HAWKS WELCOME Information

Welcome to the SYC Hawks rising U13B team and Thank you for your consideration. 

The SYC Hawks were formed over the winter of 2006 and started playing in the Old Dominion Soccer League in the Spring season of 2007.  The team was formed by Coach  Kinsey Jones the League Director of the U-11 boys and Coach Anoput Phimmasone an All Star House Coach.  The two coaches had developed a friendship both as rivals and working together with House All Star teams.  The Hawks came in first place in Division 3 their first season as the player’s, coaches and families got to know each other.  They moved to 2^nd Division our 2^nd season and now at the end of this season will be rising to Division 1.

SYC Hawks Team Philosophy; ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL.  We play as a team with one goal that our players become developed to their fullest potential while enjoying and learning in their environment.  Some additional goals of the Hawks include building well rounded, polite, competitive teenagers who learn from both winning and losing in sports. We hope to develop true friendships between our players and between our player’s families that will hopefully last even after the kids hang up their cleats for good.  We have listed below some of the frequently asked questions about travel soccer and about our team.

A few FAQ’s;

·         When do the Hawks practice?  In the Fall we practice twice (2) per week. Times dependant upon daylight hours, most are during the week in the evening.  In Summer we practice once (1) per week, again during the week in the evening. After each season the coaches allow one to two weeks rest prior to starting practice again.

·         When are most travel games?  Most travel games are on Sundays. Times vary.  We have quite a few families that attend religious services regularly. It has been the experience of all that it is manageable.

·         How much $does it cost to be on a travel team?  The Hawks have a $350.00 initiation fee. This fee includes; uniform(s), travel bag and winter warm ups as well as contributions towards Hawk equipment (sun shades, banner, player benches, practice equipment, water cooler, etc).  There is also a fee for each season which includes; Club (SYC) fees, league (ODSL) fees, tournament costs, camp costs.  Currently that is $350.00 per season (Fall/Spring).  The Hawks are a rising U13 team and the coaches are considering professional training.  Therefore the season cost is expected to rise to $375-400 per season beginning Fall ‘08.

Note: we have a Treasurer and these expenses can be paid on a payment plan. Ask Team Manager for further information.

·         How many tournaments do the Hawks play per year?  We play a warm up tournament in the Spring/Fall and as members of SYC we are required to play a tournament late Spring (Memorial Day). This particular tournament requires ALL Parent participation as we earn money from it.

·         How many camps do the Hawks participate in?  We currently participate in (1-2) camps per year. Mostly during the summer/winter months-off season.  In Winter we participate in indoor games at a local Sportsplex.

·         What do the acronyms mean ie; SYC, ODSL, NCSL?  SYC is the club we belong to (Springfield/South County Youth Club. ODSL is the league we are affiliated with (Old Dominion Soccer League) and NCSL is the National Capital Soccer League, a larger league of which ODSL feeds into.

Comments to parents considering a TRAVEL Team; the following are common amongst most travel teams.

·         Because this is a TRAVEL Team and not House players are NOT guaranteed playing time.  Depending on how and where the player is playing depends on how much time on the field he will receive.

·         Parent participation is critical for the success of the team. Parents are asked to hold certain positions and follow through in their responsibilities as role models to the players ie: team manager, treasurer, Memorial Day tournament coordinator, season tournament coordinator, web page/photographer, uniform rep, training liaison, activities coordinator, etc. All of these positions (INCLUDING COACHING) are on a volunteer basis.  You will need to volunteer for a position.

·         Unlike a House team scores DO matter and wins and losses determine our standings.

·         Coaches instruct in a positive but constructive manner. (there is some tough love).

·         Once your player has been rostered on a travel team they may not play on a house team at the same time. This includes guest appearances in House games.

We hope this answers most of your questions in regards to the SYC Hawks.  Please do not hesitate to contact our Team Manager Karen Orosch with any further questions.  Karen can be reached at korosch@mccafferyinterests.com or by cell at 703.843.4448 or visit our web site at www.Sychawks.com

Thank you for your consideration into the Hawks.  GO HAWKS!!!!!

*The information above applies specifically to the SYC Hawks and may not apply to other/all travel teams.*-