A few season-end reminders: Winter Pickup Soccer, Spring Soccer, Lost-n-Found: Interested in Winter Pickup Soccer or Spring Soccer? Read below to learn more about the upcoming Winter Pick-up sessions and Spring Soccer Registration. New to Spring Soccer? Come check out the final MAYSA U10 Travel game of the season at our home fields this Saturday.
Winter Indoor Pickup Soccer: Winter Indoor Pickup is intended for those 3rd-6th graders who are seriously considering playing Spring Soccer and want to keep up their skills by playing once a week. Winter Indoor Pickup is a relaxed "pickup" atmosphere in which the kids just play. Click on the Winter Soccer tab above for details.
Spring Soccer is for kids from 3rd grade to 11th grade. Spring Soccer Registration will begin in December. Spring soccer teams practice twice a week (usually Wednesday and Fridays) and play on Sunday afternoons. Spring teams represent MAYSA and play 4 home games and 4 away "travel" games. Many of our teams also participate in the PA West end-of-the-season Tournament held each year at Edinboro College. Team declarations must be turned into PA West by the end of the February, thus registration begins early. Click on the Spring Soccer Registration tab above for details.
Year-End Wrap Up Board Meeting: As you probably know I strongly believe in the vision, principals and positive coaching philosophy of MAYSA. As I've become more involved with MAYSA over the years, I've witnessed those in leadership work diligently to continue the positive culture of MAYSA is maintained and high quality soccer program is available to our community.I encourage any parent interested in helping MAYSA continue to provide In-House programming to attend our Year-End wrap up meeting held in late November. It is a good time to meet all the folks involved in MAYSA, learn more and have any questions about MAYSA answered. Of course we are always looking for a few folks who may like to get more involved, take on a slightly larger role and commit to helping us bring soccer to the community over the next couple of years, however, by attending the wrap-up meeting you are not committing to anything but simply learning more about MAYSA. We'll have a date for the meeting in the near future.EmailUs@MercerSoccer.org if you are interested in attending. Not much left to say except, thanks. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- POSTED October 2nd: Schedule Update, Lost-n-Found, Weather, etc... 1). Team Photos:
2). Club Announcements On Your Phone:
----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- POSTED October 2nd: Schedule Update, Lost-n-Found, Weather, etc... A Few Mid-Season Reminders 1). Parents new to MAYSA and the weather: This Saturday may be your first experience with true English Soccer weather, that is, cold, wet and windy. We play in the rain, cold and wind. The wind combined with cooler temperatures and rain make for weather that may warrant a hat, gloves and even rain gear for your young player. Please come prepared for cooler, windy and wet conditions. 2). Lost-n-Found: Our Lost-n-Found has gathered quite a large number of items including shirts, blankets, water bottles, etc… Please stop by the Concession Trailer to pickup anything your player or you may have left at the fields. 3). In-House Referees: The schedule for the final three weeks of the season will be available next week. 4). Senior Division Schedule Update: The SR. Division schedule has been updated. There has been a correction to the last two weeks of the season. Please refer to the schedule posted here (below). Also, the updated versions will be posted on the Concession Trailer. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- POSTED September 14th: Schedules, In-House Refereees and Concessions Open House: The start time of Thursday's (9/17) practice will be moved to 6:30PM to allow parents to attend Mercer Elementary school's Open House and hopefully still make all or part of Thursday's practice. That evening In-House practice will run from 6:30-7:40. Open House begins at 5:30.  Each year practice coincides with Mercer Elementary's Open House. The coaches understand if your child is only able attend a portion of the practice. Thanks everyone. Bee Update: A bee keeper has removed the estimated 20,000-25,000 honey bees that were nesting in the trees near the field. Thanks to those who kept an eye on that area during the weekend games to make sure no kids accidentally wondered over there. --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTED September 10th: Schedules, In-House Refereees and Concessions General Match Day Reminders The list below is intend as a general set of Match Day Reminders. There are important differences with respects to In-House and Travel match day requirements. Parents of Travel players, please always see your coach for further Match Day reminders, requirements, and with any questions you may have about PA West Travel requirements. 1). Not-a-Drop-Off: MAYSA's practices and matches are not considered a "drop off" situation. We ask all parents or guardians to be at the fields while their child is playing or practicing. 