Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Blackbear United FC Mission
To promote and administer competitive soccer programs while providing a healthy lifestyle.
Develop players’ technical and tactical ability through quality training from nationally licensed coaching staff in a fun and inviting atmosphere.
Developing Youth Soccer Players in Eastern Maine
Blackbear United Football Club (BUFC) was founded in 2001 to offer youth soccer development for boys and girls. BUFC offers competitive teams for boys and girls in age groups U12 - U18, a U10 and U11 development team for boys and girls, a youth academy for players ages 4 – 13 and a TOPSoccer Program for children with physical and mental disabilities (ages 4 – 19).
Since 2001, Blackbear United has grown over 400% from three teams (66 players) to fourteen teams (250+). Players represent 52 geographical towns in Maine. Over 60 players who participated in the Blackbear program have or are currently playing at the collegiate level (see alumni). This past year 55 players were named PVC All-Stars with 30 voted to the Regional All-Star team.
Blackbear United is similar to AAU basketball where teams train weekly and travel to play games and compete in tournaments within the state of Maine and New England.
The Blackbear Experience
Players who participate in Blackbear programs receive top level coaching with an emphasis on development. The club strives to be competitive in games and tournaments with a “win if at all possible” approach. Our emphasis is on the experience, not the result. The coaching staff ignites the passion of the sport and passes it on to the players. Players enjoy the game, have fun, learn, and if at all possible “win.” Especially at the younger ages, the “just win mentality” does not exist, the experience and learning take precedence. The club puts the players’ best interests and development as the top priority. As the players get older, the training intensifies as does the competition. Players work to win, while still enjoying the game. Winning is important and our club strives to do so, just not at the expense of health, happiness and development of our players.
Calendar of Events
Tryouts: Fall (typically September and October)
View tryout schedule with age groups and times 
Indoor Training & Tournaments: Dec. - Mar.
Outdoor Leagues and Training: Apr. - June
State Cup Tournament: May – June
Region 1 Tournament (winners of State Cup): July (usually 1st week in July)
Memorial Day Tournament (within New England): May
Father’s Day Tournament (Brunswick, Maine): June
Training
Indoor team training takes place on Sundays at the Mahaney Dome on the campus of the University of Maine (UMO) and/or at the University College of Bangor Fitness Center (UCB). Weekly technical and fitness / strength training sessions are offered Dec - March at UMO and the UCB. Weekly outdoor training begins in April at local area fields. Home fields for games are located at Hermon Elementary School, UCB, UMO Lengyl field, and Husson College.
Participation Fee for 2008-09 Teams?
The cost to participate in the Blackbear United FC program is $350 for U10 players, $500 for U11-U12 classic players and $700 per player for U12 thru U19 premier players. Players who are selected receive a player/parent contract and submit a non-refundable deposit for their roster spot. The club offers an affordable payment plan and accepts online payments.
What Does Fee Include? All facility rental and training fees (can be $175-$225/hour), league entry fees, two indoor tournaments, friendlies, coaching stipends/travel, administrative, equipment for training, training gear including jersey and home/away socks, insurance, referee, and registration fees.
What Is Not Included in the Fee? The cost does not include any tournament entry fees, uniform fees or any travel/hotel/food fees associated with travel to and from tournaments and games. Uniforms, warm-ups and bags and Spirit Wear can be purchased at discounted rates from our Adidas partner.
Uniform Cost? Adidas uniform includes a home and away screened jersey and a pair of navy shorts. Cost is $100 due with deposit. Blackbear United is an Adidas Premier club and buys new uniforms on a three year cycle. New uniforms for all players will be purchased in 2008 and 2011. Fill-in uniform for new players or replacements uniforms will be purchased in 2009 and 2010.
Family Discount - Families who have multiple family members participating in the club will receive a $50 discount for their second and third child.
**All fees must be current if players are to participate in state cup games, league games and tournaments unless prior written arrangements are made by contacting info@blackbearunited.com
Each year, we try to keep the fees low and affordable but with rising prices for indoor and outdoor rentals , tournaments, referees and equipment, our fees typically increase 10% or more.
Adidas Footwear Program: As the only Adidas Premier Club in Maine, Blackbear United proudly wears Adidas apparel. All new Blackbear players will receive a $50 gift card courtesy of Adidas toward the purchase of Adidas shoes once deposit is received. Club members receive 15% off retail prices at wegotsoccer.com and can use the $50 gift card for indoor or outdoor shoes.
Ex. $100 pair of Adidas shoes – 15% = $85 - $50 gift card = $35 pair of shoes.
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.
Web Site Sponsorships: Players who find a Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500) or Bronze ($250) sponsor receive 25% of the amount once sponsorship is received. Ex. Player finds a $1,000 Gold Sponsor and receives $250 toward player fee while remaining sponsorship goes into scholarship fund to help other families.
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. Visit www.buyblackbear.com to view the apparel.
What Is the Club Partner Program? WeGotSoccer is our official retail partner and offers great discounts on our adidas apparel and offers a special discount to Blackbear United players and families. To take advantage of the added discounts, visit www.wegotsoccer.com, register and select items for purchase. Blackbear United members receive 15% off all online orders, not just adidas orders.
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.
