Welcome to Fall Travel 2021

Below you will find Bangor Soccer Club's Policy and Procedures for the Fall Travel Program. 

Please be sure to read through them before registering your child.

The Registration Link is at the bottom of the page.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the selection of players for all of the different age groups.

Players will be assigned to play in their age group according to Soccer Maine rules. Bangor Soccer Club (BSC) does not allow players to play up beyond grade level waiver.

The Board has the discretion to adjust roster sizes (e.g., the first team and second team roster, 15 each) as necessary to make multiple teams viable. 

U8 - U11 is a NON-COMPETITIVE league; the emphasis is on player development.  Results are not kept for league play and tournaments.  When the Club has enough candidates to field multiple teams in the same division, the resulting teams in these age groups shall be balanced.  Based on the evaluations from try-outs, previous experience and coach's input, the rosters will be developed with the primary purpose of creating two or more teams that are as evenly matched as possible.

As secondary considerations, it is sometimes beneficial for players from the same school, same neighborhoods or other circumstances to be placed on the same team to share rides or meet other needs. Because the primary goal is to create balanced teams and provide the best opportunity for player development, not all requests can be accommodated.  Parents are discouraged from making special requests unless to meet a specific need or issue that would prevent a child from participating.  These and other requests will be considered if they do not create unbalanced teams or are used to unduly manipulate the roster.

U8 - Players may be placed on a U9 team but extra evaluation should be taken to make sure the younger players are physically and emotionally ready to play.  

U9 - Players may be placed on a U10 team but extra evaluation should be taken to make sure the younger players are physically and emotionally ready to play.  As a U9 player, you may play two years as a U10.

U10 - There will not be cuts made for any true U10 player.  Each player will be placed on a team with the goal of evenly dividing the team by skill level.  Players will be evaluated by athletic skills such as size, speed, strength, and aggressive presence on the field.  When possible, players from the same area can be placed on the same team, as long as balanced teams can be maintained.

 U11 - The goal is not to cut any U11 player and to add teams when possible.  When it is determined there are sufficient numbers to build a second team, both teams will be equal based on skill levels. Teams should not exceed the USSF suggested maximum rosters due to the loss of player time.  In the case where player cuts are unavoidable, players will be evaluated by athletic skills such as size, speed, strength, and aggressive presence on the field.

U12 - U14 is a COMPETITIVE league; the emphasis on player development continues, however, teams are in a more competitive setting.  After try-outs, if the Club has enough candidates to field multiple teams in the same division, the policy is to select the top players for the first team.  This team is expected to play Division I. The second team will be formed using the remaining players and any late registrations.  This team is expected to play Division II.

 U12 - The Club’s goal is not to cut any player and to be able to add teams when possible.  When it is determined there are sufficient numbers to build a second team, the first team will be selected choosing the strongest candidates from all players based on try-out results to build that team.  From the remaining candidates, a second team will be formed, again selecting the strongest candidates first.  In the case where player cuts are unavoidable players will be evaluated by soccer skills, aggressive presence on the field, and then athletic skills such as size, speed, and strength.

U13 – The Club’s goal is not to cut any player and to be able to add teams when possible.  When it is determined there are sufficient numbers to build a second team, the first team will be selected choosing the strongest candidates from all players based on try-out results to build that team.  From the remaining candidates and late registrants, a second team will be formed, again selecting the strongest candidates first.  In the case where player cuts are unavoidable players will be evaluated by soccer skills, aggressive presences on the field, and then athletic skills such as size, speed, and strength.

U14 - The Club’s goal is not to cut any player and to be able to add teams when possible.  When it is determined there are sufficient numbers to build a second team, the first team will be selected choosing the strongest candidates from all players based on try-out results to build that team.  From the remaining candidates and late registrants, a second team will be formed, again selecting the strongest candidates first.  In the case where player cuts are unavoidable players will be evaluated by soccer skills, aggressive presence on the field, and then athletic skills such as size, speed, and strength.

Two try-outs will be held each year in the spring before school is out.  In the case where there are going to be cuts, a third try-out may be held.  All players must try out or make arrangements to be evaluated before the team they are applying for is selected.  If a player does not make arrangements to be evaluated he/she will not be placed on a team.  Players who do not get evaluated, but could have been available for evaluation, will not be given a waiver to play on another fall travel team.

A coach does not select his/her own team.  Coaches remain independent of the player assignment (with the exception of having their own child on their team) because:

• BSC must ensure that each player has equal rights to play and is considered equal during the entire registration process.
   
• BSC must ensure that players/parents can express their issues about a coach without feeling that they may risk their spot on a team next season.
   
• Teams created based on skill level must be assigned to the coach based on an independent try-out process.
   
• Coaches are not to be put in the position of being accused of having “favorites” because he/she was able to handpick, at least in part, their team.

Team assignments require the Board's approval.  However, if a team does not have a full roster the Board may choose to add additional players to meet minimum team roster requirements. The Board may choose to add players up to but not exceeding the maximum number set by BSC.

In some circumstances, a player may join a team after the start of the fall travel season.  This may occur because of the need to replace players who have sustained an injury that prevents their continued participation. Also, new players may be added to teams that do not have full rosters.

We do not adjust fees, as there are additional costs that come about with a late registrant like shipping cost of one uniform.

