CLUB AFFILIATION
The River Dell Blackhawks is the travel soccer division of the River Dell Soccer Association (RDSA) and a member of the Northern Counties Soccer Association (NCSA) league. The NCSA is primarily comprised of soccer clubs from
Bergen,
Passaic,
Essex and
Rockland
Counties. The Blackhawks offers an attractive option for boys and girls interested in a more competitive, year-round soccer experience than that offered by the RDSA’s recreation soccer division.
TRYOUTS
2008-2009 tryouts for the Blackhawks will be held on Tuesday, May 27 at River Dell High School. On-line pre-registration for the tryouts is required at www.riverdellsoccer.net beginning April 1. While every effort will be made to accommodate every interested player, this is not always possible due to league-mandated roster constraints and the availability of certified coaches. As the Blackhawks participate in the competitive NCSA, playing time may not be equal for each player and playing time and player positions are at the coaches’ discretion.
ELIGIBILITY
For the fall 2008/spring 2009 season, boys and girls born between August 1, 1994 (U14) and July 31, 2002 (U7) are eligible to try out for Blackhawks.
GAMES
In the fall, boys play on Saturdays and girls play on Sundays. In the spring, all teams play on Sundays. There are approximately 10 NCSA league games in each of the fall and spring seasons. Fall 2008 match play begins in early September. Road games are typically held no farther away than
Newark to the south and
Rockland
County to the north.
PRACTICES & TRAINING
Generally there are two practice sessions per week during the fall and spring. Every team receives at least one 1-½ hour training session per week with a professional trainer affiliated with UK Elite Soccer, World Class Soccer or a comparable training organization, during the entire seasonal year (September 1 through August 31). Indoor practices, league games or tournaments are usually held once a week during the winter months. Days and times of all sessions are subject to field/facility availability and have not yet been determined. Pre-season practices for the fall 2008 season will vary by team, but will begin in August.
TOURNAMENTS & LEAGUES
Each team may enter sanctioned tournaments during the year (with the exception of U7 teams), usually over holiday weekends (Columbus Day and Memorial Day weekends), and at indoor facilities during the winter.
FEES
Club Membership for the fall, winter and spring season is $385 per player ($350 for U7 and a $1,000 family maximum) that is due upon acceptance to a team. The fee covers league registration fees, referee fees, Club-sponsored training sessions, insurance, tournaments, field maintenance and improvements, administrative expenses, team equipment, etc. Players are required to purchase a specified Club uniform (two jerseys, shorts and socks) that costs approximately $80 and is expected to be used for two full season cycles. No player will be denied participation based on financial hardship.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Jon Sorkenn, RDSA Vice President, Travel at jsorkenn@optonline.net or (845) 641-4313.
