Shelby County Youth Soccer has announced the creation of two new competitive soccer programs for youth players: Western Ohio United.

These programs, in addition to the recreational program that has been the mainstay of SCYS for over 30 years, will provide opportunities for players to learn, develop and compete on several levels. WOU is committed to forming Select and Premier soccer teams competitive with the Western Ohio area travel teams.

Select teams will be formed for players who enjoy playing soccer and want to move to a level of play that is above the Recreation League. These teams will practice two to three times each week and will need to travel to the Dayton area on occasion for league games. These teams will be coached by qualified adults who have taken entry level coaching classes and have a willingness and desire to teach the game of soccer in a fun, competitive environment. These coaches are typically parents of players on the team who volunteer their time.

Premier teams will be formed for advanced players who aspire to play soccer in a competitive environment where skill level and technique begin to become an important element of the game. These players are generally more advanced and practice on their own in addition to two to three team practices each week. Travel may be required to Columbus, Dayton or Cincinnati for league games. These teams will have paid, professional coaches who have completed coach education classes beyond entry level and have many years of experience coaching youth soccer.

Western Ohio United believes in player development first and foremost. WOU is committed to helping players improve technical abilities, tactical knowledge and physical fitness, and to promote psychological benefits.

To best promote the development of each player, training and teams will be organized into group players of similar levels. This way a talented player will not have their development stagnate if instruction is geared to only lower levels, nor will the weaker player find training frustratingly beyond his or her capabilities. Players will be evaluated at yearly tryouts as well as during their training sessions or games.

Tryouts for WOU teams forming for the 2018-2019 season will be May 28-29 (raindate May 31) and June 4-5, 2018 (raindate June 6). Tryouts will be at Tawawa Park each night from 6 to 8 p.m.

WOU teams will be U9-U12 (birth year 2010-2007) and U13-U19 (birth year 2006-2000).

Registration is currently underway for the SCYS Recreation Program. Visit www.sidneysoccer.com to register.