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Frequently Asked Questions

How old does a Fusion player need to be? 
For the 2024 season: 11U – Birth years 2013-2014; 14U – Birth years 2010-2012; 19U - D1 & D2 high school boys and girls – no older than age 19 and no younger than age 13 on the last day of the National tournament (birth years 2009 - 11/1/2004)

Is previous soccer experience necessary?
No.  Our goal is to create a safe environment for first time players, while also challenging and growing players who have participated in organized soccer for years.

What if we can’t afford the cost to be on the team? (*Not always available.)
We work hard to help players afford to play on the team.

  • Low entrance fees:  We work hard to save money so that we can keep our entrance fees low.  This includes volunteer coaches, taking care of our equipment, and sharing practice fields.
  • *Fundraisers: We participate in fundraisers to help with expenses on the team.
  • *Fun Books: Individual players can sell coupon books that raise money toward their individual fees.  This helps an individual work toward earning his fee.  These coupon books are available in mid August
  • Scholarships:  In cases of hardship, the board is sometimes able to offer a reduced fee.  In cases of extreme hardship, we have waived fees. Please contact a board member if your family is in need of financial assistance.
  • Money-saving opportunities/Carpooling:  There is usually a carpool available to the games so that folks don’t have to drive to every game.  By joining together, we can save travel expenses.

Can my child play on a Rec team or other teams while playing on the Fusion?

  • 11U, 14U or 19U Division II teamsMany younger players will participate on their area Rec League teams as a way to get more experience and more game time. A common formula is: in 6th grade, make the rec league the priority if there is a schedule conflict, in 7th and 8th grade, make the Fusion the priority if there is a schedule conflict.
  • 19U Division I teams:  Some of our varsity players participate in other club teams during the Fusion off-season.

Are there off-season soccer opportunities?
The Fusion participates in the Fort Wayne Fubolito winter session(s) I and/or II, where we have several teams registered. Games are held at Empowered.

Thursday nights, January – March, players ages 5 and up participate in Winter Foot Skills.

There are also conditioning drills sent to Fusion players from mid-May through July so they can develop their foot skills on their own and enter the season prepared and in good physical condition.  These events are not mandatory, but are designed to help players grow in their skills.

Can my child play another sport at the same time?
With the need to be at practices, it would be very difficult to play another sport, such as volleyball, during the soccer season.  However, many of our players are on winter basketball teams.  The end of our season will make it difficult to be involved in the first several weeks of basketball practice, but as long as soccer practices and games are the priority during these weeks, it works out fine.

What is the time commitment?
Our practices are on Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.  Practice times change to 5:30-7:30 mid-September because it starts getting dark earlier. Players and parents will be notified when that change occurs. Games are usually scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays.

When does the season start and finish?
The season usually begins the last full week of July and ends after the National Tournament at the end of October. (Please note: Only the Boys D1 and Girls D1 teams attend the National Tournament.  All other teams are finished at the State Tournament.)

How many games does the team play?

  • 19U Boys Division I Team:  14-18 regular season games, plus the State Tournament (2-3 games) and National Tournament (4 games) at the end of the season
  • 19U Girls Division I:  10-14 regular season games, plus  the State Tournament (2-3 games) and National Tournament (4 games) at the end of the season
  • 19U Boys Division II & Girls Division II:  8-12 games per year, plus the State Tournament
  • 14U (co-ed): 8-14 games per year, plus the State Tournament
  • 11U (co-ed): 8-9 games per year, plus the State Tournament

Is Travel involved?
Travel is involved, including some overnight stays.  We have a “home and home” arrangement with many teams that we play, and we travel to some 3-way events.  During the season, our games are usually in the Fort Wayne, Angola, Kokomo, Muncie, and Indianapolis areas.  

Whom do we play?
The Fusion play teams from private schools, Christian schools, and club teams from public schools, along with other homeschool teams

How do I know if my child is Division I or II or on the Jr. High team?
After our first two weeks of soccer, and before our friendly tournament in August, coaches get together and make a decision about who will be on the Division I team, who will be on the Division II team, and if any of the  players are needed as “crossover” players for the other teams. The coaches will also decide if any Jr. High aged players will be joining the Division I or II teams as either full-time players or crossovers.

Player Definitions:

  • Division I:  Typically high school players, though some 7th and 8th grade players have made the team in past years, especially as crossovers.
  • Crossover:  Play both Division I and Division II games.  If they are a starter on the Division II team, they will usually be a sub on the Division I team.
  • Division II Only:  All players who are not on the Division I squad.
  • 14U:  Players with birth years 2010-2012, who are in grades 6, 7, or 8 and are not on one of the other teams.
  • 11U: Players with birth years 2013-2014.

What is the purpose for the various teams?

  • Boys’ Teams: First, growth in personal character.  Second, to be a highly competitive team, focused on excellence in both personal and team performance. The Division II team may also be more developmental with more focus on learning foot skills and formations and gaining playing experience.
  • Girls’ Teams:  First, growth in personal character.  Second, to be a highly competitive team, focused on excellence in both personal and team performance.  The Girls II team may also be more developmental with more focus on learning foot skills and formations and gaining playing experience.
  • 11U/14U:  First, growth in personal character.  Second, to be a developmental team, more focused on learning foot skills and formations, and gaining playing experience. Third, being as competitive as possible within the framework of the first two objectives.

Is there a religious component to the Fusion program?
The coaches of our teams are Christians.  As part of our character development, we speak to the kids about building Christian character.  For those who are Christians, we discuss growing in our Christian life.  But it is not necessary that a child or family that participates in the Fusion program be Christian.  We expect conduct that is in keeping with moral values, such as honesty, integrity, self-control, and respect, and it is necessary for participants to be in alignment with these values.