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Springfield Area Soccer Association The Springfield Area Soccer Association (SASA) has fostered the development of a number of outstanding athletes many of whom have gone on to play in college and beyond. Our complex on the west side of the University of Illinois, Springfield is home to the Robert Morris College Eagles and hosts many other local area high school games. SASA strives to encourage and assist in the development, growth and improvement of soccer at all levels within the community. It is our firm belief that the only way SASA can survive and grow is through the active participation of you, the people involved in soccer.
What is SASA? The Springfield Area Soccer Association (SASA) is a competitive youth soccer club whose primary focus is to provide a total, well rounded and positive soccer experience for the player, coach and parent. The emphasis will be on the education, technical development and sportsmanship of each and every player and coach so that their experience with SASA will encourage them to continue their participation in soccer with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment.
How do I become a member of SASA? SASA sponsors and trains teams beginning at the age of Under 8 up to the age of Under 19, for both boys and girls teams. All players wanting to play on a SASA Competitive (traveling) team must go through a tryout process each year. SASA teams are formed through a SASA sponsored try-out session, which actually consists of several practices. Try-outs are mandated by the IYSA (Illinois Youth Soccer Association - the State Association) and SASA by-laws. Try-outs are open to all players. Dates and times of try-outs will be advertised with tryouts usually held in July. Teams are formed for one year beginning August 1 through the following July 31. For U12 and above teams, the best and most dedicated players will be signed to a team. For U-11 and below players, every effort will be made to place all players on a team. U-11 and under teams will be balanced to allow both teams to develop and compete equally. SASA's belief for these younger teams is not winning and loosing but player development.
What are the benefits of belonging to SASA? * Use of SASA soccer fields and complex.
What is a Cup vs. a Club Team? If more than one team exists in an age group at the U-12 age and above, one team will be designated as the Cup team and the other team will be the Club team. The Cup team is chosen on talent and commitment to soccer over involvement in other sports. The Cup team is expected to be able to play at the highest levels in Illinois. Players on Cup teams will participate in more practices, tournaments and have additional travel requirements than players at the club level. Players may be moved from a Club to a Cup team or vice-versa in order to maintain the objectives of each team and to provide for the best development environment for the players. Every effort will be made to place players not chosen for the Cup team on a Club team.
How much time will I need to commit to SASA? Time spent will vary from team to team. Most teams play a fall season from August to November and a spring season from March to June. Two outdoor training sessions are usually conducted each week during the playing seasons. The training days are selected by the coach/trainer with input from the families. League games with the Central Illinois Youth Soccer League (CIYSL), consists of approximately 8 games usually played as double headers on four Sundays. Competing teams are generally from Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, Morton, Quincy, Champaign, Taylorville, and Charleston. Weekend tournaments can vary from one to five or more depending on the level of team and the commitment of the players and families.
How much will it cost me? Click here to see fee structure>> $$$$
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What are the parental responsibilities of a SASA member? The parent's main responsibility to a competitive player is to support and encourage that child as well as other players. You should also support and assist the coach/trainer and team as necessary. The parents should conduct themselves in a respectable manner and adhere to the SASA Code of Conduct (as published on our website) during team events. Parents should assure that their child is available to attend the majority of practices, training and games and to keep coaches informed of any absences when necessary. Parents should establish a parent committee (3 parents recommended) to act as team representatives, to provide leadership with team planning, to review and act on team issues and concerns, and to escalate any issues to the coach and/or SASA Board as necessary. Each parent should clearly understand the responsibilities, commitments and expectations of the team. Parents are encouraged to meet often to plan team tournaments, events and to promote team cohesion. Each team is also required to volunteer hours of service each season toward the good of SASA. This may include assistance with the concession stand, field maintenance, or other duties. The Board of Directors would like to invite and encourage all parents, coaches, or any interested party to join us for our monthly meetings. Your input into the direction of SASA and of the daily operations is greatly desired. All meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7:30 pm April to October and 6:30 pm November to March at the SASA complex. |