Aug. 3, 2003 — The St. Thomas-St. John Region 1383 of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is registering players from the age of 4 to 18 for the 2003-2004 season on St. Thomas until Sept. 6.
Those who register before Aug. 9 pay the lowest registration fee of $70; the fee then increases to $80. Limited scholarships are available for eligible families, and payment plans can be arranged through registrar, Beckie Garlington. AYSO will have open registrations on Aug. 9 and again on Aug. 30 at Tutu Park Mall.
For those who can't get to a registration site, learn more about the organization and click on "Registration," then on "St. Thomas," to download the welcome package and register at the V.I. AYSO Web site or call 776-2697.
Volunteers are needed. The Web site has lots of details about what volunteers are needed: coaches and assistant coaches, referees and assistant referees, coordinators, event assistants, field stripes, data entry, publicity, and team parent.
All registrations received after Sept. 6 will be wait-listed and have no guarantee of playing. For additional information see the Web site or call.
The AYSO's principle philosophies of "playsoccer"™ are: 1) everyone plays; 2) balanced teams; 3) open registration; 4) positive coaching, and 5) good sportsmanship. Registrants are placed in several divisions, and some divisions may be combined.
The tentative calendar:
Aug. 9 – Walk-in registration at Tutu Park Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aug. 30 – Walk-in registration at Tutu Park Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sept. 6 – Walk-in registration at UVI field from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; player evaluations / teams formed.
Sept. 13 – Training for coaches
Sept. 20 – Training for referees; practice begins
Oct. 4 – First weekend of league games
Nov. 8,9 – Veteran's Day Tournament hosted by AYSO St. Thomas District
Dec. 13 – Final games for fall portion of season.
The 2002-2003 AYSO season served more than 600 children on St. Croix and St. Thomas last year. See Local Sports in the St. Croix Source for that island's schedule.
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