. United teams are for players who want to be challenged to grow in their soccer skills and love of the game. Parents must also devote significant time, effort and energy supporting their player, their team and the club.

Placements

Placements for Division I teams are held in early spring. Players trying out for the Division I teams must attend as many of the Division I placements as possible. Teams will be selected and announced within a week of their final placement date.

Professional Coaching

Professional coaching is a major benefit of Ballistic United. United coaches are some of the most dedicated, trained and experienced in Northern California. Ballistic United brings the best coaching resources in the East Bay and beyond to the players in our program. The Director of Coaching recruits and contracts qualified coaches to work with the players. The Director of Coaching and the Board of Directors of BUSC set coaching fees for the program.

Travel

The Al Caffodio and GSSL playing leagues are made up of teams from Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Newark and Fremont and other local communities. There are usually 10 league games of which half are played in Pleasanton. Nor Cal leagues usually involve other clubs within Northern California as well – teams from Sacramento, Santa Rosa and San Jose are often included. Club Tournaments are held throughout California. The coach and Director of Coaching determine the number of tournaments and their locale. Ballistic United philosophy is that quality is better than quantity. Most teams travel to tournaments in Southern California and occasionally out of state. U-11 through U-18 Teams will generally play 30 to 50 games per season.

Uniforms

Players on Division I teams separately purchase higher quality shorts, socks and uniform tops than Division IV teams. Division 1 teams will receive a credit for the standard uniform costs.

Cost

With professional coaching, fields, travel and the intensity of the program it costs more to support Division I players than Division III or Division IV programs. Parents of Division I players are responsible for covering the additional costs of this coaching, uniforms/equipment and travel. Specifics on cost for the year are available at the Division I and Division III placements.