Players cannot be added to a fall travel roster after the Final Roster Deadline imposed by Soccer Maine. This will typically be the third or fourth week in September.  Check the Fall Handbook for details at www.soccermaine.com.
    

BELOW ARE THE DATES AND TIMES FOR TRYOUTS

It is now time to register for BSC's 2021 Fall Travel Soccer Season. This is a competitive league with games all over the State of Maine.  The cut off to pre-register for tryouts is May 13th at 11:59pm. Late registrations will NOT be permitted for teams with full rosters, and will only be considered for teams that do not have enough candidates. When available, late registrants will be added to secondary teams.

Eligibility: By Soccer Maine rules, this program is open to players that live in Bangor, or in a surrounding town that doesn't have their own travel club. Players that live in Hampden and Brewer should contact their travel clubs for information about their programs. Players must have already turned 8 years old on July 31, 2021 and must be 13 years old or younger on that date. 

Fees: $165 plus uniform fees.   

-$150 (registration fee-refundable ONLY if your child isn't placed on a team) 

-$15 (non-refundable administration fee). 

Uniforms: These are purchased through Wight's sporting goods and typically cost approximately $60. Information will be sent to players after teams are decided. 

Tryouts: Tryouts are scheduled for May22nd and the second date TBA. Tryouts are rain or shine at Doughty School in Bangor. Players must wear cleats and shin guards. Please have your child wear a plain white shirt and blue or black short to tryouts.

Travel:  Players in the younger age groups; U9 (age 8 on July 31, 2021), U10 (age 9 on July 31, 2021) and U11 (age 10 on July 31, 2021) typically travel within 45 minutes to 1 hour from Bangor. Older groups; U12 (age 11 on July 31, 2021), U13 (age 12 on July 31, 2021) and U14 (age 13 on July 31, 2021) can travel anywhere within the state.  Teams will have some home games scheduled in Bangor as well.  We also attend two tournaments in Southern Maine. The Cumberland Tournament is a one day event on Saturday or Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. The Falmouth Fall classic is a 2 to 3 day event over Columbus Day Weekend. 

Time Commitment: Practices can begin after August 1st and are typically 1-3 sessions per week.  Games are mostly played on Sundays starting at the end of August and ending in late October. We will announce practice information to teams, families, and players based upon the recommendations from Soccer Maine and the CDC. 

Registration: The cut off to register is May 13th at 11:59pm. Late registrations will NOT be permitted for teams with full rosters, and will only be considered for teams that do not have enough candidates. When possible, late registrants will be added to secondary teams.

Bangor Soccer Club Fall Travel Soccer Program combines player development with a fun and competitive atmosphere. Play is typically on Sunday afternoons in late August, September and October. We participate in two tournaments in southern Maine and an end of season tournament.

Try-out Schedule 

• Try-outs will be at the Doughty Middle School in Bangor and will be held rain or shine.  
   
• Please have your child wear a PLAIN WHITE SHIRT and blue or black shorts for tryouts.

U9, U10 and U11 Try-outs

• Soccer Maine’s U9, U10, and U11 programs are non-results oriented (we do not keep score) and our emphasis is on player development.
   
• We try to place all U10 candidates on a team, as long as they are able to compete safely.  Each U9 and U10 candidate is required to attend at least one try-out for assessment.  U11 candidates are required to attend both try-outs.

U12, U13, and U14 Try-outs

• All candidates will be assessed at the May 22 try-outs and MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A SECOND TRYOUT.
• If a candidate is unable to make the try-outs they must contact BSC via e-mail (bangorsoccerclub1993@gmail.com) to make alternate arrangements prior to  May 13th at 11:59pm.
• When the club has enough candidates to field multiple teams in the same division, the policy will be to select the top rated players for the first team and when possible, form a second team with the remaining players. If space is available, any late registrants will be added to the second team. They can not be considered for the first team. 

Grade Level Waiver

• Players meeting the grade level waiver requirements can elect to try out with their older school grade peers with the following conditions:
   
  • Players making this election can only try-out for one team. 
     
  • If they waiver to try out with their grade level peers and are not selected, they DO NOT have the option of going back to the lower age group. 
     
  • Except for U9 and U10, a player can play only one year per age group. 
     
  • Parents must sign a grade level waiver in advance of the first try-out.  This can be confusing, so if you are interested please contact BSC by e-mail at bangorsoccerclub1993@gmail.com 

Communications

• To keep players and parents informed about the selection process, plan to stay 5-10 minutes after the first try-out for a try-out meeting and update. Parents must stay at the tryout but are asked to stay away from the tryout area. 

The Bangor Soccer Club

• The Bangor Soccer Club (BSC) is a volunteer non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide opportunities for children and young adults to play soccer.
   
• Our Fall Travel Soccer Program offers advanced training and the opportunity to compete at one of the state’s highest levels.
   
• All of our coaches have completed mandatory licensed training in soccer for the age group they coach. 

Financial Commitment

• Program Fees are $165 and include tournament fees, equipment, insurance, referees, field costs, clinics/coaching, year-end awards ceremony, as well as other costs.
• There is an additional cost (approximately $60) for the uniform. We typically use the same uniform style for 3-5 years.
• Please contact us if the fees, uniform cost or travel represent a significant barrier to your child’s participation.

There is more information available on our website under the Fall Travel Tab.

https://system.gotsport.com/programs/167221E65?reg_role=player