An Introduction to the NASA / Ranger Program

An Introduction to the NASA / River City Ranger Program

Soccer is the most popular sport on Earth with a history dating back to the ancient Persians. Shortly after his ascension in 1154, Henry II of England banned the game because it was interfering with archery practice. This is about the earliest written record we have of the game.

Although widespread popularity of the game is moderately new to the United States, soccer is by far the most popular sport for the rest of the world, with the 1998 World Cup final game boasting a worldwide television audience approaching an estimated 2.7 billion people.

If your family is new to this arena, you are going to find a number of options available to you through our association, and your choices will be based primarily on skill development and level of commitment. The NASA program is designed to provide a comfortable placement to match your child's level of desire.

Parent Volunteers who respect players at every level of the game are the core of the NASA/Ranger program. NASA is a recognized Partner at public and private schools in North Austin and has been nominated for AISD Partner of the Year and Project of the Year. STYSA Volunteer of the Year and Coach of the Year Awards have been earned by the NASA and Ranger organizations.

NASA Playing Options

Division IV (Recreational)

Under-05 through Under-10 is designated as Division IV. Starting at four (4) years of age, players (boys and girls) are placed on teams and develop beginning to intermediate technique in “small-sided” games. The team's field 3, 4, or 6 players on a side depending on the age bracket, and most play is against NASA teams. Starting at Under-10, teams may begin to play other teams in the greater Capitol Area Youth Soccer Association (CAYSA).

NASA pioneered the “small-sided” format in 1996, because it gives each player a better chance at playing the ball and provides a simpler game, which younger players can more easily grasp. The basic skills and tactics remain the same even when the players graduate into upper levels.

Teams in these divisions are non-select. Any child registering who is under the age of ten (10) is placed on a team, and the teams are formed with the intent of balancing the average experience level of each team so that there are no “killer teams”. There are no “try-outs” and coaches do not participate in the formation of their teams.

Division IV Recreational Plus (Rec+)

Recreational Plus (Rec+) offers an option for young players that wish to take their game to the next level. This program has been developed by Ivan Ruddle, Director of Coaching and Player Development for NASA and the River City Rangers, to provide a high quality and accelerated soccer learning environment. There are no tryouts and it is open to all Under-09 and Under-10 players (boys and girls), who have the desire and commitment to improve their skills in a fun team structured format working with professional coaches. Players will receive two 1½ hour training sessions on week nights and will play games and tournaments on the weekends against similar committed players in other associations.

Division III (Recreational)

Under-11 through Under-18 is designated as Division III and is designed for 10 year olds and older players to develop beginning to advanced techniques, and also for the child who is entering the sport late. Often, these players are starters on their school soccer teams but also have interest in other activity such as cheerleading, volleyball, band, football, or baseball. Teams typically practice once or twice a week, play a weekend game and may attend a tournament. Most play is inter-league against other registered CAYSA Division III teams. Some NASA Division III teams enter Division II competitions such as the Spring South Texas Cup. Any Division III team that wins the Fall CAYSA Tournament must advance to Division II, assuming there are at least 7 returning players.

Team formation policies are the same as Division IV with all applicants assigned without try-outs.

Parents with advanced licensing provide coaching. Because of the wide range of skill levels present on a single team, coaches are not able to concentrate on individual skill development, and those players wishing to upgrade their playing level will find the optional skills/development sessions necessary.

NASA Division II (Select)

This bracket is intended for players who are moderately well skilled and want to play at a higher level than Division III. Division II teams typically practice three times a week and play inter-league against other registered CAYSA Division II teams.

In general, NASA does not encourage Division II play, however, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis. NASA highly recommends that a team requesting to play in Division II should have played at least one (1) season as a Division III team.

If a Division II team is accepted for play under NASA, the following guidelines will apply:

Team must provide their own certified coaches and trainers

Minimum certification is a STYSA U-12 module or NSCAA State Diploma then an E License or NSCAA Regional Diploma for the older age groups

The Manager must meet all NASA/CAYSA/STYSA deadlines and filing requirements

The Coach or Manager must attend the NASA/CAYSA/STYSA required meetings

Team must wear NASA logoed uniforms

The team may attend any free clinic or free training session provided by NASA for NASA Division III teams

There can be no more than two (2) practices per week (in addition to any clinics offered by NASA)

The team must schedule practice and game fields via the ASDG Field Scheduler

Abide by all NASA policies regarding field (both match and training) usage

All players applying to play on the team are strongly encouraged to attend RCR tryouts

The team may hold tryouts, if desired, but tryouts may not take place prior to the RCR tryouts

The NASA/RCR Director of Coaching (or designate) may attend or participate in the team training sessions or games at his or her sole discretion

Ranger Playing Options

When a child reaches the age of ten (10), they may decide to try-out for a select team. Try-out sessions are held in the late spring for players wishing to register with an upper level team for the following fall season. Placement is based on the player's demonstrated abilities, development potential, and the number of available positions on the team. Players are chosen by a coaching committee and placed on team divisions according to skill level.

A higher level of commitment is required of parents of these players because of the increased costs and frequent travel requirements.

Division II / Super II (Select)

This bracket is intended for children who are moderately well skilled, and who have decided that they really like the game and want to commit to playing it well. They should have not more than one other activity, which can compete for their commitment of time and energy. Practice and game attendance is mandatory. Division II is subdivided into two levels (II and Super II). Division II teams typically practice twice a week, play weekend games and attend several tournaments each season. Play is inter-league against other registered CAYSA Division II teams.

Coaching at this level is by advanced licensed trainers who are preferably not the parents of a team member. Coaches are also rotated periodically to expose the players to a wider range of coaching specialties.

Division I (Select)

This bracket is for the player who has no other activity approaching his desire to play soccer. Travel is extensive, and practice is virtually year-round. Players at this level should be highly skilled for their age and intent on improving.

Coaching is by nationally licensed professionals.

O.D.P. (Olympic Development Program)

Late in the fall season, players age 14 and above are eligible for nomination to state and area O.D.P. teams. These teams gather the very best players for additional training and selection for a player pool from which will eventually be selected our National Team. Try-outs are by invitation only, and players selected have the opportunity to play in national and international competitions.

Adult Teams

Both NASA and the River City Rangers provide playing opportunities for adults. Competition levels range from novice to advanced at any age.

NASA Adults: Toward the end of each season, parents and coaches are invited to register for the NASA adult season. The game provides parents and coaches the opportunity to play in a 'pick-up' format. Teams are coed, mixing accomplished players with novