What is WYSA?

WYSA, or the Winona Youth Soccer Association, is the Winona area charter club of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA).  It organizes league play for youths between the ages of 10-19 as well as developing soccer skills, game rules and good sportsmanship through local camps for players of all ages.

My child wants to play on a team.  What should I do?

Because teams playing in the summer must be registered with MYSA by March, it is important that you register your child by the deadlines announced on the WYSA web page each winter.  Once a player who is eligible to play is registered, you will receive further information on team meetings, uniforms, and playing schedule as the summer approaches.  If you register after the deadline, your child is not guaranteed a spot on a team (see below).

I missed the registration deadline.  Can my child still play?

Each year the WYSA Board determines the number of teams based upon all registered players by the March deadline.  If you missed the deadline and your child still wants to play, please contact the WYSA Registrar to see if spaces are available for the team for which your child would play.

My child has never played soccer.  Can he or she still join?

Absolutely.  WYSA welcomes all interested youth soccer players.  Every child between the ages of 10-19 who is registered to play will be placed on a team provided a team is formed for that player’s age group.  (It is very rare that WYSA would not be able to form teams for all players.)  WYSA emphasizes the development of soccer skills for everyone, so all players will receive the same amount of practice time.  And while the games are competitive, each player will see playing time during the season, although the coaches of each team will determine the exact amount of time players receive.

How much does registration cost?

See the WYSA home page for registration costs.  For the 2010 season the cost for most players is $180 for the season; registration for younger players (ages U10-U12) is $130.

What goes into determining the cost of registration?

WYSA charges a registration fee for all players to cover the cost of sponsoring a number of girls and boys teams during the summer soccer season.  WYSA must pay its parent organization, MYSA, to register each team.  The money also supplies uniform jerseys, game equipment, field rental and maintenance, insurance, referees fees and salaries for coaches.  WYSA is run by a group of volunteers and charges much less than many other soccer clubs in Minnesota.

What other expenses can I expect?

WYSA provides each player with a uniform jersey to use during the summer.  (It must be returned in August.)  Players must also acquire uniform shorts (available through WYSA), shin guards, soccer socks and soccer cleats.  Parents will also have to drive to away games at least twice during the season and provide their child with adequate money for meals after away games.

My child would like to play but we cannot afford the cost.  Are there options available?

As a volunteer organization, WYSA depends on the contributions of its members and requires a registration fee for children to play.  Families who are experiencing extreme hardship, however, are eligible to apply for financial assistance.  The WYSA Board reviews the applications and makes the final decisions on whether it can provide such assistance or not.  Please see the WYSA home page for the financial assistance application form.

What can I expect from the summer soccer season?

After registration is complete, players will be distributed based on their age and gender onto appropriate teams and assigned a coach.  While there are some practices and an occasional game in May, most of the season takes place during June and July.  Each team plays approximately 10 games, with half at home and half away, though there might be additional games for some of the teams.  Practices are usually in late afternoon or early evening twice a week, though there are occasional weekend practices also.  Home games, which are almost always during the week, begin around 7:00 and are played on local fields.  The playoffs usually take place toward the end of July and the state championships at the end of the month or the beginning of August.

What if my child misses practices or games because of vacation or other conflicts?

Teams are designed with the expectation that players will be available for the season.  Conflicts will always arise, however, including family vacations in the summer.  Players should do their best to make each practice and game and should alert their coach when other obligations or conflicts interfere with their playing.

Where are games played?

Home games are played on local fields, usually at the Cotter Fields near Sarnia Avenue or LaCanne Park on Highway 61.  Away games vary depending on the formation of teams, but typical away games would include locations such as LaCrosse, WI, and Albert Lea, Austin, Owatanna, Burnsville, Northfield, Prior Lake and other cities between Winona and the Twin Cities.

What is my responsibility as a parent?

Parents are expected to be responsible for getting their child or children to all practices and games.  Teams travel to away games by carpool, so each parent should expect to drive at least twice during the season to an out-of-town game.  Parents also take turns supplying drinks and oranges to players during the games.  At least one parent from each team coordinates the driving and drinks schedule and helps the coach organize the season should there be any scheduling conflicts.  On occasion openings are available for coaches, so parents are also asked to consider coaching if they have experience with soccer and would be willing to commit to the time involved.  During the games parents are expected to represent the Winona area responsibly by cheering good play, encouraging the players and being role models of sportsmanship.  See the parent guide on the WYSA home page for more information.

What are the expectations of players?

It is expected that players will make all practices and games during the season unless they have an unavoidable conflict such as a family vacation or medical emergency.  Teams are designed with the expectation that each player will contribute, so it is important that players be dedicated to their teams.  Players should be on time for practice and should be attentive to the coach and work hard to run the drills or learn the lessons each day.  During games players should play hard, enjoy the game and treat everyone involved—teammates and opposing players, game officials, all coaches and fans—with respect.  WYSA wants to make playing soccer an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all, and players should behave so that this can happen.  Responsibility for your actions and respect for others should guide player behavior.

How can I enroll my child in a local camp rather than the summer season?

WYSA tries to provide a local soccer camp for younger players each summer in June.  A typical camp consists of 2 hours of practice 4 times a week for 2-3 weeks and emphasizes basic skill building.  We also attempt to work with other local soccer camps to provide information to our members.  Please be sure to check the WYSA website for specific dates and registration information.

Are there opportunities for me to get involved in WYSA?

Yes.  We depend on volunteer and parent support to manage our work.  If you would like to help WYSA, please contact one of the Board members to express your interest.

I have more questions.  Where can I find answers?

You should look closely at both the WYSA and MYSA home pages.  Give particular attention to the parent guide link on the WYSA web page.  If you cannot find what you need, feel free to contact any member of the WYSA Board (see contacts on the WYSA home page).  Board members are glad to answer your questions or direct you to someone who can help.