Memo for AYSA Members                                                                                                                  May 17, 2018

2018-2019 Season Evaluation

May 22 BOYS and May 24 GIRLS

A new soccer season is fast approaching and we need to get ready for the 2018-2019 Season.  An integral part of our preparation across the board is player EVALUATION.  Each and every player is evaluated at the end of the current season to identify individual strengths and weaknesses and gives AYSA a view of the current talent pool across birth year groups.  Results from our annual evaluation period helps us form teams for the upcoming year, appropriate league placement and provides each player an opportunity to play at the appropriate level for their development to reach their potential in four areas of the game: Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Mental.  Every player will be placed on a team that best matches their current skill set.  Please take the opportunity to look over the evaluation form we will use this year on the next page.

As players, parents, coaches, and AYSA as a whole, we can get too comfortable in the status quo of where we are right now and miss valuable opportunities to grow.  Conducting and attending evaluations prior to each new season help us remember that we are a developmental program… ALWAYS looking to grow and improve our kids and their skills.  This means change and change is good.  As each individual player progresses and develops at different rates than others, it is essential that we remember it is what is best for the player that is at stake and that we are growing future soccer players as a feeder to the high school programs and for many, on to college careers.  And it starts with us.

Each player must be registered for the next year prior to attending evaluations.  Players will sign in at the registrar table to get a numbered jersey.  This number will be annotated on the evaluation sheet used by the staff and then returned to the registrar for processing.  Once all data is compiled from all of the completed evaluations, teams will be formed.  Please check your accounts starting June 4th for team assignments.  It may take a week to get all assignments done.

Parents – If you have questions, please wait until all players have signed in.  Then we would love to talk with you and answer any questions you may have.

Benefits to PLAYERS – provides written assessment from coaching and evaluation staff to focus the player to practice or acquire skills to get to the next level and build goals.   While the evaluation is not public information (multiple kids are scored on the same sheet), parents and players can request a meeting with the evaluation staff and their coaches to get the information on their player only when needed after the completion of all the evaluations.  In addition, players get experience participating in evaluations which is valuable as they progress to club tryouts, HS tryouts and college camps where not everyone is selected and plays in the end.  It is our mission to ensure that all kids get a place to play in AYSA so that is not a factor here.

Benefits to PARENTS – an opportunity to see your child play with other kids in their birth year groups across AYSA and outside of just their team.  It may provide you with the insight of whether or not you player would be successful in more competitive assignments and how they respond to different situations.  Boys and Girls play together which brings out their unique qualities and combines their strengths.  It is an opportunity to meet other parents, kids, coaches, AYSA staff and buy Uniforms or Spirit Wear to support your kids and AYSAJ During the evaluations on May 22 (Boys) and May 24 (Girls) there will be an opportunity to order a complete uniform ($121) and I will have samples for sizing.  All orders will be placed by May 26!  Please bring cash or check if interested. 

Benefits to Coaches – You get to see how your team members progressed and how they look with the rest of their age group.  Working with other coaches to assess the age pool will provide insight to guest player opportunities when needed on your teams and opportunities to meet new players and parents that have come into AYSA.    

In the end, we strive to do what is best for our overall program and our players.  While some kids may remain on the same team and teams may remain in the same league, there will be movement for others.  With everyone’s support this will be a successful event.

 See you on the field!