United to offer I.D. program for local players
Steve Rammel, SRU Executive Director, explains where the idea started. “We have recently conducted tryouts for girls and boys from the ages of U9 to U14.” During the tryouts there were multiple age groups where the numbers were higher then what we can carry. Rammel goes on to say, “There were a number of these players that the coaches had a difficult time releasing.” Some of these players are getting released to their class 3 and 4 teams where they last played.
One reason United is starting this program is for developmental purposes. Rammel adds, “When you consider the age groups and think about development of soccer players, these soccer players are right in the middle of an important time where technical and tactical soccer habits are being formed correctly or incorrectly.”
Another reason United created this opportunity is to be a part of the community. There are a number of players from Healdsburg, Windsor, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Rohnert Park that play for their class 3 and 4 teams. When the Director recently got hired, he talked about getting involved in the community with coaches and players. Rammel explains, “We are looking for soccer to continue to grow in this area, and if the level of play continues to grow, then every soccer group will win. I believe we are all involved in youth soccer for the kids and see soccer continue to be the most played sport amongst our countries youth.”
A third goal is to keep our local players getting challenged and keep them identified with their age group. Some players decide later that they want the opportunity to play competitive soccer or they decide they only want to play in a limited time during the year. If the Director and the Age Group coaches train them then they develop a relationship that will greatly help the transition from their current team to the new team. “It is an opportunity for us to work face to face on a monthly basis with these players. We will know them personally.”
Please also include a copy of the players birth certificate - thanks!
