Why Consider Competitive Soccer?

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Broken Arrow Express is the competitive division of Broken Arrow Soccer Club and has a rich legacy of Competitive programming in the Tulsa metro area dating back to 1977.  Multiple generations of soccer players have participated in programming that showcased their abilities, challenged their growth, and helped facilitate a lifelong love of the game.  Now, 46 years later, Express is better than ever!

Broken Arrow Express helps fulfill Broken Arrow Soccer Club’s mandate of making the Beautiful Game accessible to as many young people as possible with multiple pathways. Broken Arrow Soccer Club’s Recreational division serves thousands of young players every season and for 50 years has made an impact on the youth soccer landscape.  Tens of thousands of players have enjoyed the game we all love at their home complex, Indian Springs, and now there are third generation players playing on the same grass that their grandparents played on.  Hundreds of volunteers have spent countless hours investing in the community, in the game, and in our young people. It is this legacy of investment that has made our Club different and it is the mandate of Broken Arrow Express to add value to the bright future of our Club and our community.

What makes “Competitive” soccer different from Recreational or “grassroots” soccer?  

1. Player talent parity. Due to the team formation criteria teams are formed with players of similar ability. This makes for an environment that is conducive to team and player development as there is seldom a large delta of ability between players
2. Team Formation Criteria. Competitive teams are formed differently than grassroots or Recreational teams.  Coaches select players for their team based on their own individual criteria and hold annual tryouts of team placement events to help introduce the prospective player to the coaching staff and provide an environment for the player to showcase their skill.  Additionally, coaches may invite players to join their team on an individual basis due to observation of the player in a game environment
3. Training Environment.  A common player development philosophy within Competitive teams helps facilitate meaningful growth of the players' understanding of the game, development of individual skills, and understanding of tactical situations.  Coaches often have advanced coaching licenses and significant experience
4. Age Group Parity. Competitive teams seldom play in combined age groups and almost always play “true age” without the need in later years to combine multiple age groups in order to form a league.
5. Commitment – Players are committing to a one-year term with their team and are expected to participate in all team activities and place a priority on participation in league games, training, and tournaments.  Absences should be minimal
6. Player Mobility.  In Competitive it is FAR easier to play for multiple teams.  For example, if you’re on the “bottom” team in your age group from your club, you can guest play with a team above you if it's a good fit for your ability.  So rather than being locked down to a single team you can help out with this or that team as needed and get those experiences
7. Travel - while approximately half of any team’s games will be at their home complex, Indian Springs, the “away” games may be in OKC, Edmond, Ponca City, or Tulsa

What makes Broken Arrow Express different from other Competitive Clubs?

1. As part of Broken Arrow Soccer Club, BA Express is volunteer governed and volunteer administered. This leads to significantly less cost per player and serves to drive decision making that benefits the player over the club
2. Costs.  BA Express cost of entry is significantly lower than the market average.  BA Express pays no club fees or coaching stipends so there are no $205 per month (or more) monthly recurring fees to play.  The average cost of a year of competitive soccer at BA Express is $700 and may be as low as $250 depending on the number of activities the team decides to participate in.  Fees go to things the team does such as tournaments, indoor seasons, training facilities, or technology.  
3. Venue. BA Express is the exclusive competitive club of BASC and as such utilizes the amazing Indian Springs for home games and training.