Missouri Soccer Community,

I am looking for some suggestions and opinions as to how we as MYSA Board Members can change the current perception of MYSA.

I have heard on many occassions folks state that MYSA is driven by the East and others throughout the state don't get the time of day and I would like to personally see that perception change. So I am here to state we would like to change that perception however we need the support of the soccer communities throughout the state in order to make some improvements therefore we look to everyone for their opinions.

So I am open to suggestions and advice as to what is working and what is not?

What would you like to see changed and how? (State Cup, Toyota Cup, Kohl's Cup, Recreational Programs, small sided games, etc.)

We have many new folks on the MYSA board with many new ideas along with the desire to improve the game however we would like to get some opinions from the soccer community so we can ensure we are moving in the right direction.

So create yourself an account on the Missouri Soccer Talk Website or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your suggestions I will personally ensure your opinions are seen and heard.

Thanks in advance for your support

Joe Bourque
Eastern District Commissioner
Missouri Youth Soccer Assocation

I have received alot of repsonse regarding small sided games we have a poll going on the home page please put your vote in.

Missouri Soccer Talk Home Page
www.mosoccertalk.com

Also US Youth Soccer has some great articles regarding

www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches/smallsidedgames.asp

All ages can play "Small Sided Games", but it has a definite developmental impact on our younger soccer players. US Youth Soccer recommendations for "number of players" at the various age groups are as follows:

U6 | 3 against 3 no goal keepers
U8 | 4 against 4 no goal keepers
U10 | 6 against 6 with goal keepers
U12 | 8 against 8 with goal keepers
U13+ | 11 against 11 with goal keepers

Joe,

Thank you for providing this forum. I would like to get feedback from you and others on the recruitment policy that MYSA currently has in place:

IX. RECRUITING
During the seasonal year no coach, player, parent, or any other member of a team may approach a rostered member on two competitive teams for the purpose of asking him to tryout and/or play for that team, in that year, or any subsequent year. EXCEPTION: During the period of tryout start date by district to August 31st of the current seasonal year players may be recruited for the upcoming season.

I question why we allow active recruitment of single rostered competitive players...the policy above only protects dual-rostered players. While I think that any player should be allowed the opportunity to dual-roster I do not think that this should be the pre-requisite for limiting the recruiting efforts of other clubs.

A very simple removal of the word "two" would make this policy fair for everyone.

Thank you

Thanks Nik for the suggestions regarding tryouts. I have been researching as to how other states handles tryouts and in most cases they are very clear and precise as to dates and recruiting so I will be making some recommendations to the board as to changes we can make that might help with taking some of the pressure off coaches, teams and players.

As for other recommendations there has been many great responses from folks throughout the state such as:

Support for Small Sided Games
More automated registration system with less paperwork
Format changes for State Cup
District Playoffs for State Cup
Change bid process for State Cup to move around the entire state
Automated travel permits online
Combine registration forms
Redefine Tournament Refund Policies and Guidelines
Changes to ODP develop coaches and educatoin
Open communications with Missouri High School Association

Thanks to all those that have responded I welcome you additional thoughts and communications.

We will have our MYSA Board Meeting on May 31st and I will bring these recommendations to the table.

Joe Bourque