What's it all about?

• The Madison Area Youth Soccer Association (MAYSA), through the generous support of Erin Wery at Amica Insurance, is again offering the popular kindergarten youth soccer program for children attending schools in the City of Madison born after August 1, 2001 and before July 31, 2002, or any child currently enrolled in kindergarten (Preschool children are not eligible for this program). This policy is designed to ensure that your child will enjoy playing soccer in a non-competitive, instructional environment with kids of his or her own age and ability.

What is the Philosophy of this program?

• Our philosophy is a simple one, play the game and have fun doing it!! For the first part of the season, teams just get together and practice. They will learn basic soccer skills through other related games and fun activities. Then they will progress to mini games with other teams in the immediate area.
  No scores are kept and goalkeepers are not used, so there are lots of chances for both teams to score. Teamwork, good sporting behavior and fair play are the most important skills each player should develop from this program.

How do I register my child?

• Fill out the registration form and return it to MAYSA with a check for $50 before March 1, 2008.
  

What is included with the Registration fee?

• The fee includes a soccer ball, a MAYSA jersey, shorts and socks, all of which each player keeps. Parents must purchase a pair of shinguards for their child as they are not included with the registration fee and are required for play. Shinguards are available at any sporting goods department, or soccer stores. Soccer shoes are optional, tennis shoes are acceptable, but we do not allow baseball or football cleats.

How are players placed on teams?

• Children are placed on teams according to school on a first come first serve fashion, with a roster limit of 10. If a school would have over the amount necessary for a team, an additional team would be created or the remaining classmates would be combined with another school. If you have any questions contact the MAYSA office at 276-9030. Financial assistance is available for children participating in the free/reduced school lunch program.

Can my child sign-up with a friend?

• MAYSA allows kids in the kindergarten soccer program to sign up individual or with other children. Please indicate which children would like to be together on the registration form.

When does the program run?

• This program will begin April 19, 2008 and end by June 7, 2008 with the Kindergarten Jamboree. See the calendar page on this web site for schedule details.

We don't live in Madison. Can we still register?

• Absolutely. Every year we have residents from nearby communities participate. Please keep in mind, however, that all games will be played at a park in Madison.
  If you would like to find a Kinde program in your community, check with a soccer club in your home town. You can use MAYSA's listing of Clubs by Community to find a good contact person.

Our child does not attend a public school. Can we still register?

• YES. The program is more designed for an age group rather than a particular school district. Students attending parochial, private, being home schooled, or even attending a school district outside Madison are more than welcome to register to play.

Do the teams practice?

• Teams will practice for the first Saturday of the program. Practices will be held at 10:00 a.m. at your elementary school or local park.

Who will coach these teams?

• PARENTS!! Each team must have a minimum of 2 coaches or managers per team. As one of the coaches, you will be expected to attend the April 15th pre-season coaching clinic, where you will learn the fundamentals of soccer and activities to use to teach skills to your team. While there you will also receive special soccer activity books, cones, a team ball bag, game schedules and important league information from MAYSA Staff. You don't have to be a soccer star or even have played the game before in order to be a great coach. All you need is an enthusiasm for youngsters and the desire to have fun!!

When do I find out which team my child is on?

• One of your coaches will contact you directly. Coaches will be sent a roster of their team by April 3, 2008 and will then be instructed to contact all team members as soon as they receive the roster. If you haven't heard from your coach by April 10th, please contact MAYSA at 276-9030 or at maysa@maysa.org.

What is the Jamboree?

• The Jamboree is an extra Saturday of games at Reddan Soccer Park. The purpose is to celebrate the end of the season and gather all the teams together in a festival-like atmosphere.