Parents of Novato United,

As we are making great strides transforming NYSA to a model youth sports organization, we are looking forward in 2012 to streamlining our programs. We have committed to a renewed focus on creating a fun filled learning environment through more player development, consistent training, a standardized curriculum, and more player feedback.

The U9-U11 curriculum will be standardized, with coaches in these age groups collaborating on training and development under the supervision of Assistant DOC Tyler Gottschalk. As these age groups are preparing for 11v11 at U12, they all will play in a same formation for 8v8: 3-3-1 or 3-1-3. Coach Gottschalk’s Academy for these age groups will focus on training playing in this NYSA System.

At U12-U13, we are looking at a standardized system of 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 which our staff has determined to be the most appropriate system for player development.

As our main goal is player development, we are also looking forward collaborating U14 and up with the Marin FC Alliance. We have determined that too many factors influence the make-up of our older teams. Due to natural attrition at these age groups, we encourage our more committed players at the older age to compete and excel with the top players in the North Bay. While providing options for our elite players, it is important to know that our League is committed to field quality teams at the U14-U19. Most of the teams will comprise of combined age groups competing at the US Soccer Bronze or Silver levels.

It is also important to stress that as a youth sports organization, we have fully embraced the core principles of the Positive Coaching Alliance. Sportsmanship and mutual respect is expected from all or coaches, players and parents.

We are very pleased again to have assembled a quality coaching staff. You will be able to observe and meet many members of staff work at Try Outs, Select Academy, Summer Camps, Goalkeeping Academy, as well as working with our House Coaches and Players.

We are looking forward to a very enjoyable and successful year.

Best wishes,

Erik Visser