Team Expectations
The U11 division of Yonkers United is an intermediate developmental stage for players in the Westchester Youth Soccer League. Games are 9 v 9 and include goalies. The U11 division features an elevated level of play that includes some players with advanced skills. The team’s coaching staff has two primary goals: to have fun and to improve the skill level of all players to allow them to compete in Division 3 or higher.
Most of our energy will be spent learning advanced ball mastery skills and introducing a style of play that emphasizes maintaining ball possession. “Kick ball” and “Swarm ball” are behind us. We will also continue to introduce new tactical approaches. Our success is measured by creating a team experience in which every player and their families feel part of something special. Our hope is that by the conclusion of the season each player is in love with the game and feeling great about themselves and their teammates.
Players and parents can expect that the coaches will do their best to create an environment that is positive, safe and enjoyable.
Most communication will come via e-mail and the Predator Facebook page (just search for Yonkers Predators and “like” it). Game photos are routinely posted along with game reports on our new team website: www.yonkerspredators.weebly.com
Player Conduct
Predator players must be committed to developing as soccer players and young men by always being supportive of their teammates, respectful of their competition, courteous to game officials and attentive to the coaching staff. Smiles, laughter and cheering are as important to the team as dribbling, shooting and scoring. Players are expected to “have their head in the game” at all times. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Players that fail to abide by this code of conduct during practice will be asked to sit on the sideline for a “time-out”. A player may also be sent off the field during a game if he is not properly focused.
Practices
The competitive demands of high division play in the WYSL require skills and tactics that can only be developed through a commitment of time and effort. There are no short cuts. There are no natural soccer virtuosos. We now expect all players to attend Thursday training and Saturday practices. The boys should also spend 10 minutes a day working with the soccer ball.
Training Sessions: Professional trainers from the New York Red Bulls will work with the players every THURSDAY from 615pm-730pm at Tibbets Brook Park Field 3. The focus of these sessions will be on technical skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Trainers will also introduce intermediate soccer tactics.
Practice Sessions: Coach Tom and Coach Guy will work with the players every SATURDAY at 9:30am - 11:00am at Tibbets Brook Park. There may be some practices scheduled for Schultz Field as well. The focus of practice will be on game skills, strategy, set-pieces and positional play through game-based exercises and scrimmage.
There are no bathrooms at most of the fields. So it's best for players to use the bathroom BEFORE they leave home.
Equipment
Training and Practice: Players must on-time. They must bring their own size #4 ball and water to every training and practice session. Shin guards must be worn at all times. Shin guards can be purchased at any sporting goods store for less than $10. Look for "junior size.” You want the guard to cover the shin from about an inch or two just below where the knee bends to about 1 inch above the shoe top. Cleats are required for all outdoor practice sessions. Layered clothing is recommended late in the season. Ear cover and mittens are permissible. Parents must be prompt with pick-ups.
Game Gear: Players must wear the official Yonkers United Predators uniform. League rules mandate that players not wearing the official uniform will not be permitted to play. Proper uniform consists of the red team jersey, the blue team shorts and white soccer socks (shin guard must be worn under the socks). Our gray t-shirt will be worn in home games in which our competition wears red. Jerseys must be tucked-in at all times. No sweatpants during game play. White long sleeves are permitted under the jersey. No sunglasses or prescription glasses. Prescription sports goggles with a strap are permitted. No jewelry. No hats are permitted.
Games
The Yonkers United Predators play in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). The WYSL is the largest New York travel soccer league north of New York City with nearly 700 travel teams.
Games will be played every Sunday beginning September 7. The Predators will play a nine game regular season schedule and in two fall tournaments. Each game lasts 60 minutes (two 30-minute periods). The games are 9 v 9 (including a goalie).
Our home games will be played in Yonkers at either Tibbets Brook Park or Fleming Field. The remainder of the games will be played on the road.
All players on game day must arrive at the field no later than 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Proper warmup is critical at this level. Players who are late may not play in the first half.
The Competition
We will routinely encounter teams with experienced players and professional coaches. Skill levels will range from intermediate to advanced. Keep in mind that many players in U11 and higher are “soccer first” athletes. Expect much more physical contact and player intensity than we have seen in previous seasons. Spectators are very vocal.
Team standings are now kept by the WYSL and posted on their website. The first place team in the division is awarded a trophy. Teams that finish at the top of their division will be promoted to higher divisions in the spring. This is an important point and a practical goal for each team. Promotion provides players with the opportunity to play talented squads. That almost always translates into greater and faster skill development. If we do not perform well, we could be demoted to a lower division.
