Understanding the Select Team Commitment
Is the Select team program the right fit for your family?
Our Select team program offers players an opportunity to develop through competition and training throughout the year. Families looking for a different level of commitment or competition may prefer our club team, which provides an excellent soccer experience with a more local focus. Both team options (Select and Non-select) allow players to grow their skills in an environment that suits their individual needs and family preferences. Below is what families can expect when joining an IYSA Select team.
**If your player has been invited to join a Select team, please review the following carefully with your player before filling out the acceptance form to make sure that this kind of commitment works for your family and your player.**
Year-Round Play
Game Schedule, Additional Training & Travel
Level of Competition
Select teams participate in competitive play across all seasons.
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Fall: Teams play in Broome County Soccer Association League (BCSA) or Thruway Leagues
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Winter: Players stay sharp by participating in indoor tournaments, providing valuable play experience and team bonding through the colder months.
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Spring: Most of our select teams play in the Thruway League, which offers the highest level of competition in our area.
Travel should be expected when joining a select team.
The spring Thruway League season includes an 8-game schedule, with four home games and four away games. Some away game destinations are Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse (to name a few). Many families find that these car rides offer valuable time together and build camaraderie among team members and families alike.
Select team players benefit from an extra practice session each week during the fall and spring, providing dedicated time for skill development and tactical training. This additional practice helps players refine their abilities and gain confidence in competitive settings.
The Thruway League, along with other competitions, offers highly competitive play, with opponents who may be taller, faster and stronger than our players. We believe that challenging competition helps players develop the resilience, skills and confidence needed for continuing their soccer journey on modified, high school or even college-level teams.
Tournament Participation
Playing Time Expectations
Communication
In addition to league play, select teams participate in several tournaments throughout the year. These include:
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Erie Memorial Day Classic (Erie, PA): This tournament provides a competitive, memorable experience over Memorial Day weekend. Costs for lodging range from $350-$400.
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Lakefront Classic Tournament (Rochester, NY): This tournament is an exciting opportunity closer to home, with players and families typically staying in local hotels for the weekend.
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NY State Cup (finals held in Cortland, NY): This is an additional league where division winners attend the finals in the summer. Winning teams in the finals then have an opportunity to play in the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships. Should Select Teams demonstrate sufficient strength, IYSA will make determinations about entering teams in the NY State Cup.
As a member of a Select team, it's important for players and families to understand that equal playing time is not guaranteed. Playing time is determined by a variety of factors, including:
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Individual skill level
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Performance during practices
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Game situations and team strategy
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Overall contribution to the team
We encourage families to focus on player development, commitment and teamwork rather than expecting equal minutes for every player. Growth often comes from pushing through challenges and embracing every opportunity to learn and improve.
Open and respectful communication with coaches is highly encouraged. If players or parents have questions about roles or development, we welcome conversations to ensure everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.
