Info for MLS Next and ECNL RL teams

Our U13–U19 MLS NEXT and ECNL RL programs require a year-round commitment. These teams practice four times per week.

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Info for 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016

Happy Feet is the first stage of BSC's competitive program. In addition to two weekly practices, all 2020 and 2019 players, most of 2018 players, and some 2017 and 2016 players will play our in-house "Happy Feet Street Soccer League" until they are ready for the 7v7 league format (NorCal League).

The Happy Feet league is great for player development as it provides a perfect environment for players to get more touches on the ball, score more goals and have more fun, which is very important for their development. During these games, coaches are allowed to step on the field and help their players. 

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Happy Feet Program​

All BSC players start their first years of competition within the Club, playing “Happy Feet Street Soccer” in-house games to develop their confidence, learn basic rules of the game, experience competition controlled by our coaches. Once the coach feels the team is ready, they start playing league soccer to compete with other local clubs. There aren't many clubs in the area that have teams at early ages. Some clubs sign their youngest teams up to play league competition against older teams - we believe this can negatively affect their first competitive experience and we look to grow confidence in our youngest players ensuring they are ready for competitive play before diving in. BSC and your coaches want to gradually increase the competition level for our players through small-sided games for their optimal development.

In summary, at BSC we look to use a small sided game format to ensure players get the optimal number of touches / dribbles for learning, are regularly involved in the “play” to enhance problem solving ability, increases the number of shots on goal to build confidence and an aggressive mindset at an early age in an environment conducive to learning.

  

To Learn about the advantages of Happy Feet / Small Sided Games as evidenced by ongoing studies of young soccer players CLICK HERE.

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Practice and game schedule

• Spring Season Practice Schedule: The Spring 2025 Season consists of the Winter Training (January 5th-March 1st) and the Spring Training (March 2rd-June 5th). Please note that the Spring Training practice schedule might be different than the Winter Training schedule due to change in field availability (all other youth sports organizations will start using the fields when their season starts later in February). We will receive our final Winter field allocations from the City Parks & Rec and the High School District in December and anticipate to announce the Winter Training schedule by December 25th. The Spring Training schedule will be announced by February 23rd. Generally, 2020-2016 practice between 3:30 and 6:30 PM, 2015-2013 practice between 5 and 8 PM, and 2012 and older practice between 6:30 and 9:30 PM. In addition to regular team practices, the Club offers special clinics - goalkeeper clinics, striker clinics, agility and coordination clinics, ball mastery clinics, futsal clinics, high school prep clinics, college athlete prep clinics, injury prevention and performance enhancement clinics. These clinics are provided by the Club to all BSC members at no extra cost!

• Spring Season Game Schedule: The league games will be played on weekends. The game schedules are not set in advance for the entire season - it is a quite complex process that takes place between our Club game scheduler and opposing teams and it lasts throughout the season as they work on finding available field slots that work for both home and away team coaches while trying to avoid their coaching conflicts (coaches coach multiple teams). Our Happy Feet teams will play In-house Happy Feet Street Soccer League games on Sunday mornings 8-9:15 AM (schedule TBA by the end of February).​​​

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What are Club Fees and Team Fees?

Club Fees are the payment that goes to the Burlingame Soccer Club to cover the majority of expenses to practice and play. Club Fees cover the costs of all coaching (head coaches, assistant coaches, special clinics coaches, age group directors, technical directors, director of coaching, director of goalkeeping, etc), executive director, general manager, registrar, scheduler, uniform coordinator, director of college pathway, facilities and equipment manager, outdoor fields, indoor futsal facility (Burlingamer), field maintenance, lights, referees, club equipment, insurance, as well as administrative and professional services such as bookkeeping. Also, a small portion of the Club Fees goes to the BSC Financial Aid Fund dedicated to helping the children of our financially needy families (funds for the financial aid also come from our fundraisers - 5v5 shootouts, 9v9 Dream Cup, Christmas Tree Fundraiser, donations, etc). Club Fees cover a minimum of two practices per week, plus the optional free special clinics such as striker clinics, goalkeeper clinics, agility clinics, futsal clinics, injury prevention clinics, etc; typically 8-10 league games per season, and scrimmages. Club Fees vary by age group and team. For Happy Feet and NorCal teams, Club Fees range between $1,900 - $2,750 per player per each season (Spring and Fall seasons).

For ECNL RL and MLS Next teams, Club Fees will be approximately $2,950 per season. Please note that these programs require a year-round commitment (both Fall and Spring seasons), meaning players commit to a full year with the Club.

 

Spring 2026 Club Fees Club Fees cover the Winter and Spring Training. The Club Fees will the same or be very similar to the Fall 2025 Fees. 2020-2018 fees will be around $1,800; 2017-2015 fees will be between $1,950 and $2,250 (depending on the team), with 2015 Pre-MLS Next and Pre-ECNL RL fees around $2,500; 2014-2009 fees will be between $2,000 and 2,400, depending on the team. NPL Club Fee will b e around $2,550, while U13-U19 MLS Next and ECNL- RL fees will be around $3,000.

