ANNANDALE SOCCER
The Annandale Boys' & Girls' Club, Inc., Annandale, Virginia
Established 1959
Annandale Boys and Girls Club, 7236A Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA. 22003 - 703-946-0883 - 4futsal@gmail.com
ABGC TRAVEL PROGRAM POLICY
Annandale Boy's & Girl's Club Travel Soccer Program
E. Practices
F. Tryouts
G. Tournaments
I. Transfers
N. Fees
A. MISSION
The ABGC Travel Soccer Program challenges our youth players to improve their skills and develop their ability to play the game to the highest possible level by training and playing in a challenging and competitive environment with players who also aspire to play to the best of their ability.
B. PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
The goal of ABGC Travel Soccer Program is the long-term development of every player. Our comprehensive player development program teaches the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of the game required to be successful in very stage of player development as well as the decision making, teamwork and leadership skills required to be successful both on and off the field. The four stages of player development are
- Developmental stage – U7-U11 age groups
- Transitional stage – U12-U15 age groups
- Competitive stage – U16-U19 age groups
- Mature stage - U20 and older age groups
Developmental Stage – U7-U11 age groups
Our program provides each player with the opportunity to build the solid foundation necessary to ensure their future success. Initial emphasis is on developing the motor skills, balance, agility and touch required for learning to play the game well. While teams always play to win games, winning is not important at this stage. Players are encouraged to focus on learning soccer fundamentals and an understanding of the game. Then they are encouraged to try what they are learning in league and tournament games. In games players are encouraged to take risks, to try different things, to play with the freedom to learn what does and doesn't work and to play without the pressure to win from coaches and parents.
Transitional Stage – U12-U15 age groups
Player development quickens in this stage due to the onset of puberty and the rapid acceleration in physical and mental maturation. The emphases is on the development of individual skills and decision making under pressure of limited time, limited space and opponents. In training sessions and games, players are encouraged to solve problems by making their own decisions within the context of the game or a situation on the field. Developing a better understanding of the game and of different systems of play are introduced at this stage. Players are encouraged to have fun and develop a passion for playing the game.
Competitive Stage – U16-U19 age groups
In this stage players are challenged by demanding training sessions and competitive matches. Individual skills and small group play are practiced, usually at match speed and under match pressure. More is expected and demanded of players in all aspects of training, learning, preparation and in matches.. Training involves a much higher level of technical and tactical training in match like situations.
Mature Stage - U20 and older players
Research has demonstrated that for most individuals it takes 10,000 or more hours of dedicated effort to master most human activities including sports, professions, etc. This is why most soccer players do not come into their prime until they are in their mid-twenties or older. Our program is geared to prepare our players to continue to play long after they age out of our program and to hopefully someday give back to the game by helping others learn what they have been taught.
C. ABGC TRAVEL AGE GROUPS
U7 - U8 Pre-Travel Program - Born August 1, 2002 to July 31, 2004U9 - Born August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2002U10 - Born August 1, 2000 to July 31, 2001U11 - Born August 1, 1999 to July 31, 2000U12 - Born August 1, 1998 to July 31, 1999U13 - Born August 1, 1997 to July 31, 1998U14 - Born August 1, 1996 to July 31, 1997U15 - Born August 1, 1995 to July 31, 1996U16 - Born August 1, 1994 to July 31, 1995U17 - Born August 1, 1993 to July 31, 1994U18 - Born August 1, 1992 to July 31, 1993D. ABGC TRAVEL SOCCER PROGRAMS
1. ABGC Premier Program
Premier teams are the most competitive soccer teams in ABGC. ABGC forms one or more Premier level teams for each age group beginning with the U11 age group.
- Leagues - Premier teams play in either the U.S. Soccer Region I Premier League, U.S. Club Soccer Southeastern Regional League, NCSL (National Capital Soccer League) Divisions 1 to 4 for boys teams, or WAGS (Washington Area Girls Soccer) League Divisions 1 to 4 for girls teams.
