SANTA ROSA SOUTH YOUTH SOCCER CLUB

Greetings SRS Players & Families,

The 2019/20 soccer season is fast approaching and SRS could not be more excited to “kick-off” the season by announcing our new Competitive Alliance program.

SRS IS EXCITED TO "KICK OFF" YEAR 3 OF THE ALLIANCE!

The program, SRU Alliance, will retains the same structure as SRS’s competitive program (seasonal teams as opposed to year-round soccer, volunteer coaches, reduced travel/commitment/costs, freedom to play multiple sports at different times of the year, same fields as SRS currently use), whilst providing the teams with more on-field guidance through coach education for volunteer coaches and SRU staff coaches as team trainers at certain times of the season.

SRU Alliance will NOT replace either SRU or SRS programs.

SRU teams will continue to be run in the same way, by the same professional staff & coaches. SRU Alliance will also be run by the same SRS coaches, volunteers and board who run the SRS Competitive Program. The difference will be that these teams will have a structured training program with assistance from SRU trainers, will play in SRU uniforms, and be part of SRU.

Why the change?
SRS have been looking to provide more for their families and coaches in terms of on-field support so that kids play for longer and coaches stay coaching for longer. SRU is always looking to improve the soccer landscape in the North Bay by providing high quality coaching to young players. There are many kids who want to compete in multiple sports equally at a young age, and both clubs want to ensure these kids get the best possible soccer education so that they stay playing the game and are well prepared if/when they decide to make the year-round commitment to soccer.

What are the benefits for both SRU & SRS?
For SRS, more coach education for their volunteer coaches, SRU trainers (1 time per week for a 3 month period) for younger teams, on-field support from SRU staff, potential for players to move between rosters (guest players), pathway for most talented kids to reach elite programs (DA/ECNL/NPL), SRU support for the SRS Recreation program.

For SRU, more player access to better training at a younger age, potential for players to move between rosters (guest players), growth of SRU club and philosophy, additional option for SRU players who decide they don’t want to play year-round but want to stay at SRU, and earlier identification and integration into SRU of players who have the ability to play at elite level.

How does this impact current SRU teams?
There will be very little day-to-day impact. SRU Alliance teams will continue to train and play on SRS’s current fields so training space at Trione, Place to Play and other rented fields will not be impacted. New this year, Alliance tryouts will be combined w/SRU tryouts. SRU players may get the opportunity to guest play for Alliance teams and get extra games. SRU teams will continue to be made up from those who want to play soccer year-round and dream of playing at the next level, and SRU Alliance teams will be seasonal teams allowing kids to focus on other activities at different times of the year.

Who are the leadership?
The Program Coordinators will be Matt Byrne and Jim LaFrance (both SRS competitive coaches and board members). SRU’s coaching directors and staff will provide soccer support. SRU Alliance will also be represented on the SRU board.

It is our hope and expectation that everyone at SRU and SRS embraces the SRU Alliance program as a positive move for the clubs, one that helps improve the local youth soccer community, and gives more kids from Santa Rosa the opportunity to be successful through soccer.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding the program at info@srssoccer.org and we invite you to join us at our upcoming tryouts!

Season Length: 6-7 months

Age Groups: U9-U14 (2009-2004 age groups), but also open to older age groups

Player Registration: All through SRU

Player Registration Fee: $150

Included in Registration Fee: US Club Soccer (1 time per season), SRYSL, & SRU registration, 12 SRU trainer sessions with team, NorCal Fall League (entry fee & ref fees)

Trainer Fees: $100

Team Fees: $180-$250 per player, depending on teams (number of tournaments, equipment, etc.)

Uniform Cost: $80-$100

Soccer Support: SRU director oversight, 12 SRU trainer sessions per season (age appropriate, SRU Curriculum), SRU coach education & coaches handbook/manual, SRU coaches gear, SRU admin support, practice & game scheduling

Fields: existing SRS grass fields, to be secured through SRYSL

Coaches: existing SRS competitive coaches

Registration Fee: $150 ($150)

Trainer Fees:  $100 ($0)

Team Fees: $180-$250 (includes 2 Tournaments, 1 NorCal Playdate, State Cup & Team Equipment) ($180-$350)

Uniform: $80-$100 ($100)

Total: $510-$600 ($430-$600)

February: Marketing of SRU Alliance to current SRS players & families, current SRU players & families, & SRU WDA/Tryout/Camp/Munchkin Madness registrants

January/February: SRU Winter Development Academy (optional)

February/March: SRU Alliance Tryouts

June - December: SRU Alliance 2017 Season

Program Coordinators - Matt Byrne and Jim LaFrance (existing SRS Board Members)

Soccer Direction/Coach Education – SRU Directors and Senior Staff Coaches

Administration/Registration – SRU Office & volunteers (existing SRS volunteers)

Place on SRU Board of Directors for program representation (Matt and/or Jim)

Coach Education - 2 on-field sessions, plus coaches meetings, SRU Curriculum & Coaches Handbook

Uniforms - Same SRU kit as SRU year-round teams

Referee Program - To be determined