GRADUATING SENIORS WILL RECEIVE A 50% CLUB FEE DISCOUNT IN THEIR LAST SPRING SEASON WITH BSC!

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Team Fees are in addition to Club Fees and are used for items specific and unique to your team. They cover your team's league registration fees, player passes (issued by the NorCal or CCSL league - required to play weekend games), tournament registration fees (as well as expenses associated with tournaments - when tournaments are out of the area, the team covers their coach's transportation, lodging and dinning expenses) and team equipment (your team's cones, hurdles, goals, balls, team bench, tent or any other equipment that coach needs for their trainings). Your team's total expense for the season is divided by the number of players rostered on your team (whether or not players make it to all league games and tournaments). Team Fees vary widely depending primarily on the number of tournaments. The lowest for a team playing 0-1 tournament may be about $100, and the highest for a team playing 3-4 tournaments may be about $400 or more. Your head coach determines the league and tournament agenda for your team.

 

Uniform costs are separate and are paid individually by each family. A full Adidas uniform kit is typically replaced every two years and costs about $200.

 

Team Summer Camp fee is separate and is $350.

 

Financial Aid is available and is based on financial need. For more information, and the financial application, go to the financial aid section on the website or click here.

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BSC Pathway and Expectation

Please read the BSC Pathway and Expectation created by the Club coaches and directors. This comprehensive document outlines our methodology, development pathway and expectation.

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If I am currently on a BSC team do I still need to tryout?

Our current players do not to register for the tryouts. They have been evaluated throughout the season and coaches will communicate with our current players and offer them spot on a team for the following season based on their skill level, performance and commitment.

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Does my son/daughter have to come to all of the tryouts?

No, but every child is expected to attend as many tryouts as possible. Although only one is required, the more tryouts you attend the more accurate the ultimate evaluation you will receive. You and your child will also have more opportunities to ask questions, meet the coaches and managers, and get a better feel for what Cub soccer will be like if you come to all of the tryouts. Current BSC players are also required to attend club tryouts.

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Can I choose which age group I tryout for?

No, all players have to tryout for the age division that is determined by their date of birth and required by US Soccer. It is mandatory that all players tryout with their own age as players are not allowed to tryout for an age group older or younger. Once tryouts are underway BSC technical committee will identify and consider any advanced players that they determine could "play up" and communicate these players of this opportunity. Players will only be invited to play up on older teams if the technical committee believe that it is in the best interest of that player's individual development and that they can be contributing players on that older team.

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Does every player that attends the tryouts make the team?

Players who don't get selected for the BSC competitive program (teams) will have an opportunity to register for our non-competitive programs - Juniors Academy (ages 5-8) and Technical Development Program (ages 9-14).

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How is my child's team assigned?

During the try-out process your child will be evaluated by multiple coaches from the BSC organization. Based on their collective feedback, your child will be assigned to a team which is designed to both challenge and support your child's soccer skills. There are one and sometimes two coaches per team, a head coach and a secondary coach or age-group coach. It is the goal of the BSC to have each coach in an age group be familiar with every player in that group.

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How many teams does the BSC have and what level do they play?

Burlingame Soccer Club fields up to six teams in the youngest age groups, and typically has two to three teams per age group once players reach high school age.

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How many players will make a team?

Our goal is to have between 5 and 6 teams in the early ages in both the boys and girls programs. These teams play smaller sided games (5v5, 7v7, 9v9) and we tend to keep team rosters small to provide enough playing time for each player. These teams combine into 2 or 3 teams when they graduate to the 11v11 format of the game at U13. Selection of the players and number of teams that Club will form will depend on the quality of the player pool that will be evaluated at the tryout. The Club also has field space limitations and wants to be competitive and selective in terms of talent without the intention of continuing to grow the number of competitive teams.

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What are the "numbers & colors" for the BSC teams and what do they signify?

In keeping with US Soccer regulations, teams are divided by BIRTH year (NOT by school year as with AYSO), so most teams will have a mix of players in different school grades. Players with exceptional skills may play "up" to an older team, but older players may not play "down" to a younger team. Team numbers (birth year, i.e. Jan-Dec, 2009 = "09") are followed by "B" for boys and "G" for girls. BSC's teams are labeled with different colors (Blue, Gold, Navy, White, etc). Your player's current team placement is where we think your player will have the necessary balance between challenge and success which will result in confidence growth and optimal skill acquisition. Your player's development is a process which includes constant coaching evaluation. In addition, this process requires ongoing support from both coaches and parents. We are asking the families to trust us through the process in order for the players to reach their full potential. 

