Is FC Elite extending retention offers?
After listening to our 35 member Athletes’ Council, we have chosen not to extend retention offers.
Can I put a summer offer with another club on hold and wait to see if I make an FC Elite team in the fall?
No, all offers for summer tryouts will close August 18th and must be accepted/rejected by then.
What if I decline summer offers and do not receive an offer from FC Elite or another club offering fall tryouts?
This risk is extremely low. We are prepared to add additional teams/leagues/training opportunities to ensure athletes that want to compete find a home. The vast majority of athletes will have an opportunity with us or another club, if they want one.
Where can I find what other clubs are holding fall tryouts?
The Badger Region has compiled that information here.
What if my high school coach is listed as a coach for my age division? Can I make a team?
If a player makes a team and there would be a conflict with a school coach, we make changes to the coaching assignments on the day of tryouts to ensure the athlete can play on the team she should make.
How do I know which age group to try out for?
Age groups are determined by the athlete’s date of birth and grade. USAV and the Badger Region have outlined the age classifications here. Generally, we recommend trying out with your grade, so that you are playing with girls that are in the same recruiting class as you, but we understand some girls are not ready for that, so you may register for the age in which your birth date falls. If you are still unsure which age group you qualify for, please email Amy at fcelite.volleyball@gmail.com
How do I know whether to try out for a National or Regional team?
Most age groups have both national and regional teams. The "National" teams will be the highest commitment level and are geared towards athletes who want to play volleyball at the top level and travel outside of Wisconsin. The "Regional" division teams are a lower commitment level and are a great fit for athletes who don't want to travel as much.
During the tryout registration you can select which type of team you want to be considered for. If you state that you only want to play on a National team, we will not place you on a regional team. If you state that you only want to play on a Regional team, we will not place you on a national team. You may opt to indicate you’d like to play on either type of team with FC Elite.
I play multiple positions, so how do I make that known for tryouts?
On the registration, you may choose one position, multiple positions, or indicate “unknown” if you are unsure of the position to try out for OR are younger and haven’t played a specific position.
Can I “play down” because of the new age definitions?
The new age date cut offs were established by USA Volleyball for the 2021 season to help eliminate the problem of players being forced to play outside of their normal grade level.
The intent of the rule is to keep most players grouped by grade. It is not the intent of the rule to allow or encourage players to play at a lower age level than their normal grade level would permit.
Generally speaking, most athletes register for the age division in which your daughter meets both the grade and birthday requirements as per the registration page.
Can I tryout for a higher age level team?
We encourage all athletes to try out for their proper age division. If coaches believe the athlete can make an impact at a higher age group, they will extend an invite to another age group’s tryout. If you have questions about this, please feel free to reach out to Amy at fcelite.volleyball@gmail.com
When and where are tryouts?
Our tryouts are at The Barn (formerly LakePark Sportszone) at N8770 Lake Park Rd, Menasha. Click here to view the list of tryout dates and times for each age group.
What time should I arrive for tryouts?
You should arrive at the beginning of your designated check-in time. This will allow enough time to go through the check-in line, change into the tryout shirt, and get into the gym before we begin. There will be a line, so don't wait until the last minute to arrive!
What if I come late or leave early for other club tryouts?
We understand there are overlaps with other club tryouts in the area. If you are registered for a tryout that overlaps ours, please reach out to fcelite.volleyball@gmail.com to give us a heads up that you will leave early or arrive late to our tryout. Additionally, on the tryout day, let the check-in staff know if you need to leave early and at what time.
I am going to be gone on tryout day. Can I try out at another time?
Truthfully, it is very difficult to make a team without being there on tryout day. With that said, we have had a few players in the past that have been evaluated at tune-ups and have made a team. If you absolutely cannot attend tryouts, please reach out to Amy at fcelite.volleyball@gmail.com to discuss your evaluation.
With the returning players from last year, is there really room for me?
Every year, approximately 30-40% of the players are brand new to the club. These new players can be found across all age divisions and team types.
Do my parents need to be at the entire tryout?
No, but we do recommend parents are there with 14 and under players to ensure the check-in process goes smoothly and the athlete has all required items. Parents will not be permitted to view the tryouts.
What paperwork is needed at the tryout?
What should I wear to tryouts?
Everyone will receive a t-shirt when they check in at tryouts. In addition to the tryout t-shirt, you should come dressed in whatever athletic apparel you feel most comfortable playing in. This may or may not include spandex shorts, kneepads, crew socks, ankle supports, etc.
