~GCCSA · Classic and Challenge Information for Parents

Our Mission

To provide a positive environment for the continuing development of players who demonstrate talent, commitment, good sportsmanship and the desire to excel in the sport of soccer.

Each team is assigned a coach who has been recruited by the Director of Coaching. Team coaches are required to have previous soccer experience and are continually evaluated and trained to assure the best possible experience for the players and team.

A team manager will be assigned to each team to serve as team liaison and "communicator" for the team. This is a volunteer position that requires organizational skill, time and commitment to the team. Team managers serve on the GCCSA Classic and Challenge Council.

A GCCSA Fee Schedule is provided that covers NCYSA registration, association fees, and coaching stipends. The first payment is due June 1^st. Limited scholarship money is available.

Team Fees are in addition to the GCCSA fees and will be collected by the team managers. These are used for referee fees, tournament fees, coach’s mileage to and from away games, and for the coach’s travel expenses at a tournament.

Coaches, players, and parents must sign a Code of Conduct prior to joining any GCCSA Classic or Challenge team. The Code of Conduct is an agreement to abide by the rules of the game, good sportsmanship, maintain respect for players, coaches and officials, and represent the GCCSA in a respectful and positive manner. This can be hard when you disagree with the referee, but good sportsmanlike conduct must be maintained.

The average team retains 16 players. There is NO guaranteed amount of playing time per player.

Issues involving playing time should be directed to the team manager who will relay the information to the Director of Coaching if deemed necessary.

Teams practice a minimum of twice a week. The Director of Coaching, in conjunction with team coaches, will determine practice times and sites.

Team members are expected to attend all practices and games. The success of the team depends on the skill and commitment of every player.

Seasonal games are played on either or both Saturday and Sunday. Travel distances, determined by field availability, may range from 30 minutes to 3 or more hours. North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) schedules all Classic games and the Challenge Association (CAYSL) schedules all Challenge games.

Teams travel to tournaments for the competition and exposure to other playing styles. Tournaments are chosen with the approval of the DOC. Tournament play is usually on Saturday and Sunday but may require travel Friday depending on the game schedule. Personal travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the player's family.

For more information, please email gccsa@gardner-webb.edu Your email will be answered within three business days.