The Athena Program is the select program for girls’ teams, as girls’ teams are defined by US Youth Soccer for girls of the ages 13 and under through 19 and under.

The Athena Program is for girls who wish to play competitive level soccer and are seriously committed to the game. Division's are defined and managed by Age Group Coordinators and the Chairperson of the Georgia Soccer - Youth Select Committee.

Typcially, Divisions will range from A - D; level A being the highest. This program is the most competitive program at SMYSA and requires a "tryout" to be selected and placed on a roster. Each youth member affiliate is responsible for the organization of teams and rosters, the assignement of coaches, and submission of those teams to Georigia Soccer for season scheduling if needed.

Tryouts are usually held during June to form the teams that will begin play in the Fall season of each year.

Teams are relegated and promoted through the division's depending on their prior season's standings. The Select Committee, chaired by the GA Soccer - youth Select Program Representative, Eric Hutlas, decides the number of teams in each division. Each age group has a coordinator who should be consulted about matters within that age such as schedule changes, current standings, reporting scores, etc.

Pre-tryout:
All players should attend tryouts in order to secure the best possible evaluation for the upcoming seasonal year. There are no guaranteed spots and the only way to secure the best possible evaluation is to attend the SMYSA tryouts. Players missing tryouts are not guaranteed a roster spot, and we must know they will not be at tryouts in order to be considered for the roster. Please be aware of this policy.

This program is governed by the Georgia Soccer - Youth Rules and Regulations.

 

Commitment Level: This Program is for a full two-season commitment, Fall 2010-Spring 2011. These programs are for serious soccer players looking to develop their skills in an environment with professional coaches and staff. Players are asked to make practice sessions and games during BOTH. Typically, teams practice 2 days a week during the season and play 1 game per weekend (Fall practices Aug-Nov; Spring practices Feb-May); however, PLEASE NOTE our higher level teams may be REQUIRED to add a third practice, while others will have an optional third practice added. Select soccer IS different from recreational soccer.
It is a two-season commitment (U10-U14) and practice attendance is required or playing time is subject to limitation based on the discretion of the coaching staff. The competition both inner-club and intra-club is much greater at this level and training sessions help build a player’s skill level to meet the demands of that competition. Professional staff members coach the teams to deepen a player’s skill and understanding of the game.

The players are expected to:
Attend all team practices and games unless there are extenuating circumstances (for example: illness or unexpected out-of-town trips).
Attend all scheduled tournaments and soccer camps.
Bring a correct-size and pumped ball, water, and wear socks and shin guards to every practice.
Wear the training shirt to every practice, if required by your coach.
Make soccer their primary sport during the soccer seasons. Fall Season and Spring for U10-U14. Fall for U15 and above.

The parents are expected to:
Make an increased time and financial commitment to the Select and Academy Program (as compared to recreational soccer).
Parents must also commit to making timely payments to the team manager/team treasurer for coaching/ training/tournament fees during the year.
Get players to practices and games on time and ready to practice/play.

 

Length of Games, Overtime Periods and Ball Specifications

 

Section 1. (a) the length of games, overtime periods, ball size, ball circumference, and ball weight for each age group is as follows:

Age Group	Game Length	Overtime Periods	Size	Circumference	Weight	Number of Players
Under-19	Two 45' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-18	Two 45' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-17	Two 45' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-16	Two 40' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-15	Two 40' halves	Two 15' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-14	Two 35' halves	Two 10' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-13	Two 35' halves	Two 10' halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-12	Two 30' halves	Two 10' halves	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	MAXIMUM 11, 8 preferred
Under-11	Two 30' halves	Two 10' halves	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	MAXIMUM 11, 8 preferred
Under-10	Two 25' halves	NONE	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	MAXIMUM 7, 6 preferred

   

 Section 1. (b) In tournament play, if the game is still tied after overtime periods, FIFA "Kicks from the Penalty Mark" rules apply to determine the winner.