Travel Soccer News

2013 Travel Tryout Schedules

TEAM	1st TRYOUT	2nd TRYOUT	3rd TRYOUT
U9 Girls	Apr 30 6:00-8:00	May 5 1:30-3:00
U10 Girls	May 3 6:00-8:00	May 4 4:30-6:00
U11 Girls	Apr 30 6:00-8:00	May 5 3:00-4:30	May 9 6:30-8:00
U14 Girls	May 1 6:00-8:00	May 4 4:30-6:00
U15-17 Girls	Apr 27 4:30-6:00	May 1 6:00-8:00
U9 Boys	May 4 9:00-10:30	May 7 6:00-8:00	May 10 6:00-8:00
U10 Boys	May 5 4:30-6:00	May 11 4:30-6:00
U11 Boys	Apr 29 6:00-8:00	May 11 1:30-3:00	May 5 3:00-5:00
U12 Boys	May 2 6:00-8:00	May 5 12:00-1:30
U13 Boys	May 3 6:00-8:00	May 8 6:00-8:00
U14 Boys	May 2 6:00-8:00	May 9 6:00-8:00
U15 Boys	Apr 27 3:00-4:30	May 6 6:00-8:00

All tryouts are at Krassas Field

Rte. 252 ¼ mile South of Rte. 3

Across from Newtown Grill/Terazza Apartments

Please review the information below about the expectations and what to bring to tryouts.

· All Players trying out for Travel Soccer MUST REGISTER ONLINE (www.MNSAonline.org) before trying out. If registered less than 72 hours prior to tryout, bring proof of registration to tryout. This will make sure we have insurance coverage for all players trying out. Players not registered will not be selected for a team.

· Try and make all the tryouts if possible, so the evaluators get the best chance to see the players. If you can’t make at least one tryout please email the MNSA Travel Coordinators, or your coach from last year if you played travel, so they can set up times with other age groups

· If you have a son or daughter who would like to play travel but we do not have a team for that age group please come to the age group that is one or two years older and let the evaluator know who you are.

· Please let any friends or relatives know about our tryouts they are open to Marple Newtown Residents and surrounding areas

· Try to arrive 15 minutes early to your tryout so we can get everyone organized and evaluated

· Coaches will inform the players of who has made each team 2-3 weeks after the last tryout date

Age Requirements

Born	2013/14
8/1/94 thru 7/31/95	U19
8/1/95 thru 7/31/96	U18
8/1/96 thru 7/31/97	U17
8/1/97 thru 7/31/98	U16
8/1/98 thru 7/31/99	U15
8/1/99 thru 7/31/00	U14
8/1/00 thru 7/31/01	U13
8/1/01 thru 7/31/02	U12
8/1/02 thru 7/31/03	U11
8/1/03 thru 7/31/04	U10
8/1/04 thru 7/31/05	U9

A Parents’ Guide To Travel Soccer

Why Travel Soccer?

As parents and coaches we know that children are born with different talents. In our schools we have special programs to help develop those talents. Here at MNSA soccer, we have both intramural and travel programs.

Travel soccer is designed for players U-9 and above who show a true ability to play soccer and who want to compete at a higher level. The goal of travel soccer program is to challenge players to realize their highest potential through better training, higher levels of competition and more games.

The U-9 and U-10 years are entry level years into travel soccer for the players and for many of the parents. MNSA’s goal is for players at this age to focus on attitude, good working habits and instilling a passion for the game. As in any year, we want to learn new skills and have fun.

What’s the Time Commitment?

For the fall season, travel teams generally practice 2 nights a week starting in the summer months and continuing through the season. The fall season consists of 10 to 12 games and is played on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Half of the games are played at home and half are away. Away games are usually played against teams within a 20 to 45 minute drive. The season begins the weekend after Labor Day and continues through mid-November.

Travel teams may also play in several tournaments during the year which could include a pre-season tournament, a post-season tournament and a tournament over Columbus Day weekend. In addition, some travel teams may choose to play a winter indoor season at local arenas. The tournaments give the travel players the opportunity to meet players from other areas, collect patches, and play different competition. The indoor season allows the players to stay in shape during the winter while playing a fun, fast paced game.

How Are Teams Selected?

Travel Teams are selected for each age group based on spring tryouts. Every player of proper age is permitted to try out for a travel team. It is MANDATORY for all players wanting consideration, to attend tryouts. Travel team players from the previous season are not guaranteed a position.

At tryouts, MNSA uses board members, coaches, and/or independent evaluators to rank the players based on skill, athleticism, and attitude. There are usually 2 tryouts per age group. At the end of the second tryout session, the evaluators meet with the appropriate age group Coaches to review the rankings. Teams are selected and the players are notified in a week or two after tryouts.

MNSA travel teams play in Delco (boys) and PAGS (girls) soccer leagues with some of the younger teams playing in the Central League. These are very competitive leagues. MNSA coaches try to pick the appropriate level of competition to challenge players and give them the opportunity to succeed.

Please remember that even with all this organization and everyone’s good intentions, that the selection and coaching process is not perfect. However, if you would like to discuss improvements to the overall process or questions about age group selections, please feel free to contact the Director of Coaching, the Director of Player Development or the Commissioner of Travel. Contact information is listed on the MNSA web site under Administration.

What To Bring To Tryouts?

Players

For tryouts, every player should come ready to play and wear appropriate clothing including, shorts, shirts, shin guards, socks and cleats. They should also bring a soccer ball (labeled) and water bottle. Please remember that you need a ball to perform at tryouts

U-9 Thru U-12 Size 4 ball

U-13 and above Size 5 ball

For safety reasons, shin guards must be worn or the player will not be allowed to participate. In addition, no jewelry should be worn on the field at any time.

During tryouts, players should play hard, play fair, and have fun.

Parents

Every parent needs to know that there are three things that they need to do for their child prior to, during and after tryouts.

· Before the tryout hug your kids and encourage them to do their best.

· After the tryout, hug them and tell them that they did a good job and that you love them.

Finally please let the coaches and evaluators do their job during tryouts and do not get involved in any type of discussions with the coaches at tryouts. We are working hard to make this a positive experience for your son or daughter, but we have a very full tryout schedule. If you have any questions regarding the tryout procedure, please feel free to contact the Director of Coaching, the Director of Player Development or the Commissioner of Travel after the tryout session.

Fees

Registration fees are set by the Board prior to each travel season. Travel fees are $225. This includes training by independent trainers during the season, all referee fees, and all insurance costs for the player. If a player does not make a travel team, all fees will be refunded or can be credited towards Intramural soccer fees.

Our club is a non-profit organization. Its objective is to provide all children with a chance to play soccer. Players who are in need of financial assistance in order to play should state this on their registration. One of our goals is to not have any child be unable to play soccer due to financial reasons.