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What is Lehigh Valley soccer?
What are the goals of Lehigh Valley Soccer?
Is there a lot of travel involved in Lehigh Valley League play?
What level of commitment is involved in LV League play?
Are additional costs associated with Lehigh Valley soccer?
What are the roster sizes and formats of LV teams?
Where can I find more information about the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League?
How do we sign up for Lehigh Valley soccer?
Northwestern Soccer Club fields teams in 2 leagues. The Northern Valley League is the recreational league while the Lehigh Valley (LV) League is more competitive for the more advanced soccer player. The Lehigh Valley League begins at the U9 age group for both boys and girls and has single age groups (U9, U10, U11…) up through U19. Teams typically stay together through both the fall and spring seasons.
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The League’s goal is not “win at all costs” but rather player development and fun. However, being a competitive league, coaches are allowed more flexibility in regard to playing time and positioning in order to be more competitive. Beginning at the U11 age group, scores are recorded for divisional standings. In line with the player development theme, the Lehigh Valley League requires that coaches go through a formal state or national level certification program. Many LV coaches have coaching certificates that exceed the minimum level required by the League. Our LV Coaches are Northwestern parents, selected by the soccer director, based mainly on licensing qualifications and previous player/parental feedback.
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The LV League is frequently referred to as the “travel league” however this reference can be misleading. Most of the league games take place in the Lehigh Valley and in fact many are within a 10-mile radius of our area. Teams occasionally travel to Stroudsburg or Mt. Pocono as those communities participate in LV League play. LV teams will often participate in tournaments. Many tournaments are conducted in and around the Lehigh Valley (e.g. Stroudsburg, Quakertown, Bethlehem, Schnecksville, Lower Macungie, etc.) though many teams participate in tournaments in Gettysburg, Lancaster, Hershey and surrounding areas. Team parents typically have substantial input into
decisions to attend tournaments outside our region.
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Players are expected to regularly attend practice (typically two 90-minute session per week). Players are also expected to spend some time practicing ball skills at home (juggling, dribbling, etc.). Since LV teams compete at a higher level, it is generally expected that players will participate in both spring and fall competition. Some coaches may make accommodations or exceptions to this general guideline.
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In addition to the NYAA fees, some additional costs are associated with LV soccer. Coaches usually make every attempt to minimize these costs and even offset them through team fundraisers. For instance, players may be asked to purchase an additional team jersey for tournament play or matching sweat tops, shorts, socks, etc. The NYAA pays the entry fee for 2 tournament appearances per year for LV teams. The entry fee for any additional tournaments are split among the parents (typically $15 to $25 per child per tournament). For out of the area tournaments, hotel and food accommodations must be made. Finally, although encouraged but not required, many of our LV players participate with their team in the UK Elite soccer camp organized by NYAA at the end of July (about $155).
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U9 and U10 teams play a small-sided format (8 vs. 8) and the maximum roster size is 14 players per team. U11 and older teams have a maximum roster size of 18 and play a full sided (11 vs. 11) format. Coaches are allowed the flexibility to take a full roster or not, depending on the needs of their individual team.
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The Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League has an extensive web page that can be accessed at:
www.lvysl.org.
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During the NYAA soccer registration for the fall season, a Tryout Information flyer, which contains all of the tryout details and the contact/coach information for each age group will be available on the NYAA website (NYAA-SPORTS.ORG). The important point to remember is that your child must attend the scheduled tryouts that are usually held in late May or early June. Teams will be selected from the players attending the tryouts. Players not selected to the LV team are automatically assigned to a Northern Valley team for the fall season.
If a LV team needs players for the spring season, the Tryout Information flyer will be available on the website during sign up time.
LV Coaches are required to have a parents meeting prior to the first tryout date. If you have any questions regarding how he/she will be managing their team, please feel free to ask at that time. You can also call or e-mail them at the numbers listed on the Tryout Information flyer.
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