Dear Alaska Youth Soccer Families, Friends, Coaches and Players
Alaska Youth Soccer Association aspires to be the premier youth sports organization in Alaska as we serve our Affiliate Members (clubs/ leagues) and youth players to promote, develop and govern youth soccer in Alaska. We have spent 32 years together as an association, working towards growing the game of soccer in Alaska and helping to facilitate an opportunity for every child to play.
During the recent weeks of uncertainty, we've refrained from making any decisions without first considering all information available. It is of the utmost importance that we make each decision with the safety and well-being of our membership in mind. We understand as the governing body of youth soccer, and do not take lightly how the decisions we make have a potential impact on our membership including our affiliate clubs/ leagues, players, coaches, referees, volunteers and family members
The structure of soccer in Alaska has been laid over 32 years thanks to the dedication and countless volunteer hours in our communities and it is our responsibility to protect the game we love and lift each other up. Alaska Youth Soccer and our affiliates operate as non-profit organizations. As we start to prepare for the summer season and beyond, we will need your continued support as we remain united for the future sustainability emphasizing the importance of youth soccer in our local communities throughout Alaska.
As we look forward to a time together that we can step out onto the pitch; Alaska Youth Soccer has been working on some upcoming soccer programs and events. Alaska Youth Soccer encourages our clubs and players to help support soccer in Alaska this summer by encouraging participation in affiliate sanctioned tournaments and camps. Through unity is strength as we support one another and unite as one in Soccer.
AYSA Online FIFA 2020 Tournament
Alaska Youth Soccer has launched an online FIFA 2020 Tournament for both the PS4 and X-Box platforms. This will be open for all current AYSA players, we will be hosting online tournament divisional matchups leading up to state winners along with partnering with other state associations to participate in Regional and National Online Tournaments. Registration for the first round of matchups will close Sunday Evening, April 12th. More information on this free innovative program and registration can be found on the AYSA website @ http://www.alaskayouthsoccer.org/_FIFA
AYSA Tournaments
Alaska 2020 State Cup: The State Cup will be held in Fairbanks, Alaska. Eclipse Soccer Club will be the host for the tournament which is to be held July 30 - August 2, 2020. The US Youth Soccer Alaska State Cup displays the highest level of competitive play within the state at the (11-U-19-U) age groups. The Alaska State Cup is a part of the Regional and National Championship program of US Youth Soccer. Registration will open mid-April for qualifying teams, more information can be found on our website @ http://www.alaskayouthsoccer.org/alaskastatecup
Alaska United Cup: The 2020 Summer Tournament to be held in Anchorage, Alaska will offer a memorable statewide event for each recreational player, and attendee through top-notch managed event. Affiliate players that are Recreational status and currently registered with an Alaska Youth Soccer sanctioned league may register. Cook Inlet Soccer Club will be the host for the tournament, more information to come!
Alaska Futsal Fall and Winter Showcases: Alaska Youth Soccer will be introducing Futsal State Showcases that will promote the game of Futsal in Alaska. The showcases will be held over a weekend and will encourage youth soccer players to put a team together, more information to come!
Alaska ADP Sub-Regional Residential Camp: Invited players will have the opportunity to be coached by Regional Coaching staff and to train at an elite level with other Alaska players. The ADP Sub-Regional Camp will be held August 3- August 6, 2020 at the University of Alaska, Anchorage and this will be ADP's fifth year offering this great camp.
AYSA Outreach Initiatives
Alaska Veterans Camp: VA Adaptive Soccer Camps by Clemson Paralympic Soccer will be hosting 10 veterans camps throughout the U.S. in 2020, helping participants learn the rules of the game, how to play the sport, and coaching skills. Veterans who participate will earn their coaching and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certifications. Great opportunities to involve veterans in youth soccer programs throughout Alaska! To register for the August14-16, 2020 camp which will be held in Anchorage can be found @ Registration Link: Participants can use the link below, and will be prompted to select which camp they plan to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQgCUwKBWEeCr-E-8Sqlb0--6CkB0zEdo6Z9j07Wsh1WSUxA/viewform
Alaska Player Scholarship Fund: Alaska Youth Soccer will continue to ensure that we provide resources for youth who otherwise might be left on the bench. AYSA will be expanding the player scholarship fund for the next seasonal year in the hopes we can assist families who have been affected by this crisis and provide opportunities for players to participate in soccer within their community. More information to come over the next few months!
AYSA Futsal
Alaska Futsal League (AFL) (October-10 - December-6) (Registration Starts: 7-15-20) The 2020 Fall Session will be AYSA's fourth year providing the League. AYSA will be offering a seven-week Futsal League open to recreational and competitive The Alaska Futsal State Cup will take place December 5-6, 2020 (U15-U19 Boys & Girls) and December 11-13, 2020 (U10-U14 Boys & Girls) The schedule will work around ADP trainings, and school closure. The Alaska Futsal League (AFL) for the 2020 session will schedule AFL games in your community if requested by your District. Anchorage and Ketchikan locations have been confirmed.
Affiliate Members - Sanctioned Tournaments and Camps
Clubs have been very creative in how they are engaging with and providing resources to their players and parents during this time. We are excited to see the initiative in the club's continuation of serving their members and working together in the soccer community by creating a positive soccer experience for everyone.
As our affiliate clubs/ leagues continue to plan their summer programs including tournaments and camps you can find the most updated information on the AYSA website @ http://www.alaskayouthsoccer.org/_alaskayouth
Reminder as we are still in uncharted territory with regards when we can start our programs back up in the community, scheduled dates/locations may be adjusted as needed. The page Tournament/Camp will be updated regularly as more information on events have been confirmed.
In closing please continue to support the passion your child has for this game called soccer and remember your club and coach are an important part in growing and encouraging that passion in your child. This is an unprecedented time and while the badge on your jersey and club pride is important, let's unite as Alaska's Soccer Community. We are here for you and know we'll get through this together.
"In Unity is Strength"
Thank you for your time,
Linda Burke
AYSA Executive Director