What is Jr. Cutters? (8U-10U Girls & Boys):
The Jr. Cutters program is designed to provide a pathway for young players to transition from the recreational program to a more competitive travel program. The program aims to be inclusive and accommodate all interested players, subject to space availability. The Jr. Cutters program brings together similarly interested players to receive age-appropriate training and development overseen by the club's travel coaching staff.
The program strives to be fun and enjoyable while building a passion for soccer. Skill-building and ball control are prioritized, and players are encouraged to take risks, solve problems, and be creative on the field. The program is divided into two age groups: 10 & Under, who play 7v7, 6v6 plus goalkeepers with one referee; and 8 & Under, who play 4v4 without goalkeepers and no referee. Practice sessions for the Jr. Cutters are held twice a week from August to October in the fall. Spring practice begins in March after the MCCSC spring break and concludes in late May. Optional winter training is available from November to March at Bloomington United Gymnastics & Soccer, but it is not mandatory.
The Jr. Cutters participate in the ISL Academy League, with the main objective being to provide an environment for young players to develop their skills and abilities. League results are not recorded, as they are not the primary focus of the program. Games are played on Saturday afternoons, either at Karst Farm Park or at another club within approximately 60 miles of Bloomington. To minimize travel at this age, the league is formatted to play double headers on each game weekend. Families should anticipate 4-5 Saturdays of participation throughout each season. Jr Cutters 10 & Under will also participate in one tournament a season at a venue within 60 miles of Bloomington. The tournament will include four games over the course of one weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Jr. Cutters program offers a great opportunity for young players to develop their skills and abilities in a fun and inclusive environment. By prioritizing player development and creating an enjoyable and challenging atmosphere, the program aims to foster a lifelong passion for soccer.
What’s after Jr. Cutters when my child ages out?
11U-14U: Beginning at the U11 age group travel soccer becomes a 1 year commitment (two seasons, fall & spring and once per week during the winter). The Fall season begins in August and typically lasts until late October. The Spring season begins the week following the MCCSC spring break and lasts until early June. Practices are held 2 times per week during both fall and spring seasons and games are most commonly played on weekends. Occasionally, games may be played on weeknights and are usually reschedules from rainouts. 11U-14U teams typically participate in various divisions of the ISL. Winter training occurs once per week from Nov-March and there is also an optional 5 week winter indoor house league.
Most of the Cutters travel teams will compete in one-two tournaments during each season. The individual coaches, based on their desire to seek appropriate competition for the individual team, select the tournament(s) with guidance from the Director of Coaching. Tournaments are most often in-state competitions, but sometimes travel outside the state of Indiana is necessary and beneficial to the team’s development.
If your child is invited to join a Cutters Soccer Club travel team and agrees to play, they are accepting a commitment to the club for one year (2 seasons, fall and spring for 11U-14U).
What program does my child participate in when they are in High School?
15U-19U: These age groups only play for the club during the spring season since players often compete for their high school teams in the fall. Practices may begin as early as November at the conclusion of the high school season, and some teams may even participate in a November tournament. Typically, teams will train once per week from Nov to March at Bloomington United Soccer School or the Twin Lakes Recreation Center. Outdoor practice will begin as soon as the weather permits (normally the week following the MCCSC spring break in March). Practices are held 2-3 times per week during the spring and games are played on weekends. The Cutters 15U-19U teams most often compete in the Indiana Soccer League. Many of the teams will compete in the Indiana State or Challenge Cup tournament competitions. In addition, teams may compete in one-three tournaments during the spring season and attend college showcases when appropriate. The individual coaches, based on their desire to seek appropriate competition for the individual team, select the tournament with guidance from the Director of Coaching. Travel outside the state of Indiana is sometimes necessary and beneficial for the team’s development.
Note: All High School age teams are subject to the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s 7 player rule. The IHSAA rule states that no more than 7 players from the same high school soccer team can participate on a club soccer team. Non-compliance of the rule may prevent player(s) from being eligible to compete for their high school team. Cutters Soccer Club follows this rule very closely so our players are not ineligible to compete for their high school soccer team. This rule creates an obvious challenge for Bloomington with two primary high schools (North and South) accounting for the majority of the club’s players.