TNT Dynamite - Mid-Michigan's Premier Soccer Organization

TNT DYNAMITE SOCCER CLUB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is the TNT Dynamite Soccer Club?

A: The TNT Dynamite Soccer Club is dedicated to training and developing Mid-Michigan’s best soccer players, as both athletes and as young adults. In our eight-year history, we have accomplished numerous feats -- our ‘89 Boys and '92 boys teams play in the Mid West Regional League against the top teams in the Mid-West while our premier teams continue to achieve success in the highest divisions of the Michigan State Premier Soccer League -- and accumulated multiple championships, including three Best of the Mid-West titles in 2002 and numerous in-state tournament titles from Novi, Canton, St. Clair Shores and Traverse City; in 2006, three of our teams were State Cup quarterfinalists (the "Elite Eight" of the state). Many of our players have made their marks in the Olympic Development Program, and several of our older players have continued their high-level of play in college. Check out "About Us" for more information.

Q: How many teams are in the club?

A: The club is represented by 20 teams for the 2007-08 year. The club offers teams for both boys and girls who want to play Premier (U-13 through U-18) or younger players aspiring to play Premier (U-9 through U-11). We started with one team in 1999, added three teams in 2000 and have steadily grown with each year. In several age groups, multiple teams are offered.

Q: What advantages does the club offer?

A: The most notable advantage is that we attract and employ the top coaches in the area. We use certified coaches -- many who also coach college or high school soccer -- who are positive role models and know how to win with sportsmanship and integrity. We also offer specialized goalkeeper coaching and individual, customized training (Check out "Training" for more information) and all of our coaches are paid, evaluated regularly, share feedback and ideas with each other and participate in our continual education program.

Members of our coaching staff have a wealth of experience and accomplishments -- from both coaching and playing -- that include:

USSF National “A, B and C” Licenses
USSF Bob McNulty Award Winner
College playing and coaching experience
Lansing State Journal Coach of the Year awards
Michigan State Youth Soccer Association’s 1999 Recreational Coach of the Year
National Indoor and State Cup championships
Olympic Development Program coaches
Michigan State Youth Soccer Association Coaching School instructors

Another advantage is the tight-knit relationship between families and teams. The TNT Dynamite “family” trains, travels to tournaments, and organizes club functions (tailgates, hayrides and picnics) together.

Q: What leagues do TNT Dynamite soccer teams play in?

A: Our U-13 through U-18 teams play in the Michigan State Premier Soccer League.. Our '90, '92 and '93 boys teams are participating in the Mid-West regional league in 2008. Our Premier Developmental teams (U10-U12) play in the Mid-Michigan Youth Soccer League and/or the Michigan Champions League while our U9 players participate in our Academy program.

Q: Is it possible to play on a TNT Dynamite Premier team and a USSF team?

A: Yes. The TNT Dynamite Soccer Club follows state rules permitting dual-registration, which allows a player to play on a TNT Dynamite team and a USSF team. Dual-registration is very time-consuming and can be difficult to manage so we do not encourage it.

Q: How much of a time commitment should we expect to make?

A: Teams will typically train twice a week and most games are played on the weekends. For Premier teams, it is common to play on both Saturdays and Sundays during the season. Most teams will participate in three or four tournaments (one which will be out-of-state) throughout the year. Often, several teams from the club will travel together to a tournament (In fall 2006, 12 teams from the club traveled to Indianapolis for the FC Pride Cup)

Q: How much travel is involved?

A: Premier teams play around the state, from Midland to Monroe, and from Muskegon to Metro-Detroit. Our Premier Developmental teams play against teams from up and down I-69 (Flushing, Clio, Flint, Saginaw, etc). Home games are played at Lansing’s Ken Hope Soccer Complex.

Q: What is a Premier Developmental team?

A: It is a team that is not old enough to play in the Premier League (U9-U12). Our goal is to better prepare individual players and the team for premier competition by providing quality coaching at an earlier age in order to teach the necessary skills and knowledge of the game.

Q: What is the Academy program?

A: The TNT Dynamite Soccer Academy is dedicated to training Mid-Michigan’s youngest players in the same professional and organized manner which TNT Dynamite teams receive, at reduced cost, time commitment and travel. By beginning their soccer careers at an early age, players enrolled in the academy have a head start in their skill development, learning of and appreciation for the game of soccer. Check out "Academy" for more information.

Q: Can my child play up in an older age group?

A: Talented and committed players may sometimes play on older teams because it is best for their individual development. Any player within the club who does play up does so under the approval and supervision of the club directors. Throughout our years as a club, many players have trained with older teams for a greater challenge, while others have played in individual games or have joined an older team during the course or at the start of the year (depending on the league roster and transfer rules); also, we often have our Premier Developmental teams play in older division in order to find stronger competition. If your son or daughter wishes to tryout or play for an older age group, contact Todd Derby, Director of Coaching and Player Development.

Q: What are the costs that are associated with TNT teams?

A: Players who are members of a TNT Dynamite team have fees due to the club spread throughout the year. Approximate fees for teams --all fall and/or spring outdoor expenses (field fees, referee fees, player registration, tournament registration, etc), winter expenses (once per week training and one session of indoor), and coaches salaries and club operating expenses -- are:

u9-u10: $1400

u11-u12: $1700

u13-u14: $1900

u15-u18: $1200

Q: What other costs are families responsible for?

A: Uniforms, travel to and from away games, and lodging at tournaments. Additional fees may be required if teams decide to play an additional indoor session or tournament; if the team plays in the Midwest Regional league; or if families request private training.

Q: Does TNT provide subsidies for low-income families?

A: Yes. Scholarships are available to aid families with part of the club fee. Families interested in receiving financial aid must submit the appropriate paperwork to the club directors.

Q: What should I expect at the tryout?

A: Players will participate in skills tests and small-sided games. The head coach, other coaches within the club, and independent evaluators (such as area high school coaches and MSU mens and womens soccer players) will conduct the tryout and evaluate talent.

Q: What do the coaches look for at the tryouts?

A: A combination of excellent athletic ability, high caliber soccer skills, size and speed, an intense desire to compete at the highest level and a player who responds with a positive attitude and is willing to learn.

Q: How do I know if my son or daughter is ready for the TNT Dynamite Club?

A: If you and your child are looking for a more competitive environment and desire quality coaching with an emphasis on both individual and team development, then the TNT Dynamite Soccer Club might be the answer.