What is the Select Team Program?

Select is a program designed for a more serious level of soccer for AYSO players who have the interest & the abilities while following the same core values as the other programs.  Select is run as a Club level program that is more flexible than traditional club programs in terms of a lesser time & financial commitment. The Select Team serves the express purpose of developing the skills both tactical and technical that are required for a player to participate at a higher level in High School and beyond.  While the game should still be fun, it is expected that a higher level of focus and commitment be afforded by both the players and the parents throughout their participation in the program.  It is also designed to be a feeder program for the Benton, Amana, and Williamsburg High School Soccer Programs in particular.  This program is run by AYSO volunteers with the assistance of an Advanced Level Coach.

How does my child join?

Every player must…

·         Register as an AYSO Primary Program participant

·         Pay for your Primary Program registration

·         Register and sign up for Select Team Tryouts, and pay tryout fee

·         Attend one of the scheduled tryout sessions

·         There will be open tryouts for the select team.  These tryouts will be open to ALL eligible AYSO Region 1103 players.  Non-AYSO area players are also welcome to participate in tryouts, but will be required to register as an AYSO player prior to being accepted onto the select team.  There will be a non-refundable fee to participate in tryouts. 

After tryouts are held …

·         Players will be extended bids to participate based on tryout results and will have 48 hours to accept or decline

·         A $100 fee will be due at the time of acceptance

·         All players and parents must attend team meeting prior to season and submit both player and parent commitment forms

Player Expectations...

·         All players MUST participate in the Primary program

·         Attend & participate in at least 50% of their Primary games & practices

·         Attend every Select Team practices each week, unless excused by the coach or team manager

·         Play in 12 to 16 club level games generally scheduled on Sunday afternoons.  ISL games will be at various locations in Eastern Iowa including Tuma, Dubuque, Iowa City, Quad Cities, Waterloo, and Des Moines. 

·         Players will be expected to participate in the Amana Indoor Soccer Program, and will have additional scheduled indoor practices through the winter.

Benefits…

·         Reduced Cost compared to traditional club programs

·         Higher Level of competition compared to any traditional rec programs or the AYSO Primary Program

·         Opportunity for additional practice and touches under the direction of an advanced certified coach

·         Club Level training with AYSO Philosophies regarding participation, sportsmanship, coaching, and development

·         Reduced travel for local players compared to club opportunities in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids

·         Greater flexibility regarding practice schedules and regimen

·         A desire to work with local Jr High and High School programs, to encourage participation in multiple sports.

·         A higher level of focus and commitment by the players, the parents and the coach creates greater player development

Participants are also Strongly Encouraged to complete a Referee certification course, and to participate as Youth Referees in the region.