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Will the teams for each age group be balanced?

No. BSC will create a structure and series of teams that all compete at differing levels of competition within each age group. In the younger age groups BSC typically host 1 or 2 teams at each age that compete at a Premier or Gold level of play and then have 2 or 3 teams that compete at the more local Silver or Bronze level. The goal of our program is to place players in an environment where they can compete, contribute, feel valued and continue to develop at their own individual rate of development. At U6/U7/U8 - early ages Club might balance the teams when players start in our program to evaluate player progress in first season/year of their play and then place each individual player at the right level and challenge the team playing right league/bracket.

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What if there is an already existing team in the Club at the age group I am trying out for?

At club tryouts new and returning players are evaluated evenly. Burlingame Soccer Club is a competitive program, we are always looking for the best and most committed players possible. If a new player is deserving of a place on a team, a current player could very possibly be moved to a lower level team.

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What are the coaches looking for?

Coaches will primarily evaluate technical and coordinative abilities as well as looking for players that are active and engaged in the tryouts and demonstrate the ability to follow directions and be coached. Coaches are also looking at each players potential athletic ability and their desire to impact the game environment.

Although our coaches do a good job evaluating the players during tryouts, it is sometimes difficult to properly assess every player accurately. As such, once teams are formed BSC will practice in a pool environment and continue player evaluation so that players can be moved to the appropriate level team within the age group. This player movement typically happens in the Summer between seasons.

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When will we hear the results of the tryouts?

The results will be communicated to you via email no later than one week after the last day of the tryouts.

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How is Club soccer different from AYSO?

Club soccer is more competitive and selective than AYSO. There are fewer teams with a tryout process to select the players who demonstrate the most aptitude and interest in playing competitive soccer. Competitive teams travel to play teams of comparable skill and experience levels. Game scores and standings for the season are kept at every level - even the youngest (U7).

Unlike AYSO, every child may not get equal play time during games but it is important to emphasize that BSC coaches are focused on individual player development and not winning games at early ages. Coaches set long term goals knowing that fundamental skills developed early will pay dividends in years to come. Every player on the roster will likely play at least ½ of every game, but some may play the entire game. Teams formed through Club tryouts tend to stay together from one season to the next but Club coaches are encouraged to move players from one team (level) to another team within the same age group based on player development. Since BSC plays year-round and competition is at a higher level, transitioning from AYSO to the BSC is best done at a young age (U7-U9). It becomes increasingly difficult for players to "step up" to the Club as they get older.

There is a level of intensity and competitiveness in Club soccer that may not be best for every child or family. The children who play Club soccer are very committed to soccer and improving their game. If your child is looking for the next level of competitive soccer, Burlingame Soccer Club may be perfect for him/her.

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When is the season? When do practices start?

• Spring Season: Spring Season consists of Winter Training (January 5th-March 1st) and Spring Training (March 2nd -June 5th): Teams play 8-10 games during Spring Season.

• Fall Season: U13-U19 MLS Next and ECNL RL teams, as well as U11 and U12 Pre-MLS Next and Pre ECNL RL teams, start training on July 6th. All other teams start training on July 27th. The Fall Season ends on December 5th. Teams play 8-10 league games during Fall Season.

 

During the Spring and Fall seasons, teams typically play 1 game per week, which will be played either Saturday or Sunday. There may be some weekends with games on both days. Many teams also play a couple of weekend tournaments or jamborees. During Winter and Summer breaks, Burlingame Soccer Club offers all BSC players the opportunity to play futsal Monday through Friday at no additional cost.

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How often will my child practice?

All entry-to-mid level teams practice 2X per week. Top age group teams train 3x per week. MLS Next and ECNL RL teams practice 4x per week. In addition to regular team practices and games, we offer extra training and playing opportunities at no extra cost - these include Striker Clinics, Agility and Coordination Clinics, Skill and Ball Mastery Clinics, Goalkeeper Clinics, Futsal Clinics and Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement Clinics.

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Are there any playing opportunities during Winter and Summer break?

Our Winter Break typically starts second/third week of December and ends second week of January, while summer break typically starts mid-June and end ends last week of July. Throughout entire Winter and Summer break, all our players have an opportunity to play pickup futsal games Monday-Friday at our indoor facility, the Burlingamer, at no extra cost.

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Do players frequently move between teams?

No, unless it is necessary to move player so he/she is placed at the right level to continue developing soccer skills. Players may occasionally "guest play" on another color/team, but typically only move officially from one team's roster to another either at the end of the spring season, or after fall try-outs. Typically, the age groups (all colors/all teams in a birth year) practice together 1X/week, and individual teams practice alone 1-2X/week. Coaches get to know each player in an age group.

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In which leagues do the BSC teams play?

