Springfield MO Soccer / MYSA to adopt US Youth Soccer’s guidelines for small sided play

MYSA to adopt US Youth Soccer’s guidelines for small sided play

PRESS RELEASE

At its May 31st state board meeting, the Missouri Youth Soccer Association approved a resolution to adopt US Youth Soccer’s guidelines for small sided play for Under-12 and younger teams.

The mandate is effective with the start of the fall, 2008 playing season. Teams, clubs and leagues were asked to submit a written notice to the MYSA State Office by Sunday, June 15th, indicating an intent to take advantage of a one year transition period. The one year transition period affords affected clubs, teams and leagues sufficient preparation time to get in compliance with the mandate.

The most affected teams will most likely be the U9, U10 and U11 age groups for the fall 2009 playing season.

Lake Country Soccer submitted notice that it will use the one year transition period so that LCS has ample time to educate its membership and make all necessary arrangements in terms of equipment and facilities in advance of the fall 2009 playing season.

There are a number of club coaching directors, and coaches in general who championed this change. “The primary objective is to enhance the playing experience of Missouri’s youth with smaller fields, fewer players and more touches on the ball. Ultimately, the growth and development of the game at the grassroots level will benefit the most with this change”, said Kelly R. Ross; Executive Director for Lake Country Soccer.

Kelly also serves on the MYSA State Board as the District Commissioner for the Southern District. The Southern district is geographically bound by I-44 on the north, the Oklahoma state line to the west, the Arkansas state line to the south and as far east as West Plains. There are only six MYSA affiliated clubs or leagues designated to the southern district; Lake Country Soccer, the Ozark Mountain Soccer League, the Rolla Knights Soccer Club, the Rolla Area Soccer League, Springfield Soccer Club and West Plains Soccer Association.

For more information on the small sided mandates, please visit the Missouri Youth Soccer Association web site or visit US Youth Soccer’s web site. Emails may be sent directly to Kelly@lakecountrysoccer.org.