Playing Time
All Predator players will play in every game. Playing time is determined by skill, experience, fatigue, game situations, practice performance, attendance and overall attitude. Our hope is that all players are on the field for more than 20 minutes per game. There will be some players who play almost the entire 60 minutes. Any question about playing time may be directed to the coaches AFTER the game.
Game and Practice Cancellations
Soccer is an all-weather sport. Never assume a game has been postponed. WYSL games are cancelled only if the field is unplayable. That determination is made by 10am on game day. Please monitor e-mail. Many of the fields in the WYSL drain well. The synthetic surface at Tibbets Brook Park and Fleming remain playable in all but a monsoon. A game may be stopped in progress due to thunder and lightning.
Players will be alerted via e-mail and the Predator Facebook page of Thursday training or Saturday practice cancellations and postponements.
Spectator Conduct
Team players, coaches and fans are graded each game on their sportsmanship. These reports are filed with the league by the game official and made public on the WYSL website. Coaches and teams that violate league conduct rules are subject to fines or suspensions.
Predator fans are strongly encouraged to loudly cheer, praise and congratulate players on both teams during games.
Vocal criticism of players, officials or coaches is strictly prohibited. Doing so will result in a card against the Predators or spectator ejection. We know things can get tense – but these are still 11 year old boys.
Spectators must refrain from issuing instructions to players during the game. Such instruction will confuse players or contradict instructions from the coaches.
Spectators are prohibited from standing on the same side of the field as the players and coaches during the game or behind the goal nets. Spectators are welcome to approach the coaching staff during half-time or after the game. Spectators should never engage the referee before, during or after a game.
Safety
Youth travel soccer games are physically demanding. Some players demonstrate more obvious signs of fatigue than others. We'll do our best to make sure we give everybody a rest when they need it. If you notice that your son is running on fumes, do not hesitate to call our attention to it.
League rules stipulate that game play cannot be stopped unless an injured player is on the ground and the referee blows the whistle. The injured player must leave the playing field before the game can resume.
Our team will remove a player with a suspected head injury. We will be very conservative in this regard.
Spectators must remain on the sidelines in all injury situations unless directed by coaches or officials to come on to the playing field.
Alert the coaches if any health issues arise prior to a game or practice. Nobody gets extra points at this level for “playing hurt” or “playing sick”.
Three Things You Must Say To Your Player
1 – I know you will do your best
2 – I love to watch you play
3 – I’m proud of you
The U11 division of Yonkers United is an intermediate developmental stage for players in the Westchester Youth Soccer League. Games are 9 v 9 and include goalies. The U11 division features an elevated level of play that includes some players with advanced skills. The team’s coaching staff has two primary goals: to have fun and to improve the skill level of all players to allow them to compete in Division 3 or higher.
Most of our energy will be spent learning advanced ball mastery skills and introducing a style of play that emphasizes maintaining ball possession. “Kick ball” and “Swarm ball” are behind us. We will also continue to introduce new tactical approaches. Our success is measured by creating a team experience in which every player and their families feel part of something special. Our hope is that by the conclusion of the season each player is in love with the game and feeling great about themselves and their teammates.
Players and parents can expect that the coaches will do their best to create an environment that is positive, safe and enjoyable.
Most communication will come via e-mail and the Predator Facebook page (just search for Yonkers Predators and “like” it). Game photos are routinely posted along with game reports on our new team website: www.yonkerspredators.weebly.com
Player Conduct
Predator players must be committed to developing as soccer players and young men by always being supportive of their teammates, respectful of their competition, courteous to game officials and attentive to the coaching staff. Smiles, laughter and cheering are as important to the team as dribbling, shooting and scoring. Players are expected to “have their head in the game” at all times. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Players that fail to abide by this code of conduct during practice will be asked to sit on the sideline for a “time-out”. A player may also be sent off the field during a game if he is not properly focused.
Practices
The competitive demands of high division play in the WYSL require skills and tactics that can only be developed through a commitment of time and effort. There are no short cuts. There are no natural soccer virtuosos. We now expect all players to attend Thursday training and Saturday practices. The boys should also spend 10 minutes a day working with the soccer ball.
Training Sessions: Professional trainers from the New York Red Bulls will work with the players every THURSDAY from 615pm-730pm at Tibbets Brook Park Field 3. The focus of these sessions will be on technical skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Trainers will also introduce intermediate soccer tactics.
Practice Sessions: Coach Tom and Coach Guy will work with the players every SATURDAY at 9:30am - 11:00am at Tibbets Brook Park. There may be some practices scheduled for Schultz Field as well. The focus of practice will be on game skills, strategy, set-pieces and positional play through game-based exercises and scrimmage.
There are no bathrooms at most of the fields. So it's best for players to use the bathroom BEFORE they leave home.
