By La nce Calloway, WCYSA Ex ecutive Director

 

Changes to youth soccer are coming and WCYSA and it's Board of Directors are preparing for the upcoming changes and want to get the word out to make this transition easier for all and to provide the reasons behind the changes.  WCYSA & Washington Youth Soccer (WYS) Board of Directors has approved the implementation of age group registration based upon Birth Year (calendar year), as mandated by the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) effective for the 2016-17 season. USSF announced this change in July 2015 as part of the USSF Player Development Initiatives, the registration of all youth soccer players nationwide will shift to Birth Year age grouping (Jan 1-Dec 31), as opposed to the current school-year age grouping (Aug 1-July 31). US Youth Soccer Association officially approved the change in late August.  This will be applied to all age groups in our programs U6-U19

The rationale from USSF regarding these changes to Birth Year registration is designed to make age groups easier to distinguish, while aligning our calendar with USSF Youth National Team Programs as well as the International calendar and standards.  For example; youth soccer just across the border in Canada has always been based on calendar birth year age groups. Up until 1994 the age groups for US Youth Soccer programs used to be based on calendar age groups when it was announced to be changed to school-year age groups.  At that time there was a tremendous amount of concern with the change just as there is now with changing it back to birth year age groupings. The concerns quickly passed without many issues and became the new norm within a year back then and WCYSA expects that will take place with this new change coming in Fall of 2016.

Washington Youth Soccer and Whatcom County Youth Soccer Association's adoption of the Birth Year registration initiative will become effective with the Fall 2016 season. The Spring 2016 season will remain with the current school-year age groups.  Below is the age group chart from USSF that will be used for age groups 2016-2018:

Along with the age group changes USSF has mandated a change in the size of the fields and the number of players for various age groups. This is again being changed to help the development of the younger players.

 

WCYSA has been proactive in the use of smaller field sizes and fewer number of players for many years. USSF is hoping to standardize the playing conditions nationwide in an attempt to help better the development throughout the various leagues across the state and the nation. The chart below outlines the changes in field size and player numbers across the age groups. The field sizes were developed to fit inside a full size pitch. WCYSA will round some of the numbers to fit our field conditions. Along with the field size the goal size is changing. WCYSA will be using are current goals as best we can and look to purchase goals to eventually meet the standards set by USSF. WCYSA will be changing the number of players to match the mandated numbers come Fall 2016.

 

As with the age change we hope everyone will embrace these changes and move forward with a positive approach. At the end of the day if the kids are having fun, getting quality exercise and improving as a player then it will be a positive for the youth soccer players in our community. 

Although the weather at times still feels like summer, The Rangers fall program is truly well underway. 

 

After a very eventful summer season, our Ranger competitive teams have started league play. For the most part, our teams continue to fair well against some of the best clubs in the State. However, results are not the primary object of the program, especially  for the younger ages. As a club, our focus remains the holistic development of our players.

 

Speaking of development, this year saw the launch of a new Rangers initiative, the RDP. (Rangers Development Program) This new U12 development program, is derived from the solid foundation established from the RDL. The RDP is a player centric program. Meaning, although we appreciate the need for teams to be successful, the goal is to develop technically sound  players who are capable of playing in the Rangers competitive program for years to come. Overseen by certified licensed  Rangers staff,  that includes a unified weekly currently established by the Technically Director, the program ensures that players are taught the necessary technical skills needed to have long term success in the game. A confident, skillful player, is one that will enjoy the game, and hopefully remain active in the sport for life.

 

Along the way, we also hope to produce more Gus Diehl. Gus Diehl, a former Rangers player has been signed to play with the Seattle Sounders Academy program. We are all very proud of Gus, and we wish him all the best in in future soccer endeavors.

 

This fall we have also launched a program aimed at improving the technical speed of players with and without the ball. Overseen by former professional player, Megan Richey (Manthey), the goal is to enhance our young players technical speed and decision making. Along with our Futsal Academy both programs have been well received. In January, the very popular "Friday Night Footie" will be back. These skill based sessions are for our older players looking to improve technique in a fun, yet challenging environment. It also enhances the positive club culture we are trying to create within the club and community.

 

Finally, the Rangers club was visible once again at the annual Bellingham Marathon. At this time I would like to acknowledge the efforts from all the parents, players coaches board members, as well as all those volunteers associated with the club. I want to personally thank Molly McAtee and Ben Twigg for overseeing our contribution to the event. We are truly proud and honored to play our part in a another successful Marathon.

 

On behalf of the Executive Board, we thank everyone for their continued support of the program.

 

Keep the ball rolling.......

 

Sincerely,

 

Hubert Busby Jr,

Technical Director

Whatcom FC Rangers

Thank you to Kyle and Erica Kulm!

WCYSA Board, players and most of all our youth referees want to thank Kyle and Erica Kulm for all the dedication and time spent in making refereeing WCYSA matches a great experience. Kyle and Erica for the past 6 years have been a constant in and around the referees office every Soccer Saturday mentoring and scheduling the referees for matches.

Kyle & Erica

Thank you for all of your time and energy you've given to the game here in Whatcom County!  

Come out and support your Hammers!