LOWELL AREA SELECT SOCCER ORGANIZATION
MISSION:
LASSO Soccer is an organization of select soccer players and parents, based in Lowell and open to surrounding areas, with the goal of fielding competitive teams and developing players to their highest potential.
PROGRAMS:
The Lowell Area Select Soccer Organization provides competitive league play for skilled players in the 8 to 14 year old range by forming teams according to age and participation interest. For the Fall
2007/Spring 2008 season, tryouts are being limited to those players thirteen years old on July 31,
2006 (designated U-14) or younger. Our intention is to field up to ten teams in the U-9 (Under nine years old as of July 31,
2007) through U-14 divisions depending on interest and participation levels. Both Boys and Girls teams will be formed for the
2007/2008 Season.
The U-9 and U-10 teams typically carry a full roster of 11 players with 6
players on the field during game play. The U-11 and U-12 teams can carry a 14
player roster with a full 8 players on the field during game play. The
U-13 and U-14 teams carry a 18 player roster with a full 11 players on the
field during a game play.
LASSO teams in these age groups will usually play together for the full year, both Fall and Spring seasons. Additionally, there may be opportunities for indoor soccer play during the winter months as well as spring tournaments.
AFFILIATIONS:
The Lowell Area Select Soccer Association is a member of the following soccer organizations:
GVSA - Grand Valley Soccer Association.
MSYSA - Michigan State Youth Soccer
Association.
USYSA - United States Youth Soccer
Association.
USSF - United States Soccer Federation.
BOARD POSITION:
If you are interested in becoming a LASSO board member please contact Jeff Sweet or Mike Khodl
TRYOUTS:
Tryouts for the 2008 Spring seasons is scheduled for Saturday November 3rd.
TEAM FORMATION:
Teams will be formed depending on the number and skill of the players trying out. A truly exceptional player may be asked to play "up" a division, but in most cases the player should be placed within one year of his or her actual age. That is, a 10 year old may play on a U-11 or U-12 team but is unlikely to make a U-13 team. Final team and division placement may also be dependent upon the planning and scheduling requirements of the GVSA.
The level of competitive play within the GVSA league is such that equal playing time for all players cannot be guaranteed. However, the LASSO organization looks upon each player as an individual worthy of a player development strategy which includes competitive game play. Every effort will be made to allow each player a sufficient amount of game play to match that development strategy. Any concerns regarding playing time should be brought to the attention of the coaching staff or organization officials.
COMMITMENT:
A substantial commitment of time and interest is required not only of the player, but also of the players family. The practice season for Fall
2006 begins in August and will consist of to two to three two-hour practices per week. When game play begins in September, practices will likely be reduced to one or two nights per week.
All LASSO players should be aware that the full soccer season continues through June. While not required, we do encourage a year long commitment to the team.
OPPORTUNITY:
Premier team tryouts and Olympic Development opportunities are made available through the GVSA. Tournaments may also be scheduled for LASSO teams during the spring season.
RULES, REFEREES,
& COACHING STAFF:
All GVSA and LASSO games are played according to the FIFA "Laws of the Game", as modified by the USSF for younger players. All Referees are USSF certified and their decisions are final. LASSO head coaches are expected to complete their USSF "E" License by the end of the first season in which they coach.
COSTS:
Because the GVSA is a player supported league, the following fee structure has been implemented to meet the GVSA sanction fees, field and official costs, equipment and uniform acquisitions, and miscellaneous costs.
click here for cost structure
LASSO is a non-profit, volunteer run organization. Occasional fund raisers may be planned to help defray costs.
Some scholarships are available for low-income players and hardship cases.