Being one of the first players selected to represent Long Island United will be a prestigious achievement. But, before you decide that this is a goal that you wish to pursue it is important to understand what commitment that achievement will bring with it. You should read and talk about the following points with your parents.

It is true that you will represent all of Long Island and play with other players who have been identified at the highest level who will constantly push and test you, but in doing so you will give up the opportunity to play with many of your friends from your local area and this may be tough and will need thinking about.

You will be provided with soccer homework, special online soccer learning and need to take care of both your diet and your physical development. This can be hard work and may mean that when others are playing the latest X-box game or watching The Simpsons you are working on your ball control or completing a speed and agility exercise.

There are far more disappointments and pressures involved in being an elite level player than a regular local player. Most young players who do it say that it helped to make them a more well rounded and mature person but for some it can become a little too much always expected to work and improve and become better. Are you the sort of person who likes to be constantly challenged? Or, would you rather play for fun in your local area?

So, even before you and your parents decide that you should go out for selection you need to think about it:

• Do you love soccer and sport and want to get to the very highest level you can reach?
• Are you one of the most talented soccer players for your age in your local area?
• Are you prepared to work hard on a daily basis to reach your full potential?
• Are you willing to give up playing on a team with your local friends to meet new friends?
• Are you willing to dedicate a great deal of your time to one activity as you get older?
• Are you prepared to take the pressure and sometimes be disappointed by the results?

If you answer is "Yes" to all of these questions than you are ready for player selection and ready to test yourself out against the rest of Long Island.