With new fields under construction, and the club going through a major makeover in the next two years, the Brandon Area Youth Soccer League (BAYSL) is posed to begin registration for its upcoming fall and winter season. The league, which was established in 1976 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1977, is an affiliate member of the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA), one of the largest members of the United States Youth Soccer (USYS).
According to league President Joanne Quinn, the club’s main goal is to promote and develop soccer in the Brandon area with an emphasis on youth development. “Our philosophy is to provide each player the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment and skill, while learning at a level that fits his or her interest and ability,” Quinn said, adding, “We also want to create a challenging environment for those who seek to reach their full potential.”
Quinn emphasized that BAYSL has become a full-service soccer organization with teams for children and adults, as well as those with special needs (TOPS), which is clearly visible through the league’s growth, both in numbers, as well as in team and individual achievements. It posted more than 1,900 participating members, which includes 400 select and premier players, 1,300 recreational players (about 140 teams), close to 150 adult players and about 80 TOPS players.
Of course, this kind of operation requires plenty of work on the part of all involved, such as the approximately 200 volunteer coaches, 20 volunteer board members, a full-time director of coaching (DOC), two assistant DOCs, a part-time club administrator and other volunteers adding to the count.“BAYSL’s continued growth and excellence,” Quinn said, “is because of all these people working together to keep it moving forward and staying as one of the best clubs in Florida. We are constantly striving to have the best coaches and trainers, whose primary goal is to develop players in four basic areas: technique, tactics, psychology and physical fitness.”
Proud of hosting The Brandon Cup every President’s Day weekend, which annually draws about 100 teams, BAYSL is confident to benefit the Brandon area as a training ground for skill development, self-confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship. “Soccer players need excellent training, coaching, facilities, and support to be successful,” Quinn said, and added that although BAYSL is able to provide all of this right now, the addition of the new fields, scheduled to be ready for the 2010-2011 season, will make the club even better.
The upcoming season’s coaches registration is now scheduled for Thursday, August 13, from 6-9 p.m., at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, located 9331 E. Adamo Dr. in Tampa.Player registration is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and Thursday, August 27, from 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m., at J.C. Handly Park, located at 3104 S. Kings Ave., in Brandon. Registration will continue on Saturday, August 29, from10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, August 30, from1 a.m.-4 p.m., at Dick’s Sporting Goods located at the Brandon Westfield Mall.
For more information, please visit its Website at www.brandonsoccer.com, or call 684-5948.
