Q&A for the Gallup Soccer League

The Gallup Soccer League is great at getting kids out and enjoying soccer in a recreational environment. Score isn’t even kept in the games; it is all about learning fundamentals and having fun. What if you have a child that hasn’t reached high school and wants to play soccer in a more competitive setting and really take his/her game to the next level. What does the Gallup Soccer League have for that young athlete?

First, thanks for noticing the great work that GSL and its board, coaches, referees and parents have been doing. Yes, the GSL recreational fall league is great place for kids to have their first experience and we encourage everyone to come out see what the league is about. The U-6 and U-8 age groups really are fun. At U-10 the games get a little more competitive and the “soccer” gets a little better. That is also the age when players tend to want to pursue the sport a little more. GSL established the Thunderbird Competitive Soccer Club to allow players between the age of 8 and 15 years old the opportunity to travel across the region and play soccer at a higher level.

How long does the season last? And what kind of commitments will the family have to make?

The travel soccer season typically begins at the end of September and ends on Mother’s Day in May. Traditionally, teams will play in two to four tournaments between October and March, play in a competitive spring league in March and April, and finish with a couple of tournaments. Practices are usually twice during the week with a Saturday practice when not at a tournament or league game. It amounts to roughly 9-months of competitive soccer. However, we encourage all players to participate in activities outside of soccer. As always family, religion, and school come first.

Lots of young athletes are at that age where they can participate in travelling soccer and with a high school team. Can an athlete do both, and what are the rules?

How do you get your child involved with this traveling soccer team?

Getting involved with the Thunderbird Program is really pretty easy. Players are asked to attend several tryouts and then complete their registration at gallupsoccerleague.com. Tryout dates and other information is available at gallupsoccerleague.com, gallupthunderbirds.org or on the clubs social medial pages. We always encourage players and parents considering Thunderbird Soccer to reach out to GSL board members and Thunderbird coaches, players, and parents.

That is a good question. High school athletes can participate in both travel club soccer and their high school team. Basically, all club soccer should take place outside of the NMAA soccer season. High school players are only allowed to play so many games during a high school season. The club has recognized those high school players that want to play soccer outside of high school programs and is exploring starting a U-17 team to play in tournaments this spring.

How long has Gallup Soccer League had the Thunderbirds and what kind of success have they seen?

The first Thunderbird team was a U-10 boys’ team in 2014. In 2017, a U-12 girls’ team was started, and the Thunderbirds Competitive Soccer Club was started. This travel season we are aiming to have 6 or 7 teams playing across all age groups. The program has experienced a great deal of success. Thunderbird soccer teams routinely win or place at soccer tournaments and have finished at or near the top of league standings. More importantly, the program has aided in the development of many high school players and, hopefully, helped them become better men and women.