Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Play Blackbear If I Play Another Sport? Yes, Blackbear United expects and understands that players will participate in hockey, basketball, baseball, softball and other school activities. We just ask that players communicate with the coaching staff to when they can and cannot participate.
Can A Player Play Up in an Age Group? All players will play in their respective age group unless the coaching staff selects a player to move up. The staff will only move the player up if it’s in the best interest of the player, not the team. Players can request to be considered for another age group at tryouts, but must attend their age group tryout first.
Is Playing Time Guaranteed? Playing time is non-negotiable. The player fee covers training and DOES NOT guarantee equal playing time. The coaching staff will talk to players about playing time, but WILL NOT discuss with parents. The staff will attempt to make sure each player plays, but playing time will not be equal.
How Are Teams Selected? Players will be selected from the tryout dates. Players should attend all if possible. The tryout fee covers all dates. 16-24 players will be selected per age group for the season. After tryouts, the coaching staff will decide what age groups to offer for the season. It some cases, players may be asked to move up an age group to create a competitive team.
Why Is Their a Tryout Fee? A one-time tryout fee of $25 covers all tryout dates. The fee goes toward the field rental, insurance and the scholarship fund to provide scholarships for players.
What Is The Expected Commitment? Participating at this level of competition requires ability, commitment and behavior that go far beyond that of a recreational, travel or even school focus. If selected, we ask that you sign the player/parent contract AFTER reading the expectations. Any event or training that will be missed should be communicated with coach and team administrator PRIOR to event.
Why Does Blackbear Select 16-24 Players? Pool training provides the development of more players, and allows teams to compete in leagues and tournaments when players are unavailable due to other sport or school commitments. It also provides a more competitive environment for team selection for tournaments and state cup play.
How Does Blackbear’s Cost Compare to Other Premier Clubs? BUFC is committed to offering top-level coaching in the best environment while keeping costs affordable. Other Clubs in the state range between $1200-$1400.
Does the Club Do Fundraising to Defer Costs? BUFC will conduct several fundraisers to help reduce the cost for families including a juggle-a-thon and web site sponsorships plus each team may conduct approved fundraisers.
Juggle-A-Thon: Player solicits donors per juggle. Ex. Aunt Sally gives 25 cents per juggle. Player finds 10 other sponsors to donate the same amount. Player juggles 100 consecutive juggles. 100 x .25 = $25. $25 x 10=$250 toward player fees, uniform fee, tournament fee or spirit wear.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Limited financial assistance is available. Families must submit the online form with all necessary documentation. Assistance will be awarded on a case by case basis. All scholarship awards are the final payments so players awarded a partial scholarship are expected to pay the upfront fees and actively participate in fundraisers.
Who Is the Coaching Staff? The coaching staff are all nationally licensed coaches who have played and/or coached the game at a high-level. To view the bios, please visit Coaching Staff.
What Is Spirit Wear? Spirit Wear is clothing that Blackbear United offers for parents, family members and players. Clothing can be purchased by selecting items online and paying with a credit card or sending in a check. Spirit Wear will be ordered once payment is received. Spirit Wear items include; Fleeces, Rain Jackets, T-Shirts, Long Sleeve Tees, Blankets, Knit Caps, Baseball Hats, Golf Shirts and more.
What Is the England Exchange? In 2003, Blackbear United and St. Clement Danes (SCD) located in Watford, England partnered to offer an England Exchange each year. Each spring break (April), one or two Blackbear teams visit England, stay with SCD host families, train with professional coaches and play exhibition games. In addition, players attend professional football matches and tour London which is located 25 minutes south of Watford.
Every other summer, SCD sends teams to train and play in Maine and Blackbear United families graciously host the boys and girls for their summer tour in July. SCD enjoys training with Blackbear and college coaches, games with local teams and the touring of Maine’s finest locations and activities.