Palo Alto AYSO operates a select team program in the spring for boys and girls in the U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19 age brackets. The objective of the program is to provide an opportunity for players to play at a higher level than is possible in the fall season. Teams are chosen through try-outs that are held near the end of the fall season. There is one team for each two-year bracket so U9 players would play on a U10 team and U11 players would play on a U12 team. Teams typically begin practice in early February. The season begins in early March and ends Memorial Day weekend. Most teams play in a peninsula spring league and participate in tournaments in Concord and Davis. Some teams may participate in other tournaments as well.
Eligibility
Any player who is registered with the Palo Alto AYSO region in the fall 2007 season and who played in at least half the games in the appropriate age bracket is eligible to try out for a select team. Players play in the same age bracket as in the fall, except that a player who played up in the Fall may play in his/her standard age bracket in the spring (except on teams that are going to the National Games). Players who played down during the fall should tryout in their normal age bracket.
Schedule
Pacific Coast Soccer League
comprised of AYSO select and CYSA class 3 teams from San Jose to San Bruno. The league season runs from early March through early May. Games are on Sundays and are scheduled anywhere from early morning to late afternoon. Half the games are in Palo Alto and half are in other peninsula cities.
Concord Cup is a mid-May weekend tournament open to AYSO and CYSA class 3 teams from throughout northern California and Nevada. There are two games on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. Top teams play a championship game on Sunday afternoon. Most of the teams stay overnight in Concord on Friday and Saturday nights.
Davis World Cup
is the premier AYSO-only tournament held in northern California. It is held on Memorial Day weekend. Teams come from throughout northern California and Nevada. There are two games on Saturday and two on Sunday. The top teams play semi-final and championship games on Monday. All the teams stay overnight in Davis or Sacramento.
There are a number of other tournaments in California. A team may participate in other tournaments at the discretion of the head coach and parents.
AYSO National Games are held every two years with teams selected through a lottery. The National Games is an opportunity to bring together different regions and sections to share in the diverse soccer culture of the AYSO family. This occasion focuses on sportsmanship, team spirit and making new friends through the activities and events that are offered during this weeklong event. The next National Games will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii from July 6-13, 2008 and Palo Alto has been selected to send a team in the U14G division.
Level of Play
All of the teams that play in the spring leagues and tournaments are select teams so that level of play is significantly higher than in the fall AYSO season. Players are in better condition, the game is more physical and players are expected to be committed to improving their skills.
Player Selection
Players are chosen based on their play in the fall season and tryouts near the end of the season. Factors that play a part in player selection include skill, speed, effort, and understanding of the game, practice habits, positional needs and team chemistry. Availability for practice and family volunteer commitment also play a role. Player selection is the responsibility of the appointed head coach and his/her decision is final. Decisions can not be appealed. Unlike the Fall season, the Spring program is selective and not every player who is interested is guaranteed to play.
Practices
Practices are held twice a week on days assigned by the spring coordinator. Practice fields are assigned in January. Because there is limited practice field availability, players must be available on the assigned practice days.
Playing Time
Select teams operate under AYSO guidelines. Players are guaranteed to play at least half of each game and most coaches give their players close to equal playing time. Coaches are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and positive coaching.
Player Committment
Players are expected to make a serious commitment to their spring team. While some players are involved in other sports, most coaches require that select team practices and games take precedence over other sports. Players must make a commitment to play in the Concord and Davis tournaments.
Parental Committment
AYSO does not provide support to the spring teams. Each team is responsible for registering for leagues, applying to tournaments, and handling its own finances. All parents are expected to help. Teams that can provide certified referees have a better chance of being accepted by tournaments.
Coaches
Most coaches coached in the preceding fall season, have several years of coaching experience, and hold the appropriate AYSO coaching certificates. Most teams have assistant coaches who also have AYSO coaching experience. Coaches are appointed by the Spring Coordinator.
Cost
The spring season is more expensive than the fall season. Each team pays for its uniforms, registration fees, team events and travel costs. The cost per player typically is around $300 plus the cost of meals and accommodations at tournaments. AYSO Region 26 will collect a fee from each team to cover the cost of Mayfield usage, City field charges and other administrative cost in running the program.
Questions
Ray Wong is the spring coordinator. Contact Ray with general questions
about the program. His e-mail address is
.
Palo
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