2). Parking for In-house and home Travel matches: Please park in the two gravel lots closest to the Soccer Fields or at the far end (North end) of the fields. Please do not park in the paved fitness center lots. 3). Game Schedules: In-House Team's schedules are available below on the website and post on the Concession Stand each week. In short, In-House always play at the fields at CSF. Beginners play at 9:30AM, Juniors at 10:30 and the seniors at 11:30. The schedule will include which team you play and the shirt color to wear (red or the reversable white). In-House Schedules Beginning Division Schedule Junior Division Senior Division (updated Oct 2nd) Travel Team's play on Sunday afternoons, time and venue vary, please check with your coach for the latest schedule information. 4). Game Day Seating: We ask that our Travel and In-House Junior and Senior Division level parents watch the game from the side of the field opposite the teams and coaches. This will help us reduce distractions, help the players focus on the Coach's instructions and allow us to move towards more coaching from the sideline and not just on the field. As an instructional/recreational league we encourage our coaches to be on the field. However, as the season progresses we do slowly work towards more coaching from the sidelines and having the players play. 5). Field Conduct: MAYSA is a recreational and instructional program. We strive to insure family-friendly environment for our players, coaches, referees and families. There is no smoking and no alcohol permitted while at the fields. Also, abusive or negative comments directed at the players, coaches or referees will not be tolerated. Finally, we welcome your sideline cheering and encouragement, but please let the Coaches coach. Thank you. 6). In-House and Travel Referees: MAYSA's Youth Referee program has been one of the finest in PA West producing multiple referees honored by PA West as "referee of the year". Our In-house referees are young kids often in their first leadership role overseeing a match. Our Travel match referees are youth who have been trained and been certified as part of MAYSA's Youth Referee (mentoring) Program, but again they are young and learning. Our young refs are part of our team. We are mentoring them as they take their first steps as a referee. We teach and encourage all coaches, players and parents to respect the refs. Any abusive language or comments towards these young leaders will not be tolerated. 7). Equipment:
9). Weather: Generally, soccer and MAYSA play in the rain, but not a torrential downpours and not if there is lightening present. For the most part, the kids don't mind the rain and mud and seem to enjoy an occasional game in rain. If during practice or matches there is lightening present, then we will ask everyone to leave the field, get in their cars and we will take a 25-30 minute break. We will attempt to resume play and adjust the remaining Match schedules. Also, our fields reside in an open area which often experiences a fair amount of wind. On warm days the breeze can help cool things down a little. On cold wet days the breeze can make it feel much colder. Please bring a wind breaker on hat and gloves for your young player on cooler days during fall soccer. 10). MAYSA Wear: Stop by the Concession Trailer to see our new adult MAYSA wear T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, etc. . . You place your order at the Concession Trailer. 11). Concessions: There are still a few Concession time slots for which we need volunteers. Please help by volunteering to help for one hour and bring a warn breakfast dish or help in the Concession Stand. Anyone interested, can email us at Concessions@MercerSoccer.org or stop by the concession trailer to sign up. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ POSTED September 3rd: Schedules, In-House Refereees and Concessions Concessions: Help needed for this week's Saturday Matches 
Season Schedules: In-House Team Schedules are available! Click below to see your team's schedule. Each Schedule includes the team you play against each week, the field and the shirt color (i.e., red or reversible white). In short, all games are held on Saturday mornings. All games are played at the (4) CSF fields. Beginning Division matches begin at 9:30AM, Junior Division matches at 10:30AM and Senior Division matches at 11:30AM. Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the beginning of a match to allow for warm up and coaching instruction.Beginning Division Schedule Junior Division Senior Division Click on the proper icon (above) to read or print out your team's schedule. Call for In-House Referees:
5. A big part of refereeing is learning to not be afraid to make the calls and taking on the leadership associated with helping younger players and overseeing a game.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ POSTED August 31, 2015 Arriving For This Week's (first) Team Practice: Practice begins at 6:00. This week, as you arrive for practice, Kami, Marianne F. and Marianne H and others will again be at the check-in table to assist you with any questions regarding team assignments. They will also help you find your team on the field. With over 150 kids showing up for soccer, the first week or two of practice can be confusing until the kids get to know their coach and teammates.
