DIVISION 1
COMPETITIVE YOUTH SOCCER

• Division 1 is the top of the pyramid and our youth athletes enjoy the most competitive level of play in Northern California and Southern Oregon.
  
• The purpose of Competitive soccer is to provide the youth athlete the opportunity to prepare for College, Olympic Development or Professional Soccer.
  
• D1 teams represent our League and Humboldt County.
  
• The D1 track can begin as early as U11 for the most skilled and committed players.
  
• There is more travel to tournaments and games at this level than there is at D3.
  
• Commitment is crucial to success.
  
• D1 is an 8-month a year program.

Tryout Selection Process

All players in Humboldt County are invited to tryout for the age appropriate level.

NO teams are set upon entering tryouts. Not everyone who tries will make the D1 team.

MRYSL is charged with selecting what it deems are the top players for each team.

Selection can be based on the following criteria: quality of players at tryouts, coach and objective evaluator comments, quantity of players seeking more competitive play, commitment, and availability of a qualified coach.

Coaching Staff

The league offers workshops and classes to educate and evaluate our staff. We request all of our D4 coaches to obtain a coaching license and require all coaches at D3 and D1 level to attend 18 hours continuing education. Monthly meetings and mentoring are also required. Coaches are compensated based on their education and experience. Coaches may choose to designate all or some of their fee to the scholarship fund. Our 2006 Division 1 Coaching Staff will be introduced at the tryouts on March 19.

Travel

Many families enjoy traveling. Our teams do more than just play soccer and work hard. Players and their families car -pool to games and share hotel rooms. This is fun and reduces expenses. Meals can be a great time for team building and laughter. There are currently no other D1 teams in Humboldt County. Usually there are an equal number of home and away games. It just depends on what teams are in your flight and scheduling arrangements. Typically, “away” travel runs south to Marin and north to Medford or Klamath Falls. Teams decide by consensus how many tournaments they want to attend.

How much does all this cost?

All D3 and D1 teams have to produce a seasonal budget. In addition to slightly higher registration fees, there are tournament fees, coaching fees, and other expenses that are considered “normal.” For an estimate of fees, see Expense Summary below. D1 seasons typically run 8 months of the year.

Who pays all this money? I am a single parent on a tight budget!

All fees can be offset by fund raising activities and sponsorships. The vision of the Mad River Youth Soccer League is that all players, regardless of income, will be able to play at the highest level of their ability. Please do not let fees, prevent your child from participating at this level. Contact a Board Member to discuss how we can help accommodate your needs. We offer a new scholarship program for those in need. See separate scholarship and sponsorship forms for more information. Almost all our D1 teams are offered extensive fundraising opportunities. MRYSL hosts the Redwood Classic Tournament in August and a new Zombie Fest for boys in October. Teams, players, and families work to offset fees. D1 Competitive Soccer Program continued D1 Coaching fees are $50 per month – see more information below. Each team will come up with its own plan for revenue. The League will work with individual families to accommodate needs allowance.

Will my child be assured of playing time?

D1 GUIDELINES (not mandates) are in place for playing time. Coaches are not “obliged” to play everyone. Criteria that coaches look at include fitness, injury and discipline.


When is the season?

Teams can train together for 8 months. Depending on age, seasons may vary. The fall playing season typically runs September-November, winter season runs November-February and the spring season runs March-May. Tournament play can be year around. See website for tryouts and updates.

Commitment

If you expect to have scheduling conflicts with other sports, be sure and notify the coach … D1 coaches expect that soccer should be a top priority!! Commitment is crucial. All players who want to play Division 1 must tryout and players who tryout will be notified when team selection is complete.

Anticipated Expenses

The expenses listed below are an estimate -actual expenses will vary. The fees are based on an 8-month season with 15 players on the roster. All fees can be offset by fund raising activities and sponsorships. The vision of the Mad River Youth Soccer League is that all players, regardless of income, will be able to play at the highest level of their ability. Please do not let fees, prevent your child from participating at this level. We offer a scholarship program (ranges from $45.-$500). Contact a Board Member to discuss how we can help accommodate your needs. See separate scholarship and sponsorship forms for more information.

Expense Summary

Coaches Fees: All D1 players will pay $50 per month. $400 Player/family

Travel: 2-4 weekends regular season play out of town. Travel expenses – car pooling/sharing hotels are fun and can reduce costs!

Tournaments/travel: 4 @ $30 per player $120

Trainers: $10 per player per month $80

Coach Travel: split between players – car pooling/share hotel can reduce costs

Apparel: uniform costs are included in your registration fees. Team bags, warm ups or sweatshirts are optional expenses.

TOTAL: $100 Estimate of expenses for 8 months = $700 or $87 per month (does not include travel)

What can you do to help?

Volunteer your time or financially support our programs! All Payments should be made directly to Mad River Youth Soccer League by Team Manager