RSL Executive Director: David Barton RSL Registrar Support: Jess Allen RSL U6-U8 Director: Jason Blunt Roots Soccer League 181 Root Road Westfield, MA 01085 www.rootssoccerleague.com Contact Info (p): (413) 579-7040 (e): David@RootsSoccerLeague.com
Professional full-time coach for the last 10 years with a vast range of programs around the world, including; premier, travel, in-town rec., disability soccer, high school, college and professional teams/programs. UEFA 'B' License (European License) English FA Level 1 & 2 Coaching Licenses (English License) NSCAA National Diploma NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma NSCAA Player Development Diploma NSCAA Small-Sided Games Diploma CJSA Advanced Technical License FA Coaching Disabled Players Award (European License) AYSO Coaching License DMS Running School Coach (European License) NGB Level 2 (European Teaching License) Club Director Of Coaching Premier Clubs in CT and MA. High School Head Coach - CT Academy Coach Coaching in various local, regional/select teams, professional Academies, as well as helping develop the game for blind and autistic players. International Coach Exchange Working with professional academy players in Italy. Staff Coach/Camp Director - For NOGA Soccer and UK International Soccer Camps working with a variety of soccer programs across the East & West Coast of America. Player Development Officer - For AYSO Region 42 (Newbury Park) in California coaching youth and high school players, guest coach at David Beckham Academy and MLS team LA Galaxy.
Two 11v11 Outdoor Turf Fields, suitable for 9v9 play (pictured on front cover) Three Indoor Turf Fields (200 x100 ) Suitable for three 7v7 Games or nine 4v4 Games depending on need Elevated 1047 ft. Running Track Three Retractable Roofs Indoor Cycling (50 Bikes) 220 Parking Spots Stadium Style Sky Boxes for Spectators Conference Facilities Youth Strength Training Bar & Grill Pro Shop
SMALL-SIDED FORMAT: The RSL has embraced the new USSF mandate promoting small-sided games; 4v4, 7v7, & 9v9. There are many advantages of having fewer players on the field: (i) maximizing the number of touches each player will have during the game, (ii) learning tactical concepts will be gradual and easier to learn, (iii) will help diffuse any boredom a player may have from not being as involved in the action. PROMOTING PRACTICE: By reducing the number of games and scheduling them only on Saturday's we allow clubs and coaches to set a complete and regular practice schedules throughout the season. Scientific studies show players with a higher ratio of practices to games (U9-U13 = 2:1) (U14+ = 3:1) develop much quicker than those with a high volume of games. Coaches are the heart-beat of the Roots Soccer League, it is our goal to help coaches develop each individual player on their team. Our member clubs are heavily comprised of volunteers, most combine a full-time job and coaching on the evening and weekends. Finding the time and money for personal development is understandably hard, we want to give every RSL coach opportunities to grow. To do this we will: PROVIDE A LOCAL VENUE FOR COURSES & LICENSES at the Roots Athletic Center, and then...... HEAVILY SUBSIDIZING THOSE COURSES! PARTNER WITH EDUCATION PROVIDERS: NSCAA HOST SYMPOSIUMS: with highly experience speakers and clinicians MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: coaches will be welcomed to interact with the Roots Athletic Center staff during RSL player clinics TOWN CONTROLLED LEAGUE: The RSL is a "Member Controlled League". Every town has a vote through the Competition Committee giving them the power to control all aspects of their participation. The League promotes open dialog between the RSL's Board of Directors and Member Towns; sharing ideas, acting on feedback and adapting to new challenges. MAKING TOWN PROGRAMS MORE ACCESSIBLE: Between the growth of premier soccer and competition from other sports such as lacrosse, baseball and basketball; town soccer has had significant issues attracting and retaining players. By creating a mostly Saturday schedule we hope to encourage both; premier players to return/stay with their town program, and give multi-sport families a chance to play soccer regularly. RAISING STANDARDS: We want our town programs to grow and develop yearafter-year! Continually developing the environment our participants work in is key to this. The RSL will offer member towns advise and support both on and off the field.
We use July 31 st to August 1 st groupings as has been traditional with town soccer over the last decade. We hope this will keep players together with their team mates and eliminate them missing soccer when they transition into High School. Clubs may temporarily move players from one team to another for one or more games based on the need. This is particularly useful when a team has experienced multiple absences and is close to forfeiting a game. It can also be used to nurture exceptional talent by allowing them opportunities to pay at a higher age level [Qualifying Rules Apply]. Competition Committee (CC) elect their own officials and make decisions on all aspects of league structure. Membership have a meaningful voice and are in control of league organization. Executive Director deals with day-to-day tasks and presents ideas to the Committee for approval. The RSL has embraced the new USSF mandate promoting small-sided games; 4v4, 7v7, & 9v9. There are many advantages of having fewer players on the field: (i) maximizing the number of touches each player will have during the game, (ii) introducing tactical concepts in a gradual / staggered format making it easier to learn, (iii) will help diffuse any boredom a player may have from not being as involved in the action.
RSL Pricing per/team Age Group Format # of Ref s RSL (with Ref Fee) U6 5v5 1 $250 U7 5v5 1 $250 U8 5v5 1 $250 U9 7v7 1 $545 U10 7v7 1 $545 U11 9v9 1 $565 U12 9v9 1 $565 U13 11v11 3 $890 U14 11v11 3 $890 High School 11v11 3 $820 Each player on a U9-U18 roster must have a valid US Club Soccer membership, this membership covers players insurance costs and is paid/administered by the registrar from each club. Each membership costs $12 per player for U9+ (and $10 for players U8 and under) and is valid for a year (Aug to Aug). Each coach listed on a U9-U18 roster must have a valid US Club Soccer membership, this membership covers coaches insurance and background checks and can be paid either by the individual coach or the club can opt to pay. Each membership costs $48 in total per coach and is valid for 2 years (Aug to Aug) (only $5 per year for coaches doing U8 and under).
Season begins weekend after Labor Day, either 8 or 9 regular season games depending on age. No play on Columbus Day weekend. Play-off s/jamboree to start (usually 2 weeks prior to Thanks Giving Weekend). Saturday games only with the exception of divisions with an odd number of teams or games will play one or two Friday games. Starts begins weekend after April vacation, either 7 or 8 regular games depending on age. No play on Memorial Day weekend. Playoff s/jamboree aimed at finishing on or before Summer vacation. Saturday games only with the exception of divisions with an odd number of teams or games will play one or two Friday games. U8 & Below U9-U10 (7v7) U11-U12 (9v9) U13+ (11v11) # Regular Season 2 Games every other Games Saturday (8 total) 8 Regular 8 Regular 9 Regular Start Date April 21 st April 21 st April 21 st April 21 st End Date June 16 th June 16 th June 16 th June 16 th Post-Season No June 23 rd or June 23 rd & 24 th June 23 rd & 24 th 24 th (All teams) (top 4 in division) (top 4 in division) # Games @ Roots All One One One U8 & Below U9-U10 (7v7) U11-U12 (9v9) U13+ (11v11) # Regular Season 2 Games every other Games Saturday (8 total) 8 Regular 8 Regular 9 Regular Start Date Sep 9 th Sep 9th Sep 9th Sep 9th End Date Nov 4 th Nov 4 th Nov 4 th Nov 4 th Post-Season No Nov 11 th & 12 th Nov 11 th & 12 th Nov 11 th & 12 th (2 Games) (top 4 in division) (top 4 in division) # Games @ Roots All One One One
If you have any question or feedback please contact me directly: David Barton Executive Director (413) 579-7040 David@RootsSoccerLeague.com