- Age Groups - U12 to U19
- Roster Size - U12 play 8-a-side soccer with a roster of up to 14 players, U13-15 play 11-a-side soccer with a roster of up to 18 players, U16-U19 play 11-a-side soccer with a roster of up to 22 players (only 18 players can be on the roster for a game)
- Practices - All players participate in 2 to 3 (90 minute) training sessions per week during the fall and spring seasons.Premier Teams usually practice three days a week the season in they play in State Cup.
- Goalkeeper Training - 1 (90 minute) training session per week in the fall and spring seasons
- Supplemental Training - To help individual players develop, additional training sessions may be scheduled by the ABGC Technical Director or coaching staff.
- Seasons - Fall starts August 1 and ends mid-November - Spring starts March 1 and ends mid-June
- Games - Players are expected to play in all league games, Virginia State Cup and 3 or more prestigious tournaments per season
- Travel - Half of all league games are home games played on fields in Annandale, VA. Half of all league games are away games played on the opponent's home field. While the majority of home games are close, a few teams in NCSL and WAGS are as far away as the Baltimore area to the north and the Fredericksburg area to the south. State Cup games are played on the home field of the home team. Showcase tournaments for older teams are often out of the area and are selected to expose players to college programs.
- Playing Time - Playing time on Premier level teams is not guaranteed and may be more or less than other players. Playing time is determined by the coach based on attendance, attitude, commitment and ability to play.
- Winter - To avoid injuries in the spring Premier teams practice and work on a pre-season conditioning and training program in January and February.
- Coaching Staff and Trainers - All Premier Team coaches are licensed by the U.S. Soccer Federation and have extensive experience working with youth players. Many ABGC Staff Coaches and Trainers also hold UEFA, FA and NSCAA coaching credentials. ABGC staff coaches also coach 5 public and 4 private high school teams, in the Virginia Youth Soccer Association ODP (Olympic Development Program), and in camps and clinics. Our elite staff includes a former Women's National Team Player, an Olympic Medalist as goalkeeper, several former professional players, and several inductees in the Virginia Youth Soccer Association Hall of Fame.
2. ABGC Classic Teams
Classic teams are developmental teams for U12 to U19 players making the transition to competitive travel soccer. Classic teams play at the level between ABGC Premier and recreational / SFL soccer.
- Age Groups - U12 to U19
- Roster Size - - U12 play 8-a-side soccer with a roster of up to 14 players, U13-15 play 11-a-side soccer with a roster of up to 18 players, U16-U19 play 11-a-side soccer with a roster of up to 22 players (only 18 players can be on the roster for a game)
- Practices - All players participate in 2 (90 minute) training sessions per week during the fall and spring seasons. Classic Teams usually practice three days a week the season they play in Presidents Cup.
- Goalkeeper Training - 1 (90 minute) training session per week in the fall and spring seasons
- Supplemental Training - To help individual players develop, additional training sessions may be scheduled by the ABGC Technical Director or coaching staff.
- Seasons - Fall starts August 1 and ends mid-November - Spring starts March 1 and ends mid-June
- Games - Players are expected to play in all league games, Presidents Cup and 2 or more tournaments per season
- Travel - Half of all league games are home games played on fields in Annandale, VA. Half of all league games are away games played on the opponent's home field. While the majority of home games are close, a few teams in NCSL and WAGS are as far away as the Baltimore area to the north and the Fredericksburg area to the south. Presidents Cup games are played on the home field of the home team.
- Playing Time - Playing time on Classic level teams is not guaranteed and may be more or less than other players. Playing time is determined by the coach based on attendance, attitude, commitment and ability to play.
- Winter - To avoid injuries in the spring Classic teams practice and work on a pre-season conditioning and training program in January and February.
- Coaching Staff and Trainers - All Classic Team coaches are licensed by the U.S. Soccer Federation and are expected to continue their coaching education while coaching Classic level teams.
3. ABGC Developmental Travel Soccer (ADTS)
In accordance with U.S. Soccer's Best Practices all U7-U10 players are considered "pool" players, practice together and each week play for whichever ABGC team the coaching staff determines will best help in the player's development. The ADTS program emphasizes physical and technical development, teaches an understanding of the game and encourages individual creativity and decision making. The programs focus is not on winning but on developing each player to his or her fullest potential, preparing players for success in the future. Scores and standings are not recorded or posted by the leagues in these age groups. Awards are not made by the leagues in these age groups.
