PLUS PROGRAM INFORMATION
AYSO Plus Program
The Plus Program offers a more advanced level of competition for qualified players. The program offers soccer development opportunities similar to club soccer within the AYSO program. All players must try out each year to make a team. The level of competition is higher than the level of competition found in Gold All Stars, particularly in the older divisions as many Plus teams will players who have played together on a Plus team for several years.
Schedule
Plus teams will not play other Region 143 teams during the regular Fall season. Plus teams will play Plus teams in other regions, similar to All Stars. There will be some travel involved, but the games are generally in Orange County and Long Beach. The games are usually on weekends and there may be games on Sundays (although players who cannot attend Sunday games may be accommodated). Many teams participate in a tournament before the start of the regular season. The season starts at the same time as the Region’s Fall season and usually ends a week after the end of the regular season. There is usually an end of season tournament. If the team is interested in staying together, it can continue to play in tournaments and form a Spring Select team.
Teams
Region 143 will determine the number of Plus teams based upon the number of Plus-caliber players identified during try-outs and the availability of qualified coaches. Teams may be single age brackets ( U10/U11/U12/U13/U14 ), or may be combined age brackets (such as 12 and 13 year olds playing on a U14 team). We will not form a team if we do not think it will be competitive or if a qualified coach is not available.
Cost
Fees for the Plus Program are the same as our regular Fall Program except that Plus Players must purchase a second uniform (approximately $35) and pay fees for any optional tournaments.
Try Outs
If players are interested in playing Plus, they need to register and attend 2 tryouts. Tryouts will be held at Robinwood Field - 5172 McFadden (near Bolsa Chica). The try-out dates are currently scheduled as follows:
Players must wear appropriate soccer foot gear and bring a proper size soccer ball.
Qualified players should try out even if they are not 100% sure they want to play Plus.
Coaches
Information about applying to coach a Plus team can be found on the next page.
New This Year – U10 Plus!
If we have enough qualified players and coaches, we may form a U10 Plus Team.
Additional Information?
If you have questions about the Plus program or would like to apply to be a Plus coach, please see the Region 143 website at www.ayso143.org or contact the Plus Director, David Kuiper:
E-mail: david.kuiper@lw.com Cell: (714) 501-2771
Applying to Coach
Coaches must apply each year to be considered as a coach for a Plus team. If you are interested in coaching a Plus team, please submit a resume indicating the team or teams you are interested in coaching and highlighting the following (as applicable):
Resumes should be sent to david.kuiper@lw.com.
Training and Certification Requirements
All Plus coaches (both head coaches and assistant coaches) must satisfy the following minimum requirements:
You don't have to have all of this training completed before you apply, but will need to complete all training before the season begins. If you indicate an interest in becoming a Plus coach, we will send you notices about training opportunities.
These certification requirements are strictly enforced. We will name an alternate coach if you are unable to complete these requirements before the season begins.
Selection
We will narrow the field of coaches by mid-April to just a few who will be invited to assist with try-outs. Final selection of the coaches may not be made until after try-outs.