Dear Alaska Youth Soccer Families, Friends, Coaches and Players
We would like to say THANK YOU for everything you do; as parents, caretakers and staff who have transitioned to full-time homelife, we wanted to thank you for your efforts in keeping our communities safe and healthy and us here at Alaska Youth Soccer look forward to a day we can be reunited!
Alaska Youth Soccer highest priority has been and will continue ensuring to provide a healthy and safe environment for activity within our soccer programs and leagues, as well as that of the community at large. AYSA will refrain from making any decisions without first considering all information available including from our national governing bodies, the CDC, State, and city governments. As the governing body of youth soccer, we 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. Our return to play date of May 15, 2020 will remain in place as we develop a standard of return-to-play guidelines which will allow to safely with limited numbers provide opportunity for teams to return to training. Through the guidelines AYSA will be able to continue to monitor the state situation and move forward slowly until we can get back to full play.
Alaska Youth Soccer will send out weekly Friday notices until we can get back to full play; should there be any changes to the date above, we will update all parties involved immediately as the situation evolves.
The AYSA suspension through May 15th will include ALL sanctioned soccer activities that would cause our players, families, officials and staff to gather in close proximity but is not limited to league games, practices, friendlies, clinics, camps, trainings, fitness trainings, coaching education, tournaments, tryouts, travel permits etc. Any activities conducted under club leadership prior to May 15, 2020 would be considered not sanctioned by Alaska Youth Soccer and will not be covered by Alaska Youth Soccer liability and Secondary Accident Insurance. All clubs and leagues are asked to honor this suspension of activity.
U.S. Soccer Updates
Courses Continued Suspension- U.S. Soccer Coaching and Referee Education is suspended through June 30, 2020. Recognize to Recover- New Mental Health resource on Recognize to Recover regarding Mental Health. While this effort began before the COVID-19 pandemic, the information is very relevant while players, coaches and others are working through the mental aspect of staying at home, a lack of practices and games, and cancellations of events. Find more information @ R2R Mental Health
US Youth Soccer Updates
Play Stoppage - No changes to current May 15 recommended Return to Play for the Regional and National levels.ODP Camps- The 2020 Summer ODP Camps have been cancelled, no decisions have been made regarding the ODP Regional program scheduled for the fall.NEW 2020 US Youth Soccer National League Formats and Showcases- US Youth Soccer's new vision for the National League Program includes new club-based league structures offering additional pathways for increased access to quality competitions. The USYS Conferences will include a competition platform for all former U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA) clubs.
Alaska Youth Soccer Updates
AYSA has been impressed with clubs innovative training methods and the players doing so much at-home training. This has been providing development opportunities that were not recognized before, which is good thing for everyone.
ADP College Tour- AYSA cancelled earlier this week the upcoming ADP College Soccer Tour scheduled for June. The Alaska ADP Program is hopeful that we can offer additional alternative in the future for our HS age players.
eSports- AYSA started our eSports activity this week with the FIFA 20 Tournament! This has been a tremendous opportunity for our players and coaches. We will continue to work to explore and evolve future opportunities.
ADP Juggling Challenge- Last week ADP announced the ADP Juggling Challenge, so far, we have received over 20 videos. We wanted to help spread a little soccer joy from all parts of the state, so if you have not submitted your video yet, please do so TODAY!
Recognizing Alaska AYSA Volunteers- Thank you to the countless volunteers who work in our local communities to create soccer opportunities every day for our youth in Alaska, you are the heart of our organization. Join AYSA in celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our Alaska's volunteers during National Volunteer Week
The continued collaboration, cooperation and communication have been inspiring throughout the past several months and should make you proud, because I promise the Board of Directors and myself at AYSA are very, very proud of this great Alaska soccer community.
Alaska Youth Soccer state office will remain operational and will be available to assist members as needed. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
"In Unity is Strength"
Thank you for your time,
Linda Burke
AYSA Executive Director