What are the birth year and playing age groups (e.g., U9, U10, U11, etc)

Here is a link to a matrix available on our website that shows the correlation between birth year and playing age groups and format.  If your child was born in 2017, please see the FAQ below for those born in 2017 that are interested in playing travel.

Evaluations: 

Current Travel Players

There will be no formal evaluation (tryout) for current ALSO travel players. Current travel coaches in partnership with our pro coaching staff and Director of Coaching, will work with ALSO Travel Committee to form teams based on player’s current season abilities demonstrated through games, practices and pro coaching sessions.

Returning players must register at this link for Fall 2024/Spring 2025 season no later than May 7, 2024: 

 https://system.gotsport.com/programs/86C896364

New Travel Players

Evaluations will take place during the Pro Coaching practice sessions that are scheduled for the current ALSO travel players.  

Those new to the travel program MUST ATTEND one pro coaching session with their appropriate age group to be properly evaluated.  

You must register your child at this link no later than May 7, 2024: 

 https://system.gotsport.com/programs/86C896364

AND, you must sign up for the evaluation sessions here:  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4DADA628A6F49-48767029-also#/

What if my child cannot attend the scheduled evaluation date/time?

We publish scheduled evaluation dates early to allow maximum time for schedule planning.  Parents and players should make every effort possible to attend the appropriate age group evaluation.  Per section 11.8 of our bylaws, if a player cannot make his or her evaluation time:

• They can be evaluated with the next highest age group with the approval of the Travel Team Committee (TTC). 

• If a player does not attend an evaluation at either their age group or the next older age group, then the TTC will exercise their discretion using available data in assessing appropriate player ranking and ultimately roster placement.  This is clearly NOT the preferred outcome for ALSO or the player so please do make every effort to attend the scheduled time.

If a player wants to play travel soccer in the coming year and is not able to attend the assigned evaluation, parents should reach out to the relevant travel director listed below to work out alternate arrangements.   

• Boys Travel Director: Kevin Kocurko  (kkocurko13@gmail.com)

• Girls Travel Director: Paul Figuly (pfiguly@gmail.com)

Who is on the Travel Team Committee (TTC) and what is their role?

The TTC’s core members from the ALSO Board are the Director of Coaching (Chair) and the Boys and Girls Travel Directors. They collaborate to administer all aspects of the travel program in consultation with the ALSO Board and subject to our bylaws. 

As it relates to evaluations, the TTC is responsible for the administration of evaluations and ultimately making recommendations to the Board for approval prior to each annual season:

• Number of teams to be formed at each age group,

• Projected roster sizes of each team, and

• Recommended Head Coaches for each team.

What if my child is born in 2017 and wants to play travel?

Players born in 2017 can tryout to play at the U9 travel level if parents believe they are of adequate ability and maturity, and that their development would be better suited by the travel vs. our recreation program. 

Please note that a roster spot is not guaranteed, and 2016 birth year players take priority for roster spots in the upcoming season.  In addition, there are evaluation minimum scores described in our bylaws where a roster spot is not guaranteed if a player does not achieve the minimum score.  The U8 development program is also another great option for age-appropriate players.  It’s specifically designed to help prepare players at the U8 level for transition to the travel program and takes place over the winter.

 What if my child is currently playing “up” (at older age group) or wants to play “up” next year?

Any player desiring to play up at an older age group in the coming seasonal year is required to notify their respective travel director in advance.  Final roster eligibility will be determined by the TTC to ensure (1) the older age group is not forced to cut a player from the travel program (that has met minimum requirements) due to roster size limitations, and (2) that maturity and coachability of the player is appropriate for the older age group.  Final recommendations are made by the TTC for ALSO Board approval.

What if my child doesn’t make a team?

We make every effort to place as many players as possible at the right level of competition.  In some circumstances, there can be occasions when overall numbers of players and roster limits from our sanctioning bodies make us unable to offer a roster spot.  In those cases, registration funds are reimbursed in full.

Can I get a refund if my child decides not to play?

If a parent/player decides after evaluations to withdraw from the travel program and not participate in the coming season, they must notify the relevant travel director by July 1st to receive a refund (minus a $50 fee to cover evaluation and other administrative expenses).

Refunds for withdrawal requests after July 1st are not guaranteed and may be subject to additional administrative reductions as player carding and other costs begin to be incurred by ALSO.

 

What if I have questions about the evaluation process?

Please reach out to us via email and we will do our best to answer any/all questions you may have: also.avonlakesoccer@gmail.com