Note: you may be most interested in the final FAQ, but reading the other information may help your decision making.

BACKGROUND

KCYS was paying for Sports Engine, basically for Web hosting the past 2 seasons, while we were operationally aligned with BSC.  The current board wanted to gain an understanding of our level of service with our current vendor (SportsEngine), while also looking at other tech solutions in the marketplace for the 2025 season. Those discussions led us to select a new vendor, and they were in a position to accelerate a pilot rollout for this season. 

FAQ  

Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE of Team Snap, or any communications tool?  

A: Several purposes. Group texts can be a never ending distraction. Apps like Team Snap keep the conversation restricted to authorized users, and allows you to access the convo within the app.

In addition, for parents with multiple children, they can switch teams within the app to get their latest news...as opposed to checking team A's email chain, team B's group text, and Team C's What's App.

It also gets league information down to the user level.  As an example from last year, there was a schedule revision that was pushed out to the coaches, well in advance of the affected date.  It only takes one person not pushing the info down to create chaos!  Putting the schedule in Snap will allow users to see info in real time and ask questions if needed.

Q: WHY CHANGE vendors?  

A: We deemed that KCYS severely underutilized the Sports Engine asset in prior years.  Our VP overseeing league assets reached out to several vendors, including the incumbent (Sports Engine).  We stated our concerns re our SportsEngine utilization and requested a live demo of all features.  They would not provide one.  There were some other issues in the registration process that were not great; however, the inability of the incumbent vendor to provide support to a paying customer was a key driver in the decision.

Q: WHAT IS IN Snap?

A: Name and contact info previously provided at registration, and used in part to create rosters.  No pictures, and we are not encouraging you to add them. Medical info not included.

Q: CAN WE opt out of being in TeamSnap?

A: While doing so would negate the benefits of streamlined communication and uniformity, you ultimately must decide which apps are right for you. Yes, you can opt out by sending an email to gmann.kcys@gmail.com  with cc to btroup.kcys@gmail.com with subject "TeamSnap Opt-out".  Include child's name/coach/sponsor to ensure we properly identify the record. You may also change the display name in the app to your name, sending an email with the subject "TeamSnap Display Change".

Slots are filling fast for our free summer clinics at KCMS!!!!!  While we don't turn people away, signing up will help us staff the session and plan appropriate drills https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44A8A828A4F9C07-50176228-kcys#/

OBJECTIVE:

We are positioning KCYS as a rec+ program.  At its heart, KCYS is a local rec level league.  At the same time, we have many talented players who could use additional pathways, without the additional costs of club level play. KCYS is always looking to illuminate those pathways.

EXPECTATIONS:

*Teams should practice 2 times + a week in the preseason, and once per week during the season. Our coaches are volunteers.  While we provide support as requested, they may have different experience levels.  If winning is paramount, we encourage you to select "yes" to the volunteer question on the registration.

*Referees (u8-u14) are paid a small scale, less than what EDP or ODP refs earn.  This is not done to suggest officiating is a primary income, but without any incentive, there would be an utter lack of officials.  We are seeking volunteer linesfolk, so that our refs can make more on-field calls and provide instruction at 7v7 levels.

*u6-u14: Teams will have a minimum 8 game season to be played Saturday mornings.

*u6 (5v5): This is developmental level, small sides designed to maximize touches and learn basic elements.

*u8 (7v7): This division competes for top-of-the-table and tournament titles.

*u10 (7v7): This division competes for top-of-the-table and tournament titles.

*u12 (9v9): This division competes for top-of-the-table and tournament titles. Some friendlies outside the organization

*u14 (11v11): Enrollment at this age usually allows for in house games, if possible, and friendlies outside the organization.  

*u4 (5v5): Teams will practice as "small groups" (one player/one ball), come together for "large group" (2-3 players/one ball) on Saturdays, and graduate to some game play.

*Select: If enough enrollees, these teams will enter post-season tournament(s) in the region.

THE KENT COUNTY YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION IS NOW AN AFFILIATE OF THE MARYLAND STATE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION. 

THIS WILL HELP:

KEEP COST DOWN

OFFER RESOURCES FOR COACHES/PLAYERS

MORE AVAILABILITY FOR TOURNAMENTS

The Kent County Youth Soccer Association seeks to teach children how to play soccer in an environment that is encouraging to youth and helps them to seek their full athletic potential at an age appropriate level.  This is done through coaching and instruction that is positive, constructive and competition that is fair and appropriate.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of Kent County Youth Soccer?