Region 683 will hosting tryouts for a 14U girls’ EXTRA team for the 2018-19 season. Eligible players must have been born in 2005 or 2006. The tryouts will be held April 16 and 18 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Viola fields. For more information on the EXTRA program, see the attached documentation.

AYSO EXTRA™ is an optional pilot primary program for players who want to play in a more challenging soccer environment.

 Introduction:

 Carpinteria AYSO (Region 683) has traditionally been a hotbed for youth soccer. Thanks to local talent, a deep passion for soccer and distance barrier to Santa Barbara and Ventura club soccer programs, Carpinteria United (CU) have faired very well against area competition.

 One particular group of dominant CU players has been the girls born in 2006. Three of the final four teams at this year’s area championship finals were from Region 683 and one team advanced to the Western State Games title game.

 With the 2006 girls moving up to the 14U division, we are concerned that the 2018 regular season will not provide the appropriate level of competition that will prepare the girls for high school soccer programs. AYSO participation and the level of talent at the 14U level tends to decline as many players have either moved on to other sports or transitioned to club play.

 Proposed Solution:

 AYSO offers an EXTRA program, which we are recommending as a solution to our concerns about the level of upcoming regular season competition for the 2006 girls. EXTRA is designed to provide a more challenging level of play for those players who possess the appropriate interest, skills and abilities and to enhance each player's experience and individual growth through the game of soccer while retaining the spirit and organization of AYSO.

 Benefits of the EXTRA Program:

• The EXTRA program would allow the core group of girls to remain together for two year, thus building camaraderie and cohesiveness.
• The regular season would consist of games against other EXTRA programs, which would ensure a higher level of completion.
• In tournaments, CU would play against top-notch competition which will help the girls as they look to transition to high school soccer.
• Much lower cost compared to other club options.
• CU would remain part of the AYSO program, thus ensuring all volunteers and coaches are properly vetted.
• The EXTRA season consists of 12 games within Section 10 and we would host home games as well. The EXTRA championships have been scheduled for Jan. 5-6, 2019 in Moorpark.

 The Team:

 Tryouts for the team will be held April 16 & 18 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Viola fields. Players (2005 & 2006 born) that have left AYSO for club will be invited back to tryout. The maximum roster size will be 15.

 Costs:

 In addition to the regular AYSO registration fee, a nominal EXTRA fee is charged. The team may opt to purchase all-star style uniforms and tournament fees will be similar to those paid during the all-star season.

 Volunteers:

 Like regular season AYSO and all-stars, the EXTRA program is driven by volunteers. Volunteer positions will include head coach, assistant coach, team manager, a minimum of three qualified referees (preferably more than three), field monitors and field prep. The CU EXTRA program will not move forward unless all volunteer positions are filled.