Austin, Minnesota
Rec teams work on fundamentals of the game practicing 2-3x per week. Games are held in Austin against another Austin team or if possible teams from neighboring communities. The Rec team generally finishes their season by the end of July.
Competitive teams cover all the same skills as Rec teams practicing 2-3x per week but travel for games. Games are equally split between home and away. Teams can travel up to 2 hours away. Playing time is not guaranteed on competitive teams. It is based on attendance and effort at practice, skill and attitude. Competitive teams can play through the end of July, based on their record. Regular season play ends the 2nd week of July followed by State Qualifying Competition and State Championship at the end of July.
Teams are initially divided by birth year. Our goal at AYSA is to give every player an opportunity to further develop their soccer skills and play at a skill level that will also challenge them to improve. We cannot guarantee friends will be on the same team with each other nor can we guarantee players will be moved up an age group if parents feel their skill level warrants. If there are enough players for more than one team at an age group, tryouts will be held before the season begins. Depending on registration numbers some age groups may need to combine to form one team.
AYSA supplies a jersey for every player to wear during the season and keep afterwards due to the generosity of our donors/sponsors. Red shorts and soccer socks are to be purchased by the player. ALL players must have shin guards and soccer shoes to play. If you have a need for soccer shoes, AYSA does have some donated pairs. Please contact team president to inquire.
Talk with your child’s coach (es) to see about arranging rides either with them or other players. There are many parents in AYSA who are more than happy to help get your child to practice/games when you are not able. If you can’t make it to a game, please talk with your coach to make ride arrangements. Coaches often have several players riding with them. Please remember to provide some gas money if you are able.
Almost all practices for are held at the fairgrounds. Other areas that we have used in the past include Shirley Theel Park and Faith Free Church. NO practices are held at Todd Park. Most teams will practice in the early evening (5-7:30pm) several days a week and on Sunday afternoon/evenings. Your coaches will determine the best day/time to practice based on the majority schedule and generally practice on same days as games.
In April practices will be held at Packer Dome beginning April 4-April 27 every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm unless otherwise noted.AYSA players are self transported to away games, meaning parents drive them or make arrangements with other parents to provide a ride for their child. Many kids like to ride with their friends and parents ride together or take turns driving to away games.
All games for U11-U15 are played at the Todd Park Soccer Complex. U9-U10 are played at Faith Church field. U16-U18 Games are played at Wescott Track Field.
Games People Play in Austin has soccer shoes, shin guards and socks. Everything else is supplied by AYSA.
Every player needs to have a water bottle at both practice and games. It is important for players to stay hydrated. In addition all players should come to practice or games in other shoes and put their soccer shoes on at the field.
Players CANNOT practice or play without soccer shoes AND shin guards.
2018 summer soccer EARLY BIRD registration deadline is 1/13/18. Register by this date for savings. Dome league play and skills camps to be announced.