All Divisions

Siblings in the same division may be placed together on the same team. Since it is not always clear which children are siblings, it is important for parents of siblings to request that the siblings be placed together by submitting a Sibling Form. Siblings include brothers, sisters, half-brothers, half-sisters, step-brothers and step-sisters playing in the same division. Cousins are not siblings.

No "playing up" or "playing down" (playing outside your age group) is permitted for the purpose of buddying.

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U19, U16, U14, U12, and U10 Divisions

While friends may randomly end up on the same team, special requests to play on the same team with a friend will not be honored. The only exception is for siblings in the same division. We cannot honor “buddy requests” since we strive for Balanced Teams, one of AYSO's Six Philosophies.

In these divisions, players are assigned to teams by a computer algorithm designed to balance teams in terms of ability, age, and experience as far as possible.

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Under-8 Division

We accept buddy requests in the Under-8 age division since they are non-competitive. While we will also balance these teams as much as possible, pairs of players from the same age group may submit a U8 Buddy Form. (signed by a parent of each player) requesting they be assigned to the same team.

We will not accept buddy requests for more than two players, nor will we accept buddy requests with the same player listed on more than one form. Finally, players already buddying with a sibling (or siblings) and players associated through coach/assistant coach pairings may not submit a second buddy form. Even though no score and no standings are kept in our Under-8 divisions, we still aim to place our players on balanced teams.

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Under-6 Division

In the Under-6 division, we feel that since all of the players are inexperienced, balance is impossible to predict. Therefore we accept a U6 Buddy Form for up to a full team of seven players. We require buddy groups of three or more players to include a Head Coach volunteer.

The players on the buddy form must be either all boys or all girls, and every player must be in the Under-6 age division. A parent of every player listed on the buddy form must sign the form. Finally, requests for teams larger than seven players cannot be accepted since we are determined to follow another of AYSO's Six Philosophies, Everyone Plays.

Contact the registrar at registrar@phmsa.org via email or by phone at 686-2824 Ext 2 with questions about the buddy policy.

Buddy forms are available for download as PDF forms (see appropriate links above). Printed copies will be available at Registration.

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North South Team Formations

As of 2009, for divisions U10 and above, we have eliminated the North/South team formations (drawing players based on city of residence).
Only divisions U6 and U8 still sub-divide into North and South team formations.

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U5 Division

The U5 Division is new concept introduced by the National League to encorporate a program for 4-5 year old children interested in learning about soccer. Our Program here in PHMSA is to introduce AYSO recreational youth soccer to 4-5 year olds and parents in a fun, interactive, and safe environment which we call “Preschool United”. This Age Division is identical in all aspects to other Age Divisions U6-U19 with the exception that no permanant teams are formed. All players receive a uniform, participate in Picture Day, and receive an trophy at our end of season festival.

Like all of AYSO, Division Staff is composed of Volunteers (1 Coordinator and Master Coach; Quincy Tatum, 2 or More Volunteer Coaches per Session, and 4 Session Coordinators. The Division is split into Four 1 hour Training Sessions which are run by our Volunteer Coaches in Partnership with Professional Coaches from UK Soccer Camps, and composed of approx. 35-40. Each training comprises a 20 minute section on basic skills, comprising a drill performed by the players, and an interactive drill with players and a parent. At the end of each session the players will be sorted into teams and will play a short sided game.

Player Expectations:

1. Wear Uniform (Jersey, Shorts, Socks, Shinguards, Appropriate Shoes (cleats are optional).
2. Bring ball (Each player who is registered in the U5 Division will be provided a ball which they can keep, please allow your child to decorate their ball to make it unique) to every Training Session.
3. Bring water to every Every Training Session.
4. Be Safe, Have Fun!

Parent Expectations:

1. Be on time.
2. Come prepared (physically, mentally, and appropriately dressed) to learn and play with your child.
3. Project a positive attitude toward everyone.
4. Cheer every child as if they are your own.

Any Questions can be answered by contacting the Division Coordinator/Master Coach Quincy Tatum at mstrcoach@covad.net or 925-339-4530.

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