Palo Alto Advanced Play
Spring Select & Fall Élite
The Spring Select (PASS) and Fall Élite Programs are competitive and offer players the opportunity to train, learn, play and compete in soccer at a high level of sophistication. Players must tryout to be selected for a position in these Programs. PASS teams play other AYSO Regions' competitive teams in the PCSSL league, and play in tournaments in the Greater Bay Area with other AYSO Regions. Élite teams play other AYSO Regions' competitive teams and club teams and tournaments around the Greater Bay Area. PASS and Élite provide a fun and competitive opportunity for players to develop and use their personal and team skills.
With our Spring Select and Fall Elite Programs we offer our players the opportunity for year-round competitive training and play. This is not for all players or families. And it takes a family commitment, as well.
We would like to provide these opportunities to all advanced players, but can only provide team slots in accordance with the number of coaches volunteering. If you are interested in helping, contact select@ayso26.org or elite@ayso26.org, and discuss the possibility of assisting or coaching. We need more help to make enough teams for more players.
PARTICIPATION REQUIRES A STRONG PARENT AND PLAYER COMMITMENT
Read the Reference Pages After Reading This Page
How good are these programs? Consider that of the 2012, 15 player U16B squad, 10 of the players made high school teams; 2 on Varsity and 8 on JV.Of the 10 players, 8 have played only AYSO, and 2 have played AYSO and CYSA.
6 made the team at PALY
2 played Gunn
2 played private High School
 The PASS season starts with once-a-week training beginning in mid-January, and scrimmages. Then in February the schedule picks up the pace with two trainings per week, and in March through May, the teams play in the PCSSL (Pacific Coast Spring Select League) in the South Bay and Peninsula. PCSSL games are generally on Sunday. In April and May, the team will enter into tournaments in the Greater Bay Area, usually starting with El Palo Alto in April, and culminating with the Davis World Cup on Memorial Day weekend.
Tournaments
Tournaments are multiple day competitions with multiple games each day. Generally, with the exception of the Davis World Cup, all games and tournaments are within same-day driving distance. Teams typically stay overnight in Davis for the World Cup. Palo Alto AYSO and our Spring Select teams host El Palo Alto Tournament. Teams from all over northern California come to Palo Alto to compete for two days. It is a great competitive event with plenty of atmosphere and fun.
Eligibility
Participation in the program is only available to players that participated in an AYSO Fall Program, Instructional or Élite. Players are selected during tryouts usually held near the end of October. The tryouts are used to rank the players for assignment to teams. Players from 8 through 18 may participate in teams for U10 through U19. Special arrangements are made for our players participating in varsity soccer, permitting them to play Varsity while the high school season is underway.
Volunteering
At least one parent per Select player is required to register as a volunteer and be prepared to help with team functions such as car pooling, tournament registration, or other duties the coach may request. Each coach will appoint a Team Manager to handle uniforms and organize the other parent volunteers.
At least one parent per family must register as a volunteer and help for at least 2 hours at El Palo Alto Tournament, during the last weekend of April, regardless of other volunteering the family may do. Coaches and Referees at El Palo Alto are excused from this additional requirement.
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The Élite season starts with once-a-week training beginning in mid-June, and scrimmages. Then in July the schedule picks up the pace with two trainings per week, and in July through November, the teams play with teams from the Greater Bay Area, including AYSO advanced teams and club teams.
Tournaments
Tournaments are multiple day competitions with multiple games each day. The teams may enter into tournaments, including a Halloween and the Turkey Tournament. The season ends with the Turkey Tournament. Tournaments are drivable same-day.
Eligibility
Players are appointed to Élite through assessments performed at tryouts in May and June. All players are eligible to attend tryouts and be assessed for Élite teams, regardless of past participation in AYSO. Players who have never played with AYSO, or who have not played recently, are invited to tryout. Tryout events are posted on the Regional Calendar, and also on the home page.
Definitions: Élite Only, and Concurrent Élite
Palo Alto players and families may opt for either method.
Players from nearby regions that want to continue their Spring Select experience may join Palo Alto Élite, but only if they play the regular fall season in their home region at the same time.
Volunteering
At least one parent per Élite player is required to register as a volunteer and be prepared to help with team functions such as car pooling, tournament registration, or other duties the coach may request. Each coach will appoint a Team Manager to handle uniforms and organize the other parent volunteers.
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