In the U11 year players are assigned to teams that will play for division placement in the leagues. Girls on U11 and U12 teams can play as Guest Players in WAGS League games for any ABGC U11 or U12 WAGS team that they are age qualified to play for.
- Leagues - ADTS teams play in NCSL (National Capital Soccer League) for boys teams, WAGS (Washington Area Girls Soccer) League for girls or in ODSL (Old Dominion Soccer League) for boys and girls teams not playing in NCSL or WAGS. U7 and U8 Pre-Travel teams play in the crossover league.
- Age Groups - U8 to U11
- Roster Size - U7 to U10 teams play 7-a-side soccer with a maximum roster of 12 players, U11 teams play 8-a-side soccer with a maximum roster of 14 players
- Practices - All players participate in 1 or 2 (75 to 90 minute) skills sessions per week during the fall and spring seasons.
- Goalkeeper Training - 1 (90 minute) training session per week in the fall and spring seasons
- Supplemental Training - To help individual players develop, additional training sessions may be scheduled by the ABGC Technical Director or coaching staff.
- Seasons - Fall starts August 1 and ends mid-November - Spring starts March 1 and ends mid-June
- Games - Players are expected to play in all league games and in 2 tournaments / one day scrimmagefests per season. Tournaments consist of three 50 minute games played Saturday and Sunday of a single weekend. Scrimmagefests consists of four 35 minute games played on a Saturday or Sunday, and cost half as much as full tournaments.
- Travel - League games are only played on fields in the local area, so travel is minimal. Tournaments and scrimmagefests are local events that do not require significant travel.
- Playing Time - Playing time on ADTS teams is not guaranteed but usually players play about the same amount of time. Playing time is determined by the coach based on attendance, attitude, commitment and ability to play.
- Winter - For fun ADTS players play indoors once a week in January and February.
- Coaching Staff and Trainers - All ADTS Team coaches are licensed by the U.S. Soccer Federation and are expected to continue their coaching education while coaching ADTS level teams. All players are professionally trained by experienced trainers.
E. PRACTICES
Weekday practices starting no earlier than 5:00 PM and end no later than 9:00 PM. Only High School age teams may practice after 8:00 PM. Practices may be scheduled on a Staurday or Sunday when the team has no game. Tournament only teams doing High School Sit Out in the spring season practice on Saturdays or Sundays.
For player safety practices are canceled for dangerous weather or other conditions as necessary. In case of inclement weather, please refer to the ABGC Soccer web site or call our weather hotline. Practices canceled due to weather may be made up depending on field availability. Teams may not practice on any grass field with standing water, mud or that is wet enough to squish when you walk on it. Practices are canceled whenever a field is closed by the Fairfax County School System or the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Goals must be locked face in to each other or to a fence when not in use. When in use goals must be anchored with weight bags. One weight bag must be used for each 6 feet in goal width. Goal wheels must be flipped when the goal is in use so that the goal rest flat on the ground. Players under the age of 19 are not allowed to help move goals. Goals can only be moved by adults.
Every team must pickup all trash on any field they use and deposit it in the nearest trash can, even if the trash was not created by the team.
Coaches, trainers, parents and spectators may only park in designated parking spaces. There is no parking in fire lanes, in front of access gates or in restricted parking spaces.
Dogs are not allowed on Fairfax County School Property and are not allowed within 15 feet of Fairfax County park fields.
F. TRYOUTS
ABGC open tryouts are held from May to July to select players for the following playing year (Fall / Spring). A limited open tryout may be held at any time during the year. Tryouts are open to all players. Discrimination of any kind in the selection of players is prohibited.
Prospective players may tryout after the team roster has been selected if there are open position(s) on the roster and after being evaluated by, at a minimum, the team coach. Players may be added to a team at any time during the seasonal year provided there are open roster slots.
