General Information: MSA’s soccer programs give players the opportunity to learn and develop individual and team skills in a non-competitive environment. No scores are recorded during non-tournament games, and each player participates in at least 50% of each game. There are referees for the Recreational League teams only. All teams play downsized soccer (i.e., fewer players on the field and smaller fields). This maximizes a player’s opportunities to handle the ball.

Games: The practice/game sites vary, but all fields are within the South Bend/Mishawaka/Granger area. Regular season games for the Instructional and Recreational Leagues take place on Saturdays (morning or early afternoon). Instructional League teams play 8 games. Recreational League teams play a 7 game season through June 6^th and participate in a single- elimination tournament the week of June 8^th.  (Championship games are on Saturday, June 13^th.)

Practices: Teams are formed based upon where players live, so the practices should be relatively close to home. We will do our best to place participants on “reasonable” teams, but parents must understand that this may not always be their “ideal” choice.  Note: Any late registrant, if accepted, will be assigned to a team that still has a roster opening. This may not be a “neighborhood” team. In early April, the coaches decide upon and inform players of the day, time (5:00 or later), and location for practices.   All U5, U6, U7, U8, and U10 teams will practice once per week.  (U10 Academy players will have additional practice sessions on Mondays.)   The U12 and U15 teams will practice twice per week.

* MSA U10 Academy: Recreational U10 players may choose to participate in the optional MSA U10 Academy in order to receive advanced training from licensed coaches. The training sessions will take place Mondays at 5:30 on the MSA Park fields. Space is limited and priority is given to those with the earliest enrollment dates. The fee is $20.   See attached sheet.

Teammate Requests: On the registration form, a player may request one other child (of the same gender and in the same age division) to have on his or her team. Any attempts to link more than two players together may result in a denied teammate request. Note: MSA will not honor any individual player’s request for a specific coach. A head coach may submit a teammate request of up to four players to be on his or her team. The head coach’s (and co-coach’s if applicable) child(ren)’s names must be included within the four player limit.

Uniform/Equipment Requirements: All players must wear shin guards and soccer socks for practices and games.   All players must also wear black shorts and black socks during games.   The players are responsible for providing their own shin guards, socks, and shorts.   Soccer shoes are recommended (especially in the Recreational League) but are not required.  (Note:  Baseball cleats are NOT permitted.)  Players are asked to bring their own soccer balls to practices. (Ball Sizes:  U5-U7 players - Size 3,   U8-U12 players - Size 4,   U15 - Size 5)

Registration Deadline: February 2, 2009

Any forms mailed to MSA must be postmarked on or before February 2^nd.

Forms may also be taken to Soccer Zone or Soccer Etc. but must be delivered on or before February 2^nd.

Any player wanting to register after February 2^ndMUST register ON-LINE at www.michianasoccer.org.   Late registrants will be charged a $10 late fee and will be placed on a waiting list.   Players that are not placed on teams will be sent full refunds.

MSA Spring 2009 Calendar

MSA relies heavily on email communication for updates, changes, and announcements, so please provide us with an email address if possible.  We encourage all MSA participants to visit our website on a regular basis for season updates and helpful information:

www.michianasoccer.org

Questions or concerns?

Contact us at:  michianasoccer@comcast.net  or 574-277-2626

Introducing the MSA U10 Academy

As a pilot program, MSA is going to offer an Academy this spring for boys and girls in the U10 age division (i.e. birth dates between 8/1/1998 and 7/31/2000) who are interested in increasing their skills through a more competitive training program supervised by an experienced coaching staff.

We know that many children today have time and/or money constraints that prevent them from joining a travel soccer program. At the same time they would enjoy some of the challenges and opportunities for soccer advancement that the travel programs provide. The MSA U10 Academy program is being designed to offer some of the benefits of the traditional travel program without creating the same high level of commitment that is necessary in order to participate in a travel program.

Since this is a pilot program for the MSA, all of the details have not been finalized. Some of the final decisions cannot be made until we have a solid projection of how many children will choose to participate in this program. Generally the MSA U10 Academy will have a framework as follows:

• Only players assigned to U10 Recreational League teams may apply to the Academy.

• The Academy program is completely optional for U10 players. You may still join a Recreational U10 team without enrolling in the Academy.

• There is an additional fee of $20 required to participate in the Academy. Space may be limited. Priority will be given to the players who register the earliest for the Academy. If a player cannot be accommodated by the Academy, the $20 registration fee will be refunded.

• Academy enrollment may be selected when registering for the Spring 2009 season on-line or via printed application.

• The Academy will consist of 7 sessions held on Monday evenings.  (April 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18; June 1)  The sessions will begin at 5:30PM and will last approximately 90 minutes.

• All sessions will take place at MSA Park (On Cleveland Rd., just east of Beech and west of the Elkhart county line.)

• The Academy is being supervised by MSA’s Director of Coaching, Greg Gidman. Greg is also the Director of Coaching for the Junior Irish, and is the head coach of the Bethel College men’s soccer team.

• MSA will have experienced coaches leading each session of the Academy. The session format will consist of about 50% demonstrations and drills and 50% scrimmages. Players will be assigned to different teams each session.

• All MSA coaches are invited to attend as many of the Academy sessions as possible in order to further their soccer education.  Any Head or Assistant Coach in the MSA program that commits to attending one introductory 90 minute Coach Meeting and all 7 Academy Nights will be eligible to receive the USYSA E Certificate (License).   There is no fee.

Please check the MSA website at www.michianasoccer.org for updates concerning the Academy. Specific questions may be asked by contacting MSA via e-mail at michianasoccer@comcast.net or calling 574-277-2626.