Volume 19 | December 3, 2020
Weekly Newsletter - December 3, 2020
Return to Play Update
Current Status as of 11/18/2020

  • Out of State - Travel to neighboring states for practice or play is severely discouraged, however if you do travel, keep in mind that the New York COVID-19 Travel Advisory must be followed, as well as that of the State or States you are traveling to.

  • In State - No restrictions for a single game in a single day, not requiring an overnight stay. Tournaments of multiple games, matches or scrimmages (regardless of the game length) that require travel outside of your (COVID) region or beyond counties that border the one you are in (irrespective of region) are prohibited.

  • Teams from other states cannot practice or play in New York.

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, restrictions and guidance is changing frequently by region. Please make sure you are aware of the requirements in place for your region.

  • Maps of current cluster zones can be found here.  
  • Please ensure you are aware of the guidance for these zones here

NYSW Updates
"Virtual" Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday, November 21, 2020. We had 78 attendees from 50 different organizations in attendance for the meeting.

Additional Details regarding the meeting including the recording can be found here.
Soccer through Soccer Newsletter - November
First, 1v1 means that the players need to have the courage to battle with the defender, with knowledge she or he could lose the ball or worst-case scenario to concede a goal. For a 1v1 situation we need players who believe in themselves and in their abilities to win the challenge against the defender. In this article we will demonstrate samples of practice sessions that are the basics to start with our young players. We believe that a 1on 1 dribbling is one of the most important piece in the development of young and intelligent soccer players.
Esports: 2020 SnowDown Cup
This Weekend!
NYSW will host a FREE! FIFA20 tournament on December 6 at 12:00PM. Two age groups: 10-12 & 13-18 years. Prizes for the first place of each group + raffle for all participants. Be safe and stay connected to the game! 

ODP Programs Delayed Until January
Due to rising COVID infection rates within Western NY, an increase in hotspot clusters now being classified as yellow and orange zones, and with the looming potential for further elevations following the Thanksgiving holiday, NYSWYSA, out of an abundance of caution, will delay the start of all winter programming until January 8, 2021. 

Are you looking for an opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in your area and around the state? Are you looking for a good way to supplement the training that you are getting with your local club team? Are you looking to develop your game through exposure to high level coaching and in a competitive environment?

If so, then the NYW Olympic Development Program is something you will want to be a part of.
Champions Conference

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) announced on November 8 that it is initiating a new league in the Spring of 2021. The name of the league is the NY West Champions Conference. The league is meant to provide an increased opportunity for high-performing District League teams to progress to a higher level of league play. For more details see the announcement letter, or go to the NY West Champions Conference web site. 
US Youth Soccer Updates
POSTPONED - December 2020 National League Events (North Carolina & Tampa)
Given the increasing number of COVID cases, and with the health of our soccer community in mind, the US Youth Soccer National League is postponing both the North Carolina (Dec. 4-7) and Tampa (Dec. 27-30) events.

This postponement includes both the Showcase Series and Playoff competitions for each of the December events. New dates and locations for the rescheduled events are being determined and will be announced at a future time.
US Soccer Updates
Guidelines for Indoor Soccer Released

U.S. Soccer has released guidelines for indoor soccer as part of its PLAY ON campaign, providing coaches, players, parents, referees and administrators with considerations to continue to ensure safe play indoors as winter approaches.

U.S. Soccer encourages playing outdoors whenever it is safe to do so in accordance with its Cold Weather Guidelines. When weather doesn’t permit outdoor play, these indoor recommendations will help evaluate and mitigate risk.

The guidelines advise the use of larger indoor facilities for acceptable social and physical distancing, as well as higher frequency air exchange rates to reduce risk. Shorter training sessions with fewer players on the field and no throw-ins can also help decrease risk, while players and coaches should continue to wear a mask when not physically active.

All the resources for the PLAY ON initiative can be found in a virtual hub at ussoccer.com/playon. PLAY ON guidelines are intended for use only when and if state and local authorities have deemed it safe to return to the field, indoors or outdoors.

US Soccer guidelines for indoor soccer do not supersede the specific requirements a venue has in place. The requirements of the venue should always take precedence.
Parent / Athlete Resources
Discounts available for your soccer needs
Dick's Sporting Goods is offering all NYSWYSA members a 10 - 20% discount off your soccer apparel and equipment needs. The attached coupons are valid from September 16 - December 31, 2020.

Minor Athlete and Parent SafeSport Training
Policy 212-3 requires members to offer SafeSport training to youth participants. The U.S. Center for SafeSport offers this training free of charge to anyone.

This training is available without creating an account or going through the NGB Portal, and you can offer this training to your players and parents, but note that parental consent is required for any minor athlete to complete the training.
New York State West Youth Soccer Association | PO Box 1247, Corning, NY 14830
607-962-9923 | office@nyswysa.org

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is the parent organization for over two hundred and fifty affiliated clubs and leagues in Western New York State. NYSWYSA is affiliated with US Youth Soccer, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and the Federation de International Football Association (FIFA).