Teams are formed according to date of birth. Players born between August 1st of a given year and July 31st of the following year are a single age group. Players are encouraged to play within their own age group. If there are too few players to form a team within a single age group then a team consisting of two consecutive age groups may be formed provided their is a minimum of 7 players in the older age group. When this is done, the team is defined by the age group of the oldest player..
Players may be allowed to play in a higher age division “play up” if it is in the best interest of the player involved and the player is capable of earning significant playing time.
G. TOURNAMENTS
The ABGC Technical Staff will select tournaments for all travel teams. Coaches wishing to participate in additional tournaments must obtain approval from the Technical Staff. The ABGC Technical Staff will work with the club coaches to ensure that selected tournaments are consistent with each teams objectives and capabilities. All ABGC Premier boys teams must play in the ABGC Alliance Cup for boys teams in the spring. All ABGC Premier girls teams must play in the ABGC Alliance Cup for girls starting in 2011 and thereafter,
H. OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The ABGC Travel Soccer Program supports State, Regional, National and US Club Soccer ODP programs and is proud of our many ABGC staff coaches who work in these programs. For players involved in ODP training activities the following guidelines must to be adhered to:
- If there is a conflict between a club game and an ODP practice, the club game is the priority.
- If there is a conflict between a club practice and an ODP practice, the ODP. practice is the priority
- If there is a conflict between a club game and an ODP game, the club coach decides which has priority based on the importance of the club game.
- Players are not allowed to miss any club activities due to a conflict with District ODP tryouts, practices, games or other events.
I. PLAYER TRANSFERS
Players who want to transfer to a different ABGC team during the seasonal year may only do so between seasons unless the two teams are playing in different leagues. To transfer the the player must notify their current coach and the Technical Director. A change of teams between seasonal years is not a transfer and does not require approval. Approval of a transfer during the seasonal year is contingent on the following criteria:
- The transfer is approved by the Technical Director and the player’s parents
- The transfer is so disruptive to either team that it impacts that teams ability to play well
- The transfer is a “permanent” transfer.
Players wishing to transfer from an ABGC team to a team affiliated with a different club shall notify the Technical Director in writing (email is acceptable) stating the reason for the transfer. League rules do NOT allow a player to transfer during the current season from an ABGC team to a team affiliated with a different Club that also plays in the same league.
J. GUEST PLAYERS
No coach or team manager may release a player pass for a player to play as a guest player without approval from the Technical Director or the appropriate NCSL, WAGS or ODSL League Rep.
A coach wishing to invite an ABGC player to be a guest player to participate in a training session, game or tournament must notify the Technical Director or the appropriate NCSL, WAGS or ODSL League Rep.explaining why he/she would like to use services of a guest player.
Any ABGC player who is invited to guest play for a different team must notify his/her coach of such an invitation, who, in turn, must notify the Technical Director. An ABGC player is NOT ALLOWED to guest play for a non-ABGC team if there is a conflict with his/her current ABGC team. An ABGC player is NOT ALLOWED toguest play against any other ABGC team while guest/playing for a non-ABGC team.
K. PLAYER AGREEMENT
As an ABGC Travel Program Player I agree:
- to represent myself, my team, my club and my family to the best of my abilities
- to commit to my team and teammates giving priority to soccer whenever conflicts arise
- to work hard at practice and games
- to be punctual to all team and club functions
- to respect all coaches and game officials and to accept their decisions without question
- to treat my teammates, opponents and the laws of the game with respect
- to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times in practices and games, both on and off the field
- to respect my coach’s decision regarding playing time and position on the field
- to approach my coach with any personal soccer related concerns
- to learn and follow the rules, policies and procedures of the Team & Club
- to never leave a game or practice without my coach’s permission
- to never threaten, taunt nor deliberately attempt to injure another player
- to never use profane or vulgar language
- to never use drugs, tobacco products or alcoholic beverage
L. COACHING STAFF
1. Directors
ABGC Directors have detailed responsibilities to ensure that all ABGC players, coaches and teams receive the support they need from the club's technical staff.
