Soccer

Our goal in the Granby Athletic Association’s soccer program is to have players (and parents) learn the game and have fun. We also want players to be able to match their interest and abilities with the level of challenge and competition for their level of development. The K-U8 program is for players of all skill levels but emphasizes learning soccer skills and the rules of the game, working with a team, and building social, physical, and emotional readiness for a game. The travel teams (U8-Higher) allows players with advanced interest and abilities an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the game and to challenge themselves at a higher level of competition with players at the same level from surrounding towns. Some travel teams also compete in tournaments with teams from Massachusetts. Good sportsmanship is not only desirable, it is essential. Our coaches will challenge our players to accept these values and play by them and we ask your support as parents in maintaining this focus.

Grades 3rd- 6th: We play in Roots Soccer League. You will be required to confirm or create a player’s account with photo etc. Your assigned coach will have further directions.

Players needing uniforms, please indicate uniform size on registration form and top 3 preferred #’s.

Registration Forms

Please bring the following items along with a completed registration form:

Copy of your athletes birth certificate (3rd–6thgrades)
Head shot photo (for pass cards 3rd – 6th grades)

Volunteering

This is an all volunteer organization. We receive no town funding. We are very happy to see the growth of soccer in Granby. More than 300 players of this small town are involved in our program. We are constantly trying to improve our program offered and to meet the needs of our players. Our volunteer coaches are highly committed and energetic. But, to meet these growing needs and demands, we need your help. Please volunteer to coach, assist, work with fund-raising, help with fields maintenance, publicity, equipment, or anything else you feel you can contribute. Please contact a soccer committee member for further information.

Code of Conduct

Codes of Conduct are located on the Safe Soccer section of the Mass Youth Soccer website. https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/codes-of-conduct/

Support Your Child

Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important.

Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important that victory – that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!

Always Be Positive

Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child’s team as well as good plays by the opposing team.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.

Remember: Your Child Wants To Have Fun

Remember that your child is the one playing soccer, not you. It’s very important to let children establish their own goals – to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.

Don’t put too heavy a burden on your child to win games.

Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team.

Children play for the fun of playing.

Reinforce Positive Behavior

Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it’s all part of learning, so encourage your child’s efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.

Don't Be A Sideline Coach Or Referee

Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child’s youth soccer experience a positive one. They need your support too.

That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there’s usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!

As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters.

Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In AYSO, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat – all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.

Player's Code of Conduct

From the American Youth Soccer Organization

Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
Play by the Laws of the Game.
Never argue with or complain about referees' calls are decisions.
Control your temper. Most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
Concentrate on playing soccer with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself.
Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it's your team or your opponent's.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a showoff or a ball hog.
Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and the referees.