Our most competitive U13-U19 Boys Teams play MLS Next. The most competitive girls teams play Elite Clubs National League Regional League (ECNL RL). 2017 (some 2018) and older BSC teams play in the NorCal Premier. Each team choses the league they will play in for the spring or fall seasons. Club Head coaches, the directors of the Age Groups and team coaches determine which league and level of play will best support the development of the team. MLS Next and ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) are regarded as the highest level of competition accessible to U13 - U19 teams in the Northern California League. They create opportunities for more competitive players to showcase their talents at college recruitment events that are organized for member clubs only. These two leagues work together and run promotion and relegation systems for the teams and club members.

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How far do teams travel?

The more competitive the team, the farther it will typically travel. Most games will be within a 30-45 minute drive from Burlingame- roughly from SF to San Jose for the Gold / Silver league levels and from Burlingame to Palo Alto for Bronze / Copper league levels. Home games are played at Burlingame fields.

There are three leagues that BSC will consider for its players and teams to participate: MLS Next, ECNL RL and NorCal Premier. Which league the team plays will be decided by the team coach in coordination with Club Director of Coaching (DOC). The objective is to play at the right level of competition in order for players to develop. Coaches constantly evaluate their players and the team's progress as well as the playing league and competition. It is up to the coach to decide if/when to move a team to another league if they think it is more appropriate for the players and the team to develop.

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My child plays baseball/lacrosse in the spring can s/he still play competitive soccer team?

Many children playing Club soccer also have other commitments - especially in the spring. We have different team levels within the age group and based on your other commitments Club will be able to accommodate to you and have your boy and/or girl play at the right level. Gold and White Level teams usually have players who prioritize Club soccer. In the fall, we expect players to prioritize Club soccer over other commitments, but in the spring the expectation is not as high. It will be up to each family to manage spring conflicts keeping in mind that the more practices and games each child attends, the stronger both the players and the team will become. You may want to discuss your child's other commitments with the Club team coach and manager once you are assigned to a team.

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What does the weekly practice schedule look like?

BSC uses the city fields, San Mateo High School Union District fields and Burlingamer Indoor Facility. Once we receive all the field allocations, the schedule is created for an entire season, but the schedule is generally as follows:

- U7-U10 teams usually practice from 3:30 to 4:45 PM or 5 to 6:15 PM

- U11-U13 teams practices are usually between 5:00 and 8:00 PM

- U14 and older teams practices are usually between 6:30 and 9:30 PM

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Are games on Saturdays or Sundays?

The preliminary game schedules are published in early March for Spring and mid-August for Fall. Games are scheduled by the leagues on both Saturdays and Sunday. Game schedulers do their best to schedule games around conflicts that team coaches have (coaches coach multiple BSC teams).

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Who are the coaches?

The coaches are all experienced and licensed professional soccer coaches. Many have played professional or semi-professional soccer. They work closely together to design and implement effective practice drills and games. All of the coaches in the Burlingame Soccer Club are paid. Dusko Rosic is the Burlingame Soccer Club Executive Director and is one of the top coaches in California. He works closely with the technical derictors and directors of age groups on buidling the training curriculum, style of play and club culture. He also recruits, trains, and assigns coaches to each team. He works with coaches, players and teams at all ages and oversees the program. The club assigns a Head Coach for each age group who works closely with the other coaches in the same age group to ensure that the program is unified and players are receiving uniform development.

BSC Coaches get assessed by the directors, benefiting from their experience and mentorship in implementing their curriculum and player assessment for optimal player development.

Learn more about BSC Coaches.

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Who are the managers?

Each team will need one or more parent-volunteer manager who will help with team communication, organizing team parties, etc.

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Where do the teams practice?

Practices take place at one of several Burlingame fields including Murray Field, Lower Bayside Field, Franklin Field, Osberg Field, Cuernavaca Park, Burlingame High School fields, Mills High School fields, Hillsborough North, Hillsborough West, as well as our own indoor facility, the Burlingamer.  The Club also runs special training programs which include Special Clinics.

These optional but encouraged programs are in addition to the regular team practices and are free of charge for Club players.​

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What is expected of parents?

Parents are expected to support their children with positive feedback and well-planned logistics. To do this we ask that you get your children to practices and games on time, discuss your concerns with the coaches at a time when they are able to focus their attention on the subject, and cheer (NOT coach) your children from the sidelines at the games and practices. Parents are also expected to volunteer a few hours per season in support of their child's team and the BSC overall. Team managers will notify you of volunteer opportunities throughout the season.

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How do I order uniform?

Your MyUniform account will be set up shortly after your register for the Season. In case you don't receive the uniform email Please email the Club Uniform Coordinator at BurlingameSCuniforms@gmail.com to set up your MyUniform account that you will use to purchase your player's uniform and any additional items.

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Where can I go for more information?

Please visit the Burlingame Soccer Club Website.