FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Alexander City Youth Soccer?
For 25 years our program has continuously helped to develop our children’s soccer skills and knowledge in a fun, recreational environment. It is a testament to our program’s success that many of these kids have continued their enjoyment of the game well into high school, with both the BRHS boys and girls teams often advancing to the State Regional playoffs. These current and past ACYS players have continued to enjoy playing soccer largely due to foundation our recreational program has provided. Last year over 350 children participated in our Fall league.
What does it cost and where does my money go?
We have worked hard to keep the cost of playing soccer to a minimum for the children and their families. Player registration for Fall season is only $55.00, one of the lowest registration fees in the state. Player Registration fees help cover some of the following expenses:
- Team uniform expense (includes jersey and socks)
- National Youth Registration
- State Youth Registration
- Alabama Youth Soccer Association
- Insurance
- part of the Referee expenses
When and where can I register? What do I need to bring?
You can register at Rip-It Sports Monday through Friday 10:00 till 5:00, and Saturday 9:00 until 12:00 anytime prior to July 31st.
You will need to complete a registration form, including insurance information, and provide a check or cash for $55.00 per player. A COPY of your child’s birth certificate will also be requested. A late fee of $15.00 will be added to any applicant accepted after August 16th.
What Age group will my child play in?
Age groups are determined by your child’s age as of August 1, 2008 (12:01 a.m.CDT). Players are divided into two-year age groups as follows:
Under 6 (4 and 5 year olds)
Under 8 (6 and 7 year olds)
Under 10 (8 and 9 year olds)
Under 12 (10 and 11 year olds)
Under 15 (12, 13 & 14 year olds)
Under 19 (15, 16, 17, and 18 year olds)
At this time we are planning for all teams to be co-ed. However, if there is enough interest in a specific age group we have formed all-girls teams in the past.
Is ACYSL a Parks and Recreation Program?
No, an independent board of volunteers governs Alex City Soccer. But we would have a difficult time being successful without their help. The Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department works constantly during the season to keep the fields, goals, and equipment in top shape from the first practice to the final game. As citizens of Alexander City, we are fortunate to have a facility like the Sportsplex to play in. Only by working together have we been successful in building soccer in the Lake Martin area.
How can I help?
Since its beginnings, the Alexander City Youth Soccer program has constantly worked to make our program available, affordable, and fun for all. We are constantly looking for volunteers as coaches, board members, age group commissioners, and referees . . . no previous experience is necessary!
Is there a league fundraiser?
In the past we have avoided any type of major fundraiser like a candy sale, but have relied on sponsorships from businesses and individuals for all other league expenses. Please consider sponsoring a team for the 2008 Fall season. Unlike other sports programs, we do not have income from a concession area to help cover any of the expenses below. The cost for sponsoring a team is $ 200.00 and helps pay for additional league expenses including:
End of season age group championship trophies
Coaches training and education courses
Referee certification classes
Summer soccer camp
Referee expenses (50%)
Field equipment
Field Supervision expenses (as needed)
Player registration processing
Alexander City Youth Soccer, Inc. is a non-profit 501c(3) corporation, which has fostered the game of soccer in the Lake Martin area since 1984. Your tax-deductible sponsorship helps us to meet the needs of running the league while minimizing the expense burden on the families of our young players. We hope you will consider helping by sponsoring a team.
How are teams formed?
Once registration is complete, players are divided into evenly balanced teams based on our past knowledge of their skills and abilities. Once all the coaches agree that the teams are as equal as possible, then coaches are randomly drawn. There is no draft, and coaches can only swap players by trading a player of equal ability and skill. Coaches are required to play each player in at least 50% of each half of each game unless the player is injured of has missed an excessive number of practices. Practice times are set-up by the coaches for their teams.
What about regular games?
Normally games begin no earlier than 5:00 on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday, and on Saturday morning starting at 9:00. Games are usually played rain or shine, postponed only in the event of severe weather, lightning, or excessive, standing water or the fields. The best suggestion is to come to the field ready to play if you aren’t sure. We will try to re-schedule postponed games if the schedule allows.
What else do I need to know?
Key dates you will want to put on your calendar:
AUGUST
July 18 thru August 16th – registration
August 16- 17th – teams selected
August 18th – Mandatory Coaches Meeting
August 19th - Team practices begin
SEPTEMBER
September 7th – Team and Individual Picture day
September 8th – Regular season begins
September 14th – Soccer Skills Clinic
September 21st – Soccer Skills Clinic
OCTOBER
October 5th – Soccer Skills Clinic
October 12th – Soccer Skills Clinic
October 19th – Soccer Skills Clinic
October 27th – last week of regular season
Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions or problems at all.
- Scott Goslin - President 234-0911
- Michelle Chandler – 500-5891 |