Parent Guide

FYSA is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to providing a fun and challenging youth sports experience for the children of Franklin. We have grown to over 1500 players and have established an organization of over 300 coaches & volunteers. Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association is our local governing body.

Membership in FYSA is automatic for all parents and guardians of registered players. FYSA is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by a simple majority of members like you at the annual open meeting. The open meeting is held in the November/December time period and all members are encouraged to attend. The Board meetings are also open to anyone and are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm (or 8pm) at the FYSA office.

Organization

2024 Board of Directors

Mail to: PO Box 525, Franklin, MA 02038
Office Location: 256 Cottage Street
Phone: 508-520-4070
Website: www.franklinyouthsoccer.org

Office hours:
Tue 6:00-8:00pm
Thurs 6:00-8:00pm

Club Administrators: Karen Keator, Sandy Frongillo
Referee Assignor: Ian Schmellick
Franklin Soccer Club Administrator Agata Rosen
Bookkeeper Emily Gagnon

Coaches

All coaches are volunteers and FYSA takes responsibility for offering training programs and material suitable for their coaching level. Most coaches begin by volunteering to help with their child’s team in the Instructional Division and then progress through the levels of FYSA with their children. Successful coaches begin with energetic passion and an understanding of the capabilities and interests of children. They later develop the organizational skills and soccer knowledge that is required to deliver quality coaching to our children.

FYSA expects coaches to have earned licenses appropriate for the program in which an individual intends to coach. FYSA will reimburse individuals who complete licenses. Expected licensure includes:

• Grades K, 1, 2: 4v4 Grassroot course license (or former G license and above)
• Grades 3 and 4: 7v7 Grassroots course license (or former F license or above)
• Grades 5 and 6: 9v9 Grassroots course license (or former E license or above)
• Grades 7 and up: 11v11 Grassroots course license (or former E license or above)

These courses are typically offered by Mass Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). MYSA also performs a criminal background check on all coaches and assistant coaches.

If you are interested in coaching please contact us.

Referees

Referees for the Academy and Travel Divisions are provided by FYSA to properly officiate the games. Academy Division Referees are eligible after the completion of an FYSA-provided training course. Those aged 14 years old or older are eligible for certification through a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) referee license course offered through the Massachusetts State Referee Committee (MSRC)

Volunteers

The biggest challenge of FYSA is to maintain an active group of volunteer adults. Coaches are critical, but help with the concession stands, tournament, field maintenance and association management is necessary. If you have any time or skills to donate please complete the volunteer section in online registration or using our online volunteer registration form.

Division Descriptions

Instructional Division

An informal cooperative of parents and players learning the basics of youth sports and soccer. Players are aged 5 – 7 years old. The teams meet at various times during Saturdays for 1 hour of learning exercises and games. The teams are limited to 9 players. Micro sized fields are used to keep every player involved and touching the ball. This division is “instructional” for players, coaches, and parents as we all learn together.

FYSA tries to balance the teams each season by gender, therefore players may not necessarily stay on the same team from season to season. One team jersey is given to each player when they enter the Instructional Division. Shin guards, water bottle, a size 3 soccer ball and appropriate attire are required.

Academy

A competitive town program with mixed gender teams. Players must be between the ages of 8 and 14 years. Players practice one or two days a week in an academy style training format encourged to provide the best training from the best available coaches. Games are played on Saturdays. There are generally 8 – 10 players per team. Depending upon the number of players registered for Academy, players may play with different age groups and teams may be mixed gender teams. Games are small-sided, 5v5 or 6v6. Coaches are expected to have accredited training. Uniforms are purchased with initial registration and intended to be used for several seasons. Every effort is made to create balanced teams.

Travel Division

A program in which teams from Franklin compete with teams from other communities. The Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS) league within Mass Youth Soccer organizes it. Players are between the ages of 9 and 14 years (Fall) 9 and 17 (Spring). Travel teams practice two days a week and play Saturday games, generally five in Franklin and five in other towns, generally 10-30 minutes from Franklin.

Coaches are expected to have accredited training. Games are 7v7 on 60×40 fields at the Grade4 age groups, 9v9 on larger 50×80 fields for Grade5/Grade6 age group, and Grade7 and up play 11v11 on regulation fields.
Uniforms are purchased with the initial registration and are intended to be used for several seasons. Players are assigned to teams based on each players skill level. Skill level is determined by prior season coach’s rankings, in season age level practice sessions and tryouts (if necessary).

FYSA places the top players on higher division teams within an age group. The intention is to create the remainder of the teams within an age group as balanced as possible. The 50% rule applies. For instance, if four teams are at the Grade5 age bracket, the top 2 are skilled and the bottom two are balanced. If there are 3 teams then the top team is skilled and the next two teams are balanced. If two teams then the top team skilled, 2nd balanced. If you have any questions, please contact the Travel Director or the President.

FAQ’s

Why is soccer so popular with today’s youth?

Soccer has been the world’s most popular game for over 50 years because it features non-stop action that is easy to understand while also offering sophistication. It developed worldwide roots since it is one of the least expensive sports to organize and play. It features non-stop action and every player has a chance to score. And it is very simple to play at a youth level…just kick the ball in the net.

There are two seasons, how are they scheduled?

The Fall Season is typically the first 10 weeks after Labor Day and the Spring Season is generally the last 10 weeks of the school year.

How are teams generally formed?

Each division is slightly different on how teams are formed. In general, teams are formed into age brackets based on the age deadline of August 31st and School Grade. Placement on a team is essentially random (except for the Travel Division where placement is by skill). Due to the large number of players in FYSA, we are unable to take special requests for team placement except for special circumstances.

How do I register?

Online Registration is available on the website. Registration for the Fall Season is done in the preceding May and registration for the Spring season is done in the preceding October. A late fee is charged after the final registration date, players are automatically placed on a waitlist, and will be placed only where there are spots available on teams. Birth certificate photocopies are required for all first time players.

How can I help my child become a better player?

Show a personal interest by practicing with them or even coaching or volunteering. We are fortunate to have a local professional team so go see the New England Revolution. Sign up for a summer soccer camp. FYSA endorses camps that are held in Franklin during the summer. Or just watch a game together on TV.

Should my player go on a Travel team?

It is a matter of commitment. Travel teams practice twice a week. Five games are played at home and five in other towns. Games are normally played on Saturday’s BAYS.

There has been some bad press about youth sports parents. A typical concern is that parents shout continuous instructions to players that not only annoy them, but may also distract them from their job on the field. Disputing referees decisions can also be an issue. Referees do not reverse their calls and more to the point, most decisions in soccer do not effect the outcome of the game! As a fan remember that these young players, referees and coaches will not be perfect and you should take the game as an opportunity to share important time with your child.

What if I have more questions?

You can talk to your child’s coach, call any director or board member at 508-520-4070, or stop by the office during hours.