- ABGC President, Kip Germain, USSF A
- ABGC Technical Director, Bo Amato, USSF C
- ADTS, Danny Wadeson, USSF C
2. Coaches
ABGC places high priority on hiring highly qualified, licensed and knowledgeable coaches. The club provides strong support for our coaches by:
- Funding continued education for all ABGC Travel Program staff coaches
- Providing competitive pay for our coaches based on coaching experience, licensing and performance.
ABGC Coaches Code of Conduct
All ABGC Coaches and Trainers shall:
- Attend all scheduled practices and games unless excused by the Technical Director
- Conduct a minimum of two or three practice sessions per week (as determined by the Technical Director prior to each season). Each session shall be a duration of at least 60 to 90 minutes depending on the age group.
- Abide by the laws of the game and all rules and directives from the applicable sanctioning organizations, including VYSA, U.S. Soccer, U.S. Club Soccer, NCSL, WAGS and ODSL.
- Provide regular instruction and feedback to each player throughout the season.
- Create an environment where players are not afraid to make mistakes and to learn from those mistakes.
- Attend all coaches meetings and ABGC sponsored coaching clinics and coaching seminars unless specifically excused by the Technical Director.
- Ensure proper safety measures are observed at all times for all players and others who may from time to time use ABGC soccer fieldsds, including anchoring of goals when in use and locking of goals when not in use. Upon completion of practice, or a game, stay with all players until a parent, guardian or other person designated by a parent assumes control of the player, unless appropriate arrangements are made in advance with the player’s parent.
- Work to minimize the club's legal liability by locking goals when not in use and not allowing use of goals by anyone who is not a currently registered club member, except for prospective players trying out who are covered by ABGC liability insurance during tryouts.
- Ensure that all players and parents are familiar with the rules of the game and that all games are played within the limits of those rules.
- Encourage sportsmanship and good behavior both on the field and at public team gatherings including travel to and at tournaments..
- Wear suitable attire to all ABGC functions, practices and games.
- Take appropriate disciplinary measures and/or address as necessary any inappropriate conduct during practices, games or tournaments exhibited by players, team managers or parents. Notify the Technical Director or the appropriate NCSL, ODSL or WAGS Club Rep. of serious and ongoing issues.
- Continually educate and further my knowledge of the sport and coaching by reading, watching, speaking with and learning more about the sport and coaching from others. Work towards advanced coaching education and obtaining a membership with both NSCAA and USSF.
- Treat each player as an individual person who should be listened to and motivated.
- Strive to set a good example in winning and losing. Remembering that a player will use you as a standard more than you may expect.
- Be on time, organized, polite, positive and motivated.
- Never belittle or demean any of players. Be generous with praise when it is deserved. Provide an encouraging and supportive environment.
- Never use inappropriate, demeaning or offensive language during practices or games. Similarly, require that players, parents and spectators refrain from using such language.
- Not attempt to intimidate or threaten a player, spectator or referee, nor tolerate such behavior by any of your players.
- Not make derogatory or critical comments about opposing players, coaches, referees or spectators and will discourage players and parents from making such remarks.
- Be alert to potentially dangerous situations arising because of actions by your team’s own players. Coaches should remove from play any player whose actions could lead to injuries or altercations among players.
- Never enter the field of play unless specifically requested by the match official.
M. COLLEGE GUIDANCE
ABGC Members who desire to play collegiate soccer have the opportunity to be guided by the ABGC President and Technical Director who have assisted over 50 former ABGC players who are currently playing for NCAA schools. ABGC is extremely proud of the hundreds of ABGC players who have gone on to play for some of the leading college soccer programs in the country. Experienced ABGC staff members have developed a program to introduce sophomores, juniors, and seniors in High School to the college recruiting process.
N. ABGC TRAVEL PROGRAM FEES
The ABGC Travel Program basic fee covers the program set forth in our Mission Statement. Teams that want to play in additional tournaments, winter training indoor leagues, pay for additional training, etc. must cover the additional items by fund raising or assessment of team members. Fundraising may be used to offset in whole or in part the cost of program participation. In addition to working on the Alliance Cup teams may participate in other approved fund raising activities.
The basic program fee covers the following items.
