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Community Sports
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Saturday, May 17, 2008, 3:00 AM
WYSA hopes growth continues at recent pace By Paul Durham | Sports Editor Bigger and better are apt descriptives for the growth potential of Wilson Youth Soccer Association on the eve of its annual spring tryouts. The WYSA just finished its fall-spring split season with approximately 270 players on 25 teams, WYSA President John Rhyne said, but the hope is for more than 400 interested players to show up for tryouts this week. The tryouts will run from Monday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Gillette Athletic Complex. "These are open tryouts, open to anybody who wants to come try out," Rhyne said. The growth of the WYSA has been rapid. From about six years ago, the number of teams has ballooned from "about seven or eight to 25," Rhyne said. "We are one of the largest associations in the state not associated with a major metropolitan area," he said. "We're drawing kids from Roanoke Rapids, Greenville, Rocky Mount and Pikeville." The WYSA is instituting a change this season that focuses on skill development for its youngest players. There will also be an informational meeting and registration meeting each day this week regarding the new youth development program, designed for U8 and U9 players. The information meeting and registration will begin at 6:15 p.m. each day. "It is a huge trend that is growing," he said. "Raleigh for the longest time has had that focus." Rhyne noted the development program is happening in other associations in Greensboro, Charlotte and Jacksonville, to name a few. While soccer clubs such as the WYSA require dues from its players, Rhyne said financial assistance is available in some cases. Most WYSA teams will spend the next month or two in training although some will play in various tournaments. The regular season begins in late August and will run through the fall then resume next spring. WYSA teams play in either the Down East Challenge League or the N.C. Youth Soccer Association First or Second Division for Classic teams. Wilson has yet to qualify a team for the Premier League but came very close this past season. paul@wilsontimes.com | 265-7808 ========================================================== WYSA Tryout Info Tryouts on Monday and Tuesday will be for boys ages 9-under (U9) to 18-under (U18) while the tryouts for girls U9-U18 will be Wednesday and Thursday. On-site registration will begin at 5:15 p.m. each day. To pre-register or for more information, please visit the WYSA Web site at www.wilsonyouthsoccer.com. For more information, please contact John Rhyne at 291-1746 or johnrhyne@nc.rr.com; or Beth White at 363 9876 or bwhite@coastalnet.com.
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