Number of Teams per Division (this Year): In response to the increased number of players again this year, we've expanded the Junior Division from 4 to 6 teams. The Senior Division has expanded from 4 to 5 teams. Increasing the number of teams helps insure the roster size for each team will be reduced, thus allowing our children to continue to experience small-group practice sessions, have more drill time and "touches" and (maybe) most importantly increase the amount of playing time during each game/match. Unfortunately we were unable to secure a 6th coach for the Sr. Division. Thus, each week one Sr. Division team will receive a 'bye' and may use Saturday as a practice. Team Rosters: Team rosters will be emailed Tuesday evening. You will received your child's division/team roster which will include their Team number. Please make note of your child's Team number (e.g., Team 5) as it will be easier to find your child's team, at the field, knowing their team number. Concessions: During the season the Concession Stand provides a wide variety of items including hot meals for those Saturday morning matches! Please stop by the Concession Trailer and sign up to bring something hot one weekend or volunteer to help out for an hour. Equipment:
Match Schedules: Schedules will be posted online and on the side of our Concession Trailer as we get closer to the first Match (September 12). We play every Saturday, beginning the September 12th. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of your match. Beginner's play at 9:30, Juniors play at 10:30 and the Seniors play at 11:30. The schedule will include the field number, whether your team is home (red shirt) or away (white shirt). About In-House: Organization: The Mercer Area Youth Soccer Association (MAYSA) is a 501c3 non-profit State Association of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Each soccer club (MAYSA is a club) is required to have both a Travel soccer and In-House (doesn't travel) soccer program. Additionally, MAYSA has a Youth Referee Mentoring Program that has been recognized by PA West as a top program for youth referees.
The In-House (or non-travelling) program allows for a bit more flexibility in the programming of the soccer season. MAYSA's In-House Divisions are organized by grade so the children can play with their schoolmates. All players play. We worked to keep In-House roster sizes as small as possible by adding additional teams when necessary. This approach allows for more playing time and more fun for the kids. However, this approach does occasionally require a greater number of volunteers and sometimes (but not often) we can not meet our goal of having the smallest possible rosters size by adding additional teams.
The In-House soccer program does not conduct a player draft, but rather players are assigned teams with the goal being to create teams with as much balance as possible (its more art than science). With the younger divisions this can be challenging as we see many new players each year and year-to-year a player can grow and change a great deal.
Finally, MAYSA's In-House program is designed to enable any child that desires to play the opportunity to do so. Thus, we will work together with families that may have recently moved to the area and/or just learned about MAYSA at the start of school. In a very small number of instances there may be the need to reassign a few players during the first or second week of practice (prior to the start of matches). Over the years, we have found this to be a small price to pay to afford as many children as possible to play with their classmates. If you only recently registered, please read the complete list of seasonal reminders (below). Each week the Reminders Announcement area is updated with any important information and reminders. Also, don't forget to sign up for Club Text Messages. It the most convenient way to receive Club announcements and reminders. If you would like more information about MAYSA, please view our About Us page or EmailUs@MercerSoccer.org. Thanks everyone. Honor the game, MAYSA Soccer In-House Team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ POSTED August 23, 2015 Parents, Our "First Evening" of soccer is tonight, August 27th at 6:00PM. Parents, please plan on arriving a few minutes early and visit the "Check-In" desk. Players can proceed directly to the fields. This will help us get everyone their shirts, finalize Division and Team assignments, and finalize overall check-in process greatly. As always our Shoe & Shin Pad SWAP BOX will be at the Check-In table. There are many pairs of slightly worn soccer spikes available for the kids so please take what you need.  Below are a few reminders for the upcoming season. Please take a couple minutes to read through the entire list. Schedule of Events (for the first few weeks of the season): 1a). The first three practice evenings - Thursdays August 27st, September 3rd and September 10th, and September 17th:
1b). 1st Practice: August 27th, Thursday - Group Practice and Parent Meeting: Each year our first even of practice is conducted by either the Mercer High School Men's team. Stations will be created and the players will be presented with an array of drills and skills that evening. This format allows us to finalize Divisions, Teams and review policies with new coaches. We will also conduct a short Parent Meeting (15 minutes) with each Divisional Group (i.e., Beginner, Junior, Senior). 1c). 2nd and 3rd Practice: September 3rd and September 10th, Thursday - Individual Team Practices & Meet your coach and teammates: The start of a practice routine . . . if not prior to the 3rd evening, then on that evening players will meet their teammates, coaches and begin a practice routine that will last throughout the remainder of the season. 1d). First Match - Saturday September 12th: Please arrive at at least 15-20 minutes early to allow for warm ups. Matches begin promptly at the designated start time.
