More than 50 greater Boston communities join together as members of an umbrella league called Boston Area Youth Soccer, or BAYS.
The biggest difference between the SYSA BAYS program and the K-2nd grade programs is that BAYS teams travel, playing home-and-away games against teams from other BAYS-member cities and towns. Players are placed on BAYS teams based on their skill levels, and then Sudbury's teams are placed in BAYS divisions based on the skill-level of the team overall.
BAYS 3rd to 8th Grade Program Specifics:
Groupings: Separate sessions for boys and girls
Schedule: Two practices per week (1 team specific and 1 grade specific group night) and 10 games played on Saturdays
Timing: Practices run for 1 hour on assigned weekdays
Duration: Fall program runs from September to November and spring program runs from April to June
Specifics: Players use a size 4 soccer balls (3rd to 6th grade) and size 5 soccer balls (7th and 8th grade), and regulation fields for their specific age group
Practices: Each grade-wide practice session (Group Night) will be run by coaches following the particular weeks NE Revolution Academy Skills Program. Skills will then be displayed and practiced during the training portion of the session and the small-sided game that will conclude each practice. Team specific practices are run by the coaches and usually focus on skills that need improvement on the particular team.
Season Goals:
- To help each player reach their full potential in the sport of soccer
- To develop players that are comfortable with the ball at their feet
- To improve each player’s knowledge and understanding of the game
- To create a positive and fun atmosphere where players can learn and develop at their own pace
- To learn how to win and lose graciously and the fill meaning of fair play
Optional Development Schools:
The Sudbury Youth Soccer Development Schools are three unique 7-week programs that we offer to players in grades 2-8 each spring and fall. These sessions act as an additional training component to the regularly scheduled team practices. It is a great opportunity for those aspiring players who want to develop their emerging skills and learn core developmental techniques. Each session lasts for 60 minutes and is played at Haskell Field.
Required Equipment:
- Each player must purchase the Sudbury Soccer BAYS uniform (New Balance blue/red Hoop jersey, blue shorts and socks) from Brine's Sporting Goods
- Players must wear their uniform for each game
- Players must wear cleats or sneakers. Soccer cleats are not required, but are recommended
- Shin guards are required and soccer socks must be worn over shin guards so they are not exposed
- Each player should bring a water bottle
- Players are not allowed to wear jewelry, earrings, hats or anything metal in their hair for safety reasons
Parent Coach Volunteers:
- Parent volunteer coaches are essential to successfully run this program
- Parents can sign up to volunteer on their child's AdminSports registration account
- SYSA provides each coach with a bag of practice soccer balls, comes, pinnies and a first aid kit
- Each team must have two coaches for the program to work effectively
- No previous coaching experience is required, however all coaches are strongly encouraged to take the online USSA F Coaches Course.
- Coaches will be provided with a weekly session plan developed by the SYSA Technical Director
- A criminal background check (CORI) will be conducted on all youth coaches per state law