SBYSL's 20th Season is almost underway! Our planning committee has been putting in long hours over the last couple of weeks to coordinate coaches, assign teams, get permits squared away with the city, and place our uniforms order. Things are coming together for a great season.
This message is dense with information, so please take your time with it.
Communications
If you haven't yet, you should be receiving a message from your child's coach sometime this week. If you don't hear anything by the end of the week, email me and we'll sort it out.
Please be sure to download the GameChanger app (Android here, iPhone here), because our coaches will be using it as the primary mode of communication throughout the season. When you register in GameChanger, be sure to use the same email address you used when you registered with SBYSL (i.e., the one we're emailing you with here).
It is important that you RSVP for games and practices on GameChanger so that your coach can plan accordingly. Please also take a look at the player info for your child and be sure all necessary parents and guardians are listed as contacts.
Your coach should be your primary point of communication with the league. They can resolve many issues, and things that need other attention can be run up the chain to the division VP, Fall 2024 planning committee, or Board as necessary. But I am personally committed to ensuring your family has a positive experience, so feel free to reach out to me.
Practices
Practices will begin next week. Most of our divisions will be doing group practices again this year. It's a model the kids love because they get to see all their friends from other teams and get to scrimmage in a game-like situation every week. Coaches will provide more information about locations and times.
Games
Games will begin Saturday, September 7. We have not yet finalized the full schedule, but as soon as we do, it will be loaded into GameChanger.
Equipment
Every player needs cleats, shin guards, a ball, and a water bottle. Be sure to put your name and phone number on the ball and water bottle! Players born in 2020 and 2021 will receive a ball as a gift from SBYSL this year. Our high school division (2006-'10 birthdays) will use a size 5 ball. Size 4 is good for all other players.
Uniforms will be distributed in a few weeks. The league will provide a jersey, black shorts, and black socks.
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Cleat Swap Leave a pair, take a pair. Or just take a pair. Or just leave a pair. Kick Off a New Season with Our Annual Soccer Cleat Swap! ? Are your old cleats feeling more like a penalty than an advantage? Have any cleats taking up space in your house? Join us for our Soccer Cleat Swap and step into the new season with confidence. ?? Date: 9/7 ?? Location: Behind FSK ? Time: 9-3 Cleat donations can also be dropped off to the stoop of 1810 Webster Street anytime prior to 9/7. For more details or questions contact rebecca.celotto@gmail.com. See you on the field! ? |
Thank you for being part of SBYSL. We're looking forward to a great season!
Wow -- nearly 600 players are registered for SBYSL's Fall 2024 season! Registration has closed, we are very excited to get things rolling, and wanted to provide a quick update.
First, if you or someone you know missed the registration deadline and would like to put your name on our waitlist, please click this link. We cannot guarantee anyone will make it off the waitlist at this point, but we will do our best.
Second, we are hard at work lining up coaches, division VPs, and determining practice and game schedules. We are aiming to have details on all those topics available by early- to mid-August. As a reminder, practices will begin the week of August 26, and games will begin on September 7.
In the meantime, attached below is a chart showing the divisions where you can expect your child(ren) to be assigned.
Finally, a huge thank you to all of our volunteers -- this league is a success because of you!
Have a great weekend.
- SBYSL Fall 2024 Planning Committee
SBYSL is excited to announce the return of our Financial Assistance Program, offering support to players and families seeking assistance with league fees.
This program would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including Harris Teeter and the dozens of families that have donated to support the league's mission.
Youth soccer in America has been criticized for the “pay to play” programming, in which the best opportunities for development are offered to families who can afford to spend thousands of dollars on fees, travel, equipment, and other expenses.
SBYSL is committed to reducing barriers to the sport. We keep our fees low and are always willing to work with families to ensure kids can be a part of our program, regardless of their financial means. SBYSL offers a positive and inclusive environment in which experienced and passionate coaches are dedicated to helping players build individual skills, team play, confidence, and team camaraderie.
Please contact us here to learn more, request financial support, or join our sponsors who are helping to keep soccer affordable.
If you are requesting support, please state the amount you would like to request. You will receive a note back from the league with further information.
Join us for the 20th season of South Baltimore Youth Soccer League! We are excited to welcome back returning players and new players alike, from birth years 2006-2021.
Deadline to register: Monday, July 15, 2024
Early Bird discounts until Sunday June 30!!
With the growth of our league over the last several years, the Executive Board and Fall 2024 Planning Committee are working hard to implement changes to benefit our players and families, including:
Of course, we’ll continue with the things we’ve found make our league great:
Pricing
Our prices this year will hold steady, and we are always willing to work with families who need flexibility.
Your registration fees cover:
Divisions
Based on current registration projections, we expect to have the following divisions. This is subject to change based on actual registration numbers:
Girls-only:
U8 (birth years 2017-2018)
U10 (birth years 2015-2016)
U12 (birth years 2013-2014)
U14 (birth years 2011-2012)
Coed:
U4 (birth year 2021)
U5 (birth year 2020)
U6 (birth year 2019)
U7 (birth year 2018)
U8 (birth year 2017)
U9 (birth year 2016)
U10 (birth year 2015)
U11 (birth year 2014)
U14 (birth years 2011-2013)
U19 (birth years 2006-2010) (players born in 2006 must be enrolled in high school)
Schedule
Curious about the schedule? Here is what we can say with confidence at this point:
Questions?
Still need to know more? Contact us using this link, and we’ll get back to you ASAP. Please keep in mind, we’re all volunteers here!
PS - Check out the latest episode of southbmore.com’s South Baltimore Now! podcast, featuring Cindy Curley and Matt Shudtz talking about SBYSL’s origins, successes, and what’s to come. You can find it on your favorite podcast app, or on southbmore.com!
Good Morning SBYSL Families!
SBYSL would like to introduce to you our NEW 2024 Executive Board!!
Our 2023/2024 volunteer pool voted this spring and have elected the following:
President: Matt Shudtz
Vice President: Robyn Leap
Treasurer: Robert Wahl
Secretary: Al Passarella
Community Relations Representative: Darlene Padgett
All appointed positions are in process and those folks will be announced at a later time.
FALL 2024 Outdoor Soccer Planning has started!! SBYSL will be in touch very soon with all the details! Please monitor your emails, our website (sbysl.com) and all social media.
You can still reach out to SBYSL via our contact form.
TURF FIELDS RULES AND REGULATIONS
To preserve the quality of the turf and provide a clean andhealthy environment, the following are not allowed on theturf fields:
ALERT PARK STAFF IF ANY CLEAN UP ON FIELD IS NEEDED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!