Equipment
Training and Practice: Players must on-time. They must bring their own size #4 ball and water to every training and practice session. Shin guards must be worn at all times. Shin guards can be purchased at any sporting goods store for less than $10. Look for "junior size.” You want the guard to cover the shin from about an inch or two just below where the knee bends to about 1 inch above the shoe top. Cleats are required for all outdoor practice sessions. Layered clothing is recommended late in the season. Ear cover and mittens are permissible. Parents must be prompt with pick-ups.
Game Gear: Players must wear the official Yonkers United Predators uniform. League rules mandate that players not wearing the official uniform will not be permitted to play. Proper uniform consists of the red team jersey, the blue team shorts and white soccer socks (shin guard must be worn under the socks). Our gray t-shirt will be worn in home games in which our competition wears red. Jerseys must be tucked-in at all times. No sweatpants during game play. White long sleeves are permitted under the jersey. No sunglasses or prescription glasses. Prescription sports goggles with a strap are permitted. No jewelry. No hats are permitted.
Games
The Yonkers United Predators play in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). The WYSL is the largest New York travel soccer league north of New York City with nearly 700 travel teams.
Games will be played every Sunday beginning September 7. The Predators will play a nine game regular season schedule and in two fall tournaments. Each game lasts 60 minutes (two 30-minute periods). The games are 9 v 9 (including a goalie).
Our home games will be played in Yonkers at either Tibbets Brook Park or Fleming Field. The remainder of the games will be played on the road.
All players on game day must arrive at the field no later than 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Proper warmup is critical at this level. Players who are late may not play in the first half.
The Competition
We will routinely encounter teams with experienced players and professional coaches. Skill levels will range from intermediate to advanced. Keep in mind that many players in U11 and higher are “soccer first” athletes. Expect much more physical contact and player intensity than we have seen in previous seasons. Spectators are very vocal.
Team standings are now kept by the WYSL and posted on their website. The first place team in the division is awarded a trophy. Teams that finish at the top of their division will be promoted to higher divisions in the spring. This is an important point and a practical goal for each team. Promotion provides players with the opportunity to play talented squads. That almost always translates into greater and faster skill development. If we do not perform well, we could be demoted to a lower division.
Playing Time
All Predator players will play in every game. Playing time is determined by skill, experience, fatigue, game situations, practice performance, attendance and overall attitude. Our hope is that all players are on the field for more than 20 minutes per game. There will be some players who play almost the entire 60 minutes. Any question about playing time may be directed to the coaches AFTER the game.
Game and Practice Cancellations
Soccer is an all-weather sport. Never assume a game has been postponed. WYSL games are cancelled only if the field is unplayable. That determination is made by 10am on game day. Please monitor e-mail. Many of the fields in the WYSL drain well. The synthetic surface at Tibbets Brook Park and Fleming remain playable in all but a monsoon. A game may be stopped in progress due to thunder and lightning.
Players will be alerted via e-mail and the Predator Facebook page of Thursday training or Saturday practice cancellations and postponements.
Spectator Conduct
Team players, coaches and fans are graded each game on their sportsmanship. These reports are filed with the league by the game official and made public on the WYSL website. Coaches and teams that violate league conduct rules are subject to fines or suspensions.
Predator fans are strongly encouraged to loudly cheer, praise and congratulate players on both teams during games.
Vocal criticism of players, officials or coaches is strictly prohibited. Doing so will result in a card against the Predators or spectator ejection. We know things can get tense – but these are still 11 year old boys.
Spectators must refrain from issuing instructions to players during the game. Such instruction will confuse players or contradict instructions from the coaches.
Spectators are prohibited from standing on the same side of the field as the players and coaches during the game or behind the goal nets. Spectators are welcome to approach the coaching staff during half-time or after the game. Spectators should never engage the referee before, during or after a game.
Safety
Youth travel soccer games are physically demanding. Some players demonstrate more obvious signs of fatigue than others. We'll do our best to make sure we give everybody a rest when they need it. If you notice that your son is running on fumes, do not hesitate to call our attention to it.
League rules stipulate that game play cannot be stopped unless an injured player is on the ground and the referee blows the whistle. The injured player must leave the playing field before the game can resume.
Our team will remove a player with a suspected head injury. We will be very conservative in this regard.
Spectators must remain on the sidelines in all injury situations unless directed by coaches or officials to come on to the playing field.
Alert the coaches if any health issues arise prior to a game or practice. Nobody gets extra points at this level for “playing hurt” or “playing sick”.
Three Things You Must Say To Your Player
1 – I know you will do your best
2 – I love to watch you play
3 – I’m proud of you