Press Release
The Commissioners of Washington State Youth Soccer Association are proud to announce, in conjunction with the Coaching Directors of the participating clubs, a spring and fall League that focuses primarily on developmental principles of youth soccer. Participation in this league is open to all clubs in WSYSA who qualify.
Participation by all clubs in the U13 State Leagues and U14 LPTs will be unaffected by the formation of the Development League.
Recognizing a need issued in a statement from Coaching Directors of clubs throughout the State of Washington consistently fielding State Premier League teams, the Commissioners have created a Development League for ages U11 through U13. The league is administered and governed by an 8 member committee, currently seated with representatives from Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4. Clubs from Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 currently participate in the League.
The Development Committee
Stu Snow, District 3 Commissioner
Jan Phillips, District 1 Commissioner
Shari Tumey, District 2 Commissioner
Fourth seat (Association representative)
Bobby Howe, Coaching Director Emerald City FC
Neil Megson, Coaching Director WestSound FC
Greg Ion, Coaching Director Washington Premier FC
Eighth seat (Tier 2 Coaching Director)
Qualification for clubs participating in the inaugural Developmental League requires
- a Developmental Program planned or initiated with their Association for Coach and Player education;
- a Coaching Director licensed USSF National B or higher, or UEFA B or higher, with an emphasis on continuing education;
- a top 18 ranking of teams currently in Washington State Premier Leagues Divisions 1, 2 and 3. This will be reviewed on a semi-annual basis and the qualifying league participants subsequently notified.
Members of this League will also commit to fewer summer tournaments and actively encourage players to maintain healthy balances in sport commitments.
Features of this Developmental League will include:
- more compact season lengths, creating needed down time and/or allowing for multiple sport participation;
- double-header weekends to minimize travel without exceeding the game a day rule for maximum player field time;
- a plan for player passes, enabling lateral transfers between teams within clubs participating to facilitate development of the player through required playing time.
The U11 league will feature a central location initially and eventually move to regional centers to minimize travel. No scores will be kept and referees will be provided by the clubs. These games will be 9 a side.
The U12 league will feature home and away series with no scores recorded for the spring league.
The U13 league will run separately from the State U13 leagues. Seeding placement from the State leagues will be retained and brackets for the U14 League Placement Tournament will be balanced accordingly.
The following is a list detailing scores for qualified clubs that are participating in the Development League:
|
Club Name |
Premier League Points |
|
Lake Wash. Crossfire |
72.5 |
|
WPFC (FC United/Royals) |
54.0 |
|
Emerald City FC |
53.5 |
|
Eastside |
47.5 |
|
Spokane Shadow |
38.0 |
|
NorthWest Nationals |
37.5 |
|
Federal Way United |
34.0 |
|
WestSound FC |
25.0 |
|
Snohomish |
24.5 |
|
Evergreen Soccer Academy |
21.5 |
|
FC Vancouver |
21.5 |
|
Three Rivers |
20.5 |
|
Highline SA |
20.0 |
|
Marauders |
17.5 |
|
Dosveedanya |
16.0 |
|
Columbia Timbers |
14.5 |
All clubs within Washington State are eligible for the Development Program, but must commit to working with their Association to further enhance the playing environment for all coaches and players in their Association.
Todd Lincoln
PCDC Chair
|
