“Each year many recreational-based soccer families are faced with a dilemma: continue playing recreational soccer or make the big “jump” to club soccer. For years, there has been an expressed desire for an opportunity for youths to play soccer at a level between recreational play and the highly-committed club experience. Hence, the creation of the Signature League gaming circuit in 2002.”
LNYSA has built upon this great beginning in introducing Select Soccer (formerly Signature League) Select Soccer builds on all the previous great components such as Advanced recreational play, localized playing circuits, low participation costs and access to great USSoccer grassroots trained & licensed coaches. Select Soccer is a natural progression, or transition, for players wishing to play at a higher Recreational level, while retaining many of the benefits of a recreational schedule at a low cost.The Select leagues are “localized” playing circuits formed by eligible recreational & competitive leagues coming together. Individual leagues create teams via a player selection process after attending 1-2 player evaluations with the team. Each league is responsible for publishing their individual rules and guidelines, relative to coach and player selection. A Select Director, responsible for coordinating all aspects of the playing circuit, coordinates each Select League in the playing circuit. Promotion of player development is of paramount importance.
COSTS:
Here are the separate fees you can expect as your team prepares for the season:
LNYSA Select player fee will be assessed at registration. There will also be additional costs for players including uniform costs and referee fees. The costs for the Select program are approximately $500 in total for each player in the Fall Season. Here is an estimated breakdown of costs per player:
-LNYSA Select Player Registration fee: $299
-Uniform: $160 to $190
-Game-Day Referee fees: $20 to $50 (covers 10-12 games each Season)
-Team fee (misc. training, tournaments, etc.): Depends on team
Approximate total cost : $500 per player (includes uniform purchase)
LNYSA Player Registration – typically due after evaluations/selection/placement. After your child has been selected for a team, training will start in July. Select Player registration costs more than recreational player costs as this covers the cost to register a team in the Select League, extended training time, field usage, field lights, and pays for several sessions with Laguna United Club coaches and keeper training.
Select Uniforms – All Select players need to place uniform orders in June
New players need to order/buy a full Select kit.
Returning players may be able to save on uniform costs depending on what items they need to update.
New uniform kit costs are $160 to $190
Referee Fees – typically due in September, cost ranges from $20-$50 per player. This fee can vary depending on the number of games, how many players on the team, and which division you are participating in.
Extra Costs – Some teams pursue training or events to enhance the experience and development of their Select players. These additional costs are at the discretion of the parents and coaches. These costs might include spirit wear, outer garments, training equipment, tournaments, and/or additional professional training from sanctioned, vetted staff.
SEASON DURATION:
Player Evaluations are scheduled by age in the Jan-March period. Team Selection is completed in the April/May period but it can be sooner. Practices begin in mid-July. The season duration is similar to the LNYSA recreational program. Teams begin matches at the beginning of September and finish their season in mid-December. The Spring session is not mandatory for Select players, but strongly encouraged. Parents are asked to follow the set Game Day behavioral code on the sideline at games.
AGE BRACKETS:
Unlike the recreational playing circuit, Select teams are formed in one-year age group increments. For example: B2014/G2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007, are each separate divisions Girls/Boys. No player is permitted to “play down,” and any player requesting to “play up” must first pursue the approval of the Select Director.
FIELD OF PLAY CONSIDERATIONS:
- 2014-2013 plays 7v7 with a maximum roster size of 12; play with ball size 4
- 2012-2011 plays 9v9 with a maximum roster size of 16; play with ball size 4
- 2010-2007 plays 11v11 with a maximum roster size of 18; play with ball size 5
- Free substitution with the stipulation that each player must play 50% of every match
PLAYER SELECTION:
Players are selected via a thorough Evaluation process. The process involves at least 2 Evaluation sessions that are open to any player. These sessions are concluded by April when the teams are formed. Coaches and/or league-designated officials attend these Evaluations to evaluate the players. Final selection of a roster requires LNYSA Coach Administration approval. The selection process includes evaluating the following attributes of a player:
- Technique/ball handling skills
- Level of maturity and aptitude for playing in a team environment
- General attitude and sportsmanship
COACH SELECTION:
Anyone interested in coaching a Select team must meet certain criteria:
- An application must be submitted to the LNYSA Select Division Director for consideration.
- LNYSA requires a minimum of the 9v9 & 11v11 USSoccer Grassroots Coach License in order to coach in the Select playing circuit. The Grassroots commitment involves 2 mid-week evenings for 2 hrs and a Saturday 1/2 day on-field Session conducted by a trained CalSouth Instructor. The Coaching License Pathway consists of a series of courses designed to meet the specific needs of a coach at every step of the way. U.S. Soccer believes education is a journey, and our goal is to provide the necessary tools, guidance, and mentorship a coach requires along their way.
- Life scan/Kid safe approved
- SafeSport Approved
- Concussion & Cardiac Arrest Training
Final selection of coaches is done via a committee comprised of the LNYSA Coach Administration and designated league officials. Attributes that are reviewed for final selection are:
- General soccer knowledge
- Recommendations and/or references from within the community
- Aptitude for teaching and working with youths
Current coaches within the program are required to meet certain standards in order to be approved to coach another term in the Fall season. Select teams are considered to be player-centric and not coach-centric. The ultimate goal is to offer a positive experience for the youth that focuses on constructive player development. Coaches.
To apply to be a Select Coach please provide us with some information via this form listed here. Thank you for your interest.
For additional information please contact the LNYSA Select Director