How will I be evaluated at tryouts?
During tryouts, we will not be teaching skills. We are evaluating skills, general athletic ability, attitude, as well as the potential to be a good teammate. Near the end of tryouts, we may place athletes on a court together for more match-like situations. Athletes may be grouped together for a variety of reasons, not limited to strictly volleyball skills. These groups are not necessarily an indication of who will receive offers to join the club.
How do I know if I made a team?
When the tryout has concluded, coaches of that age division work together to form teams. Within 2-4 hrs, coaches start making calls to extend offers to athletes. The offers will be for a specific team.
When do I have to let FC Elite know I accept the offer?
We recommend discussing possibilities of various offers with your parents before tryouts, so that a decision can be made when the coach calls. If the athlete is undecided, they can put the offer on hold. If a response is not received by the Monday following tryouts, at 7pm, the offer will be rescinded and available to offer another player.
As FC Elite offers are extended and accepted, we will be updating the home page of our website, so that there is transparency to how many positions have been accepted, are on hold, and are yet to be offered. If a team is not marked as full, there is still a possibility of receiving an offer.
Does everyone make a team?
No, unfortunately, everyone does not make a team. For our 10-12 yr olds, there will be intra-club teams created in late November/early December for anyone still wanting to play but didn’t make a team and/or didn’t try out. Everyone will have a spot on a team in this program, called Taste of Elite.
Is there a chance of moving up to a "higher" team than the team I was offered at tryouts?
Yes, but not often. Typically movements occur when players choose to not accept an offer for a higher team. When this happens, we begin pulling people up to fill the open spots. When, and if, a spot becomes available we will reach out as soon as possible to begin the movement process. Teams can take up to 2-3 days to finalize.
When and where will your teams practice?
Practice schedules will be finalized this summer. Teams have two practices a week. Most of our teams practice at our facility, The Barn, at N8770 Lake Park Rd, Menasha.
If a team practices on Sundays but has a Sunday tournament, will they make up that practice on a different day?
No. This past season there were, on average, four practice days impacted for teams that practice on Sunday. We do not typically make up these practices.
When will practices start for teams?
14 and under teams will start practice November 4th. 15 and up teams will start December 2nd.
How many players will be on a team?
We attempt to have 10-11 players on each team.
Who will your coaches be for each team?
The coaches’ team assignments can be found here when they are finalized. The assignments are subject to change.
How many teams per age group will FC Elite offer?
We expect to have 4+ teams at each age level, except 11s, 12s, and 18s. We expect 3 teams at each of those age levels.
Where can I find your tournament schedule?
Our tournament schedule will be finalized in early fall and posted here.
Does FC Elite move athletes up age divisions?
We typically do not move athletes up age divisions, but there are exceptions made.
What are your dues?
Final dues are TBD, but will be similar to the 2023-24 season. Regional team dues were $1800. National team dues were $3100 or $3800, depending on the schedule.
How can I get to know more about FC Elite?
Come visit with us and ask questions at our Open House on July 19th between 4-7pm. The Open House will take place at our facility, The Barn, at N8770 Lake Park Rd, Menasha.
Do all teams attend Nationals?
Our top 3 teams for each age division attend nationals. The Navy and White teams will attend USAV Nationals. The Blue teams will attend AAU Nationals, unless they qualify for USAV Nationals.
Will FC Elite offer Extended Season teams again next year?
Yes, we plan on offering Extended Season teams for 13s-16s.
Does FC Elite provide strength and conditioning for all athletes?
This season, we allowed FC Elite athletes to register for our strength and conditioning sessions. Next season, we will be incorporating strength and conditioning into practices to ensure all athletes participate.
Does FC Elite provide mental training for athletes?
Yes, this year, our 14 & older teams trained with Chad McGhee, Mental Trainer for the Wisconsin Badgers. We anticipate incorporating training with Chad with other tools in the coming year.
Is positional training available for all athletes?
Positional training will be incorporated into practice nights for all teams. Based on feedback from athletes, we will also offer an additional night of optional positional training.
I am a multiple-sport athlete. Can I still play for FC Elite?
Many of our athletes are committed to additional sports and have still found a way to successfully participate on our teams. Playing for FC Elite requires athletes to commit and work hard throughout the entire club season. Missing excessive practices/tournaments is difficult on the team and the athlete’s development as a player. We do understand and support prioritizing highschool sports over club, but do expect that your commitment with FC Elite supersedes your commitment with other club sports.