ALLIANCE PROGRAM

MDSA’s Alliance Program (previously known as the Select Program) offers enthusiastic and motivated 10U-16U (born 2008-2014) players from the opportunity to improve their skills in a more competitive but still recreational environment. Alliance is the AYSO Player Pathway level between Recreational and Club Programs. Players are selected based on skill and potential through tryouts, but can expect a lower level of competitive play and time commitment that at the full Club level.

Alliance consists of two seasons and teams are formed twice a year: Fall and Spring. For Fall, players are chosen, teams formed and announced in June.  Training sessions typically start mid-July. The Alliance program game schedule runs from August through October, and all teams will choose play in a number of tournaments that end typically in October depending on the team’s chosen schedule. For Spring, players are chosen, teams formed and announced in November.  Training sessions typically start in December. The Alliance program game schedule runs from February through April, and all teams will choose play in a number of tournaments that end typically in May depending on the team’s chosen schedule.

PARTICIPATION

All  players (10U-16U) are encouraged to apply. Alliance Teams may participate in the Area 2C Alliance League, along with their choice of local and travel tournaments, and CalNorth Select League.

Unlike Recreational program teams at 10U and up, Alliance teams are “age pure” as per US Soccer guidelines, so they are single-year teams based on calendar year of birth. The number of teams that will be formed in each division varies from year to year, depending on number of applicants, talent and coach availability.  Alliance teams will travel more than House teams, as the region could play teams from around the Bay Area (this will vary from year to year).

A higher level of commitment is expected from both the players AND the parents.  Alliance is for enthusiastic and motivated players. For the purposes of player development, a player is expected to regularly attend training sessions and games. Parents are also expected to participate in league organization and team support roles, including Referee, Manager and Treasurer.

REGISTRATION

Tryouts for Fall 2023 Alliance will take place SUNDAY JUNE 4TH and TUESDAY JUNE 6TH. Callbacks may be held if necessary on Saturday June 10th.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4TH: CONCORD COMMUNITY PARK

SUNDAY, JUNE 4TH: EL DORADO

TUESDAY, JUNE 6TH: WESTWOOD

TUESDAY, JUNE 6TH: EL DORADO

Interested players should register for tryouts and submit a player application HERE. Coaches should submit a Coach Application HERE.

FEES

The Fall 2023 Alliance Program Fee will be $350, which includes, among other costs, the AYSO Alliance fee, field rentals, referee fees and the Alliance and CalNorth League fees. Additionally, families will need to purchase uniforms (est. $100/player), and contribute to team funds for tournaments and other incidental expenses. Players are expected to participate in several tournaments with the actual number based on the coach’s preference and scheduling requirements. You can expect to participate in anywhere from 3-6 tournaments. You should plan on an additional $450-$500 per player in tournament fees in addition to the Program Fee and uniforms. Additionally you will need to account for other incidental travelling costs such as gas, food, and lodging depending on the location of the tournament.