To: Parents
Welcome to the Spotswood Soccer Club Travel Team tryouts. These tryouts have been designed to provide an objective evaluation of players interested in participating in a highly competitive form of soccer. Our program provides the opportunity for younger players to learn the fundamentals of soccer and teamwork, while experiencing the fun that these accomplishments can offer. As players progress in age and skill, they will be taught more advanced levels of soccer, compete at higher levels, and enjoy the self-satisfaction that this growth brings.
In traveling soccer, we ask each player and more importantly, their parents, to make a significant time commitment. To be certain you understand this commitment, the following overview summarizes the key responsibilities for each family, and should your child be selected for a traveling team:
TWO SEASON COMMITMENT: This is a one-year commitment, for both the fall and spring soccer seasons.
ATTENDANCE: Players are required to show up. The commitment to traveling soccer includes attendance at all practices, games, and tournaments. Because this level of soccer is very competitive, it is important that families are willing to dedicate the time necessary to participate and attend all required events.
PRACTICE: Generally, two practices are held each week during the fall and spring seasons. Some teams practice and play in the winter, but this is optional. Individual team coaches determine the number and time of practices.
SCHEDULE: Each team typically plays 10 games on Sundays each season, with the exception of the U8 teams that play on Saturdays. Five of the games are played at home, and five are played away within central NJ. In addition to games, teams can participate in tournaments held throughout the year. The coaches should consult with parents to determine which tournaments they will attend. Players are expected to attend all games.
TOURNAMENTS: A very exciting and enjoyable component of traveling soccer is tournament play. Each team is encouraged to participate in a minimum of one tournament. Each team is allotted a budget for tournaments; teams may participate in tournaments as they wish within their budget.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES: We ask that each parent be good role models by respecting all players, coaches, and referees and by always demonstrating good sportsmanship. Parents are asked to participate in the Set A Good Example (S.A.G.E.) program which teaches them to cope with the intensity of their feelings during games, effective communication skills, and sports rules. http://www.mnjysa.org/sage.aspx
PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES: We assume that players want to learn more advanced levels of soccer as they age. This requires a commitment by the players to improve their skills and playing ability both on their own and under the direction of coaches. We expect players to respect other players, coaches, and referees and to always demonstrate good sportsmanship.
COST: The fee for the 2010-2011 season is $230. $115 will be collected for the Fall season and $115 in the Spring season. The fee includes league fees and referee fees. Some portion of the fees may be used towards a tournament fee and some professional training time.
NOTE - Teams that attend additional tournaments or seek additional professional training will require additional fees.
For our part, the Club will strive to provide a positive framework for the players to develop skills and compete, while enjoying the game of soccer. We will strive to select coaches who are interested in learning and teaching the game and who are appropriate role models for the players. In general, travel soccer does not conflict with other sports programs in Spotswood. The only primary exception is Pop Warner football program in the Fall, which also play games on Sundays and practices several weekday evenings. We require that your children choose either soccer or football in fairness to their teams and teammates in either sport. In the spring there is the possibility of schedule conflicts with other sports practices such as softball and baseball. Typically the games will not conflict with each other.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chuck McCook, Travel Director, at McCooksoccer@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Chuck McCook
Spotswood Soccer Club Travel Director
