Player Pathway at Sporting West Florida

At Sporting West Florida, we offer a clear and intentional player development pathway built on the principles of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) and Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD). Our structure is designed to meet players where they are — from first-time kickers to elite-level athletes — and guide them through each stage of growth with purpose and clarity.

We provide year-round programming with multiple entry points, flexible progression, and age-appropriate experiences that help players build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.

Club Structure & Player Pathway

Our pathway includes six core stages:

Sporting Minis (Ages 2–4)

Sporting Minis is our Parent & Me program designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Through fun, engaging sessions with their grown-ups, kids develop coordination, confidence, and a love for the game — all in a playful, low-pressure environment.

  • Designed for children ages 2, 3, and 4
  • Parents participate in each session
  • 100% play-based learning — no structured games
  • Sessions include simple mini-games and activities provided by the club to guide the experience
  • Two 30-minute sessions per week
  • Sessions held on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings — families will be scheduled for 2 of those days each week
  • 8-week sessions, offered four times per year
  • $95 per season
  • Open to all families — no tryouts required


Sporting Futures (Ages 5–9)

Sporting Futures is led by Sporting West Florida staff coaches and designed to build young players’ technical ability, confidence, and decision-making through fun, high-quality training.

  • Designed for children ages 5 to 9
  • Training led by licensed club coaches
  • Small-sided games (3v3 and 5v5 formats) to maximize touches and creativity
  • Two 1-hour training sessions per week
  • Sessions held on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings — players will be scheduled for 2 of those days each week
  • 8–10 week sessions, offered three times per year
  • $125 per season
  • Open to all players — no tryouts required


Sporting Local (Ages 10+)

Sporting Local is our community-based league program, offering players a chance to play soccer with friends in a fun, supportive team setting. It’s ideal for those looking to enjoy the game with consistent practices and local match play — without travel.

  • Designed for players ages 10 and up
  • Practices led by volunteer coaches
  • Players placed on teams by age and experience level
  • Local weekend games against other Sporting Local teams
  • Two 1-hour practices per week
  • 8–10 week seasons, offered three times per year
  • Uniform required (purchased separately)
  • $135 per season
  • Open to all players — no tryouts required


Sporting Academy (Ages 10–13)

Sporting Academy is a structured, development-focused program for players who want more than local league play — but without the full commitment of travel soccer. It serves as a bridge between community play and competitive pathways.

  • Designed for players ages 10 to 13
  • Training led by licensed club coaches
  • Small-sided (7v7, 9v9) and full-field (9v9, 11v11) game formats
  • Emphasis on skill development, confidence, and team play
  • May participate in local tournaments — no overnight travel required
  • Two 1-hour training sessions per week
  • Sessions held on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings — players will be scheduled for 2 of those days each week
  • 8–10 week sessions, offered three times per year
  • $150 per season
  • Open to all players — no tryouts required


Sporting Select (Ages 9–18)

Sporting Select is our competitive travel program for players ready for a higher level of training and competition. Teams are formed through tryouts and placed in appropriate leagues and tournaments based on ability and ambition.

  • Designed for players ages 9 to 19
  • Teams formed through tryouts each spring
  • Training led by licensed coaches using the Sporting West Florida curriculum
  • Participation in leagues such as NPL, ECNL-RL, and others
  • Travel varies by team level and competition
  • Built-in breaks for fall, winter, and spring holidays (school-year schedule)
  • Three 1.5-hour training sessions per week
  • Sessions held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings
  • Weekend games and events as scheduled
  • Payment plans available for annual fees
  • Additional fees may apply for specific tournaments or events
  • Annual Fees:
  • Ages 9–10: $1,100
  • Ages 11–14: $1,235
  • Ages 15–19: $1,010 (adjusted for high school season)
  • Tryouts required


Sporting Elite (Invitation-Based)

Sporting Elite is designed for high-performing players who demonstrate exceptional ability, commitment, and potential. These opportunities are invitation-only and provide access to advanced training, high-level competitions, and college recruiting events.

  • Invitation-based selection through club and coach evaluation
  • Advanced training environments with positional and tactical focus
  • Integrated performance support: strength & conditioning, mindset, and recovery
  • Exposure to college coaches and recruiting guidance provided by club staff
  • Additional fees may apply based on event travel and training needs