What is the SESA ELITE Traveling Program?
The Southeast Elite Soccer Academy (SESA) ELITE Traveling Soccer teams are the premier soccer teams in Southeast Iowa. The program offers competitive soccer boys and girls from the age of 7 - 18. The BASC ELITE Program strives to provide an atmosphere where players can develop advanced soccer skills while competing against other regional soccer clubs. ELITE is a shining example of youth sports throughout Southeast Iowa.
When is the SESA Elite Season?
August 1- July 1
- Fall Season: August through November
- Winter Season: November through March
- Spring Season: March through Mid-June
- Summer Season: Mid June through Mid July
Who can try out for ELITE?
Any boy or girl ages 7 - 18 who has a keen interest in improving their soccer skills at a more advanced level and who has the motivation and commitment to be a member of a competitive traveling team.
Are practices here in town?
Yes. All practices are out at the Burlington Area RecPlex.
Where are league games played?
Some games are played in Burlington at the Burlington Area Rec Plex and some games are played out of town. Some Academy (U9-U10) and IPSL (U11-U18) games may be played in Burlington. Many of these games will be played in the surrounding Eastern Iowa towns (ex. Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Muscatine,k Davenport, etc).
Where are tournaments played?
We have one local tournament, The Burlington Monster Match, at the Burlington Rec Plex every October. All other tournaments are played out of town, typically day-trip distance (ex. Iowa City, Muscatine, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, etc).
How many tournaments are we guaranteed?
U9-U10 play in 2 Academy Festivals (similar to a tournament atmosphere - 1 in the fall, 1 in the spring) as well as the Burlington Monster Match in October.
U11-U14 play in 6 total tournaments; 3 in the fall and 3 in the spring.
U15-U18 play in 3 total tournaments in the fall.
How many games are played at a tournament or festival?
Typically 3-4 games are played over the course of weekend (Saturday and Sunday).
How many days do tournaments last?
U9-U10 - Festivals are one day events (either Saturdays or Sundays). The Monster Match is a two day event (both Saturday and Sunday).
U11-U18 - Tournaments are two day events (Saturday and Sunday).
How many league games will be played?
U9-10 - Play up to 12 Academy games (up to 6 in the fall and up to 6 in the spring)
U11-U14 - Play up to 16 IPSL games (up to 8 in the fall and up to 8 in the spring)
U15-U18 - Play up to 8 IPSL games in the fall
Are league games all on different dates?
No, we request as many double-headers as possible to reduce travel time and cost.
Are league games played on the weekend?
Yes.
U9-10 Academy games are separated by gender. In the past, boys typically play on Saturdays and girls typically play on Sundays.
U11-U18 - IPSL games for both boys and girls are typically played on Sundays, with the exception of a possible Saturday(s).
What equipment do we need to furnish?
You will need to purchase a uniform (2 jerseys, 1 pair of shorts, and 1 pair of socks). This runs approximately $80-$90. (If the same uniforms are available through the merchant, they will be used additional years until they are discontinued and therefore a new uniform is not required every year.)
Each player must provide (and always wear) his/her own shin guards and cleats.
It is HIGHLY encouraged that every player has his/her own ball (of the correct size) to practice with at home. However, balls will be provided at practices and games.
U9-U12 Size 4 ball
U12-U18 Size 5 ball
What are the Elite program fees?
U9-U10 - $90 initial deposit upon acceptance of a roster spot; $42/month for 12 months
11-U14 - $90 initial deposit upon acceptance of a roster spot; $55/month for 12 months
U15-U18 - $75 initial deposit upon acceptance of a roster spot; $63/month for 5 months
Are there payment plans?
Yes. You may pay the total up front by July 30th or you may pay monthly via online automatic monthly payments.
Is there financial assistance?
Yes. please see the ELITE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE tab.
Are there fundraisers?
Yes. Please see ELITE FUNDRAISERS tab.
Are there any other "hidden" costs we might have besides the registration fee, uniform fee, and gas expenses?
There are a few optional items:
- Hotels - Often, several people from the teams stay at a hotel, that is blocked for the team,during an out of town tournament. The Parent Rep for a team reserves a block of rooms at adiscounted rate. It is not mandatory to stay; this is optional. Tournaments usually run Sat and Sunday. Some are one day only.
- There are occasionally optional indoor tournaments during the winter that teams/players can choose to attend. If a player/team attends an optional Indoor Tournament during the winter season, the entry fees are in addition to our yearly Club Fees.
What is the average cost to get into the games?
Usually nothing for the spectators at out of town facilities. However, the City of Burlington does charge a minimal gate fee ($2) for admission to the Rec Plex. This helps pay for the management of the soccer fields. As you will find out, the Rec Plex soccer fields are the best fields we play on.
Who do we contact if we have any further questions?
Chris Madigan, SESA Director of Coaches - christopherjohnmadigan@gmail.com
Doug Ziegler, President - president@burlingtonareasoccerclub.com
Jill Henrich, Vice President - dehenrich@lisco.com
OR - see our 'CONTACT US' page on the top menu bar of the homepage.