- Coaches Base Salaries
- Trainers Salaries for additional skills training and goalkeeper training based on age and level of team
- Coaches Travel expenses (maximum of 2 “out of town” tournaments per year for Premier and Classic teams – Coaches Travel expenses for additional trips must be covered by the team)
- Technical Director Fee
- Assistant Technical Director Fee
- Continued Coaching Education (Our Coaches are required to continue their coaching education thereby improving our programs for our members.)
- Team game balls and grass field corner flags
- Coaches training equipment
- College Guidance Program
- Tournament entry fee fund of between $1,400 to $3,500 per team per year, based on the age and level of team
- Virginia State Cup or Presidents Cup entry fee for all Premier and Classic U12 to U19 teams
- League fees (U.S. Soccer Region I League, U.S. Club Soccer League, NCSL or WAGS fees)
- Virginia Youth Soccer Association Team and Player Registration fees
- League Registrar Fees, where applicable.
- Fairfax County resident field use fees. (The fee per-season is $30 higher for non-residents of Fairfax County)
- Background checks on all coaches and volunteers through the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and US Club Soccer Risk Management Programs.
- Insurance Fees
- On-line registration
- Referee fees
- Office operations
- Annandale Indoor Soccer Training Facility operations
- ABGC Field set-up and maintenance costs
- Rental of private school soccer fields
- Scholarship Fund (For players who need assistance to play)
- Field Development Fund
- Community based projects (Positive Coaching Alliance, community outreach programs)
Program Fees Payment Schedule
AverageFairfax ResFx Non-ResProgram Per Wk 1 July 20101 July 20101 Aug 20101 Oct 20101 Jan 2010
Per Wk 1 July 20101 July 20101 Aug 20101 Oct 20101 Jan 2010ADTS U8
ADTS U9/10 $14.90 $250or $280 $175 $175 $175
$14.90 $250or $280 $175 $175 $175 ADTS U11
Classic U12
Classic U13
Classic U14
Classic U15
Classic U16
Classic U17
Classic U19
Premier U12
Premier U13
Premier U14
Premier U15
Premier U16
Premier U17
Premier U19
- Player and Uniform Fees are non-refundable
- Uniform fees are due at the time of acceptance
- There is a $20.00 (Twenty) dollar late fee for each payment received after the due date. Payments not received on time could result in the pulling of the player’s pass, making the player ineligible to participate in team activities including training and league / tournament games.
- ABGC charges a $30.00 fee for all returned checks!
- Fees can be reduced by team fund raising and ABGC Scholarship Fund Grants (see your Team Manager)
- Travel fees do not include tournament and scrimmagefest fees in excess of the tournament fund amount for the player's age group, indoor training, indoor league fees, U.S. Club Soccer fees, sand soccer fees, cost of tournament travel and any and all expenses above and beyond the list of covered items above.
U12 to U19 Uniform Kit - The Adidas OF (On Field) uniform kit which is available through the fall, 2013 is the official uniform kit for ABGC U12 to U19 travel soccer teams. The OF uniform kit features ClimaCool mesh inserts for maximum breathability, Formotion seams for reduced chafing during play, and UV SPF 50 protection. The unifrom kit includes 1 University Red and 1 White OF short sleeve jersey, 1 University Red and 1 White OF shorts, 1 pair Red and 1 pair White Copa Zone Cushion socks, and embroidered ABGC Logo and player's uniform number on both jerseys. The uniform kit is $125 due at the time a player accepts an offer to play for their ABGC team. Men's and Women's versions of the uniform are available. Long sleeve jerseys with logo and uniform number are $40. Copa bags with number are $40.
U9 to U12 Youth Uniform Kit - Same as above except only one pair of red shorts. The youth uniform kit is $105.
Warm-Up - Adidas Condivo Warm-up with zip pockets, elastic cuffs and ClimaCool for moisture and heat management is the offical warm-up for ABGC Travel Soccer Teams. Warm-up includes club logo on the jacket and player's number on jacket and pants. Warm-up is $105 in men's and women's sizes,or $95 in youth sizes.
© 2010 Annandale Boy's & Girl's Club, Inc., 7236A Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA. 22003, Phone: 703-946-0883, Email: webmaster@abgcsoccer.com
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