Chambersburg Youth Soccer Association

The CYSA playing year runs from August 1st to July 31st and includes two seasons, both a fall and spring season.  Practices for the fall season begin in August and games are scheduled from September to usually the first weekend in November.  Practices for the spring season begin in March and games are scheduled from April to normally the first weekend in June.

Annually, in mid to late April, CYSA will conduct a team reorganization and player evaluations, which is open to anyone, as long as they meet the age requirements.  After the evaluation, depending on the players skills and the roster limits, a player will be notified if they are accepted on the team, on a waiting list or did not make the team.

What is the player evaluation process?

The club wants to do its best to match players of equal playing ability. This helps provide a challenging environment for all players, while at the same time building confidence.

A player is evaluated over 2, 90-minute try-out sessions, usually by the coach of the team.  Each coach evaluates all players based on basic skills, tecnhincal and tactical skills, field awareness, and attitude/behavior. All of which is dependent on the age level.  This is usually accomplished through a set of drills, small sided games, etc.

Once the evaluations have been completed, the club holds evaluation meetings with all the coaches.  The meeting is conducted by the club vice-president and provide an opportunity for the coaches to review the evaluations.  Players are then placed on teams, based on age and ability.

How are teams configured?

The teams are configured according to age, the number of kids that attend the try-outs and the evaluation process.  The size of the teams will vary by age.  For example, for the fall of 2011; U9, U10 and U11 teams play 8v8 and the roster is limited to a maximum of 14; for teams U12 and up play 11v11 and the roster is limited to a maximum of 18.

The exact number of teams will depend on how many kids attend the try-outs in April.  Our goal is to have 2 teams per gender in each age group U9-U12.  For example, if 16 kids come to try-outs for a U10 team, which is limited to 14 on the roster, there obviously is not enough to form 2 teams and at least 2 of the players will be on a waiting list or not make the team.  On the other hand if 22 or more kids show up for try-outs, we will split the kids into two teams and their team placement will be based on skill level.

If my child is not a strong player, will they be "cut"?

It is the club's intention to have ALL interested children participate in soccer.  However, there are situations that they may not make a team, for example if the roster is full and we do not have enough kids that age for another team.  Or it just may be better for the player to develop skills in another program, to get more playing time.

What if my child is a really good player, can he/she play "up" for the next age group?

Playing up is STRONGLY discouraged, especially for age groups, below U14, unless it is done so to complete a team.  Actually, teams below U14 are limited in the number of players they can have on the roster "playing up".

What if we missed the try-outs are there other opportunities to join a team?

Yes, but only if there are roster spots available.  Often between the fall and spring season, some players do not return for the spring season due to participating in other sports.  This will open some roster spots.  In these cases the player can request an evaluation by the coach to be added to the roster.  To request an evaluation, please contact the club president, Ed Franchi.