1e). 4th Practice: September 17, Thursday - Mercer Elementary School Open House: Each year, Open House, coincides with an early fall soccer practice. This evening is usually the only practice of the season in which we change the start time of practice. Thus, September 17th's practice start time will be moved from 6:00 to 6:30PM to allow folks to attend the school's Open House and hopefully make it to practice. Practice will run until 7:40. On this evening some of our teams may experience several players unable to attend due to Open House. Some team's coaches may have to attend Open House and miss a portion of practice or all of the practice. We will have coverage and some teams will join together to practice on this evening. We ask for your patience and understanding as this evening can seem a little confusing to those parents new to fall soccer. Practice and Match Day Reminders 2). Not-a-Drop-Off: MAYSA's practices and games are not considered a "drop off" situation. We ask all parents or guardians to be at the fields while their child is playing or practicing. 3). Parking: Please park in the two gravel lots closest to the Soccer Fields or at the far end (North end) of the fields. Please do not park in the paved fitness center lots. 4). Game Schedules: Team's schedules will be available on our website at http://www.MercerSoccer.org and post on the Concession Stand each week. In short, we always play at the fields at CSF. Beginners play at 9:30AM, Juniors at 10:30 and the seniors at 11:30. The schedule will include which team you play and the shirt color to wear (red or the reversable white). 5). Game Day Seating: We ask that our Junior and Senior Division level parents watch the game from the side of the field opposite the teams and coaches. This will help us reduce distractions, help the players focus on the Coach's instructions and allow us to move towards more coaching from the sideline and not just on the field. As an instructional/recreational league we encourage our coaches to be on the field. However, as the season progresses we do slowly work towards more coaching from the sidelines and having the players play. 6). Field Conduct: In-House is a recreational and instructional program. We strive to insure family-friendly environment for our players, coaches, referees and families. There is no smoking and no alcohol permitted while at the fields. Also, abusive or negative comments directed at the players, coaches or referees will not be tolerated. 8). Weather: Generally, soccer and MAYSA play in the rain, but not a torrential downpours and not if there is lightening present. For the most part, the kids don't mind the rain and mud and seem to enjoy an occasional game in rain. If during practice or matches there is lightening present, then we will ask everyone to leave the field, get in their cars and we will take a 25-30 minute break. We will attempt to resume play and adjust the remaining Match schedules. Also, our fields reside in an open area which often experiences a fair amount of wind. On warm days the breeze can help cool things down a little. On cold wet days the breeze can make it feel much colder. Please bring a wind breaker on hat and gloves for your young player on cooler days during fall soccer. MISC: 9). MAYSA Wear: As you stop by the check-in table to check-in, pick up your Picture Forms stop and check out the new adult MAYSA wear T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, etc. . . 10). Concessions: This season our Concession Coordinator is Marianne Hustead. Marianne will be contacting you with respects to signing up to help bring a warn breakfast dish or help in the Concession Stand. We are asking for two parent volunteers for each of the three match times for our Saturday Matches. There are still many openings including this weekend's 11:30 game. (4th-6th graders) We have over 15 more open time slots. Anyone interested, can email Marianne at Concessions@MercerSoccer.org or stop by the concession stand at Thursdays practice to sign up. 11). Club Announcements on your phone: We encourage all parents to take advantage of the most convenient to receive important Club announcements and reminders. Simply text followmaysa to 84483. We promise to respect your time and not overwhelme you with needless messages. At anytime you can suspend receiving message by simply texting stop to 84483. Thanks everyone. Honor the game ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ POSTED August 3, 2015 Parents, Coaches or anyone new to soccer, MAYSA like many youth sport organizations relies on parents, volunteers and alumni to carry out every aspect of the organization. The simple truth is that MAYSA can not continue to provide the high level of soccer programing that we all have become accustom to, without you. If you have coached or helped out in the past, I encourage you to consider once again getting involved this season. If you are new to soccer or MAYSA, we especially need your help. Each year a new generation of youth soccer players takes the field, new parents/coaches and volunteers are needed to help us begin the process of stewarding the next generation.  There are many ways to help that do not involve coaching. If you can help organize or set up the fields on match day, work our Concession Trailer, assist or coach, help with our Youth Referee program or if you are good with administrative tasks, then please consider joining our team. However, if you are interested in assisting or youth coaching we will train you. New to soccer, so was I. Never played, me neither. If you are relatively new to MAYSA, you may be unaware of the depth of playing and coaching experience that exists throughout MAYSA. For years MAYSA has worked hard to maintain a high level soccer experience and positive youth coaching principals throughout the organization. From beginning In-House Soccer Parent/Coaches to (U.S. Soccer) Licensed Travel coaches, we will get you started and help you along the way. For years MAYSA has provided parents and coaches with training through its Parent/Coach Clinic, clinic via guest area college coaches and PA West coaching sessions. Beginning last year PA West, our governing organization, and U.S. Youth Soccer mandated that all new youth coaches participate in coach training. Since MAYSA has always been providing such training, we were ready. This year PA West, U.S. Youth Soccer and U.S. Soccer have continued their commitment to coach training by making it easier than ever before to learn about soccer and youth coaching. U.S. Soccer is in the process of making its vast resources available online. Thus, this year, for the first time new coaches have the opportunity to take U.S. Soccer's entry level (beginner) F-Licensing course, online.  Also, this year U.S. Youth Soccer has partnered with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to further expand the coaching resources available to Clubs. Top coaches and athletes discuss the importance of "positive" coaching techniques and more. PCA has been working thousands of high schools and youth programs. As a new youth Parent/Coach many are surprised that much of the training is less about soccer and more about helping you understand the physical and physiological differences between the various age groups of children in youth soccer. What skill training should a Parent/Coach expect from young players? What are the physiological differences between 6, 8, 10 or 12 years old? How does that effect the length of practice? Of course the training also includes easy to understand (and easy to put into action) 'how to' soccer practices for the different age groups.  Additionally, over the years MAYSA has enjoyed a strong relationship/partnership with our high school men's and women's soccer programs. Beyond their high school duties, the high school's mens and women's coaches and assistants help coordinate MAYSA player development, help coach MAYSA travel teams and provide guidance to our MAYSA coaches throughout the year. This partnership has provided an important consistency towards player development throughout our program. Player Development, technique skills training and soccer philosophy are, to the extent possible, consistent throughout a youth's MAYSA experience. We believe this approach is best for the long-term development of the youth soccer player.  Also, did you know Mercer's high school program has been a dominate force in the District 10 Division over the years competing at the highest levels. In recent years the Men's high school team has amassed a record of 69-9! Over the past five years the program has captured five Regional-1 Titles, one District-10 Championship and an additional District-10 Championship runner up. It is my hope that you will take this opportunity to seriously consider going the MAYSA volunteer team! We simply can't do it without you. To get started or if you have any questions, EmailUs@MercerSoccer.org. "Professional coaches measure success in rings. College coaches measure success in championships. High School coaches measure success in titles. Youth coaches measure success in smiles." -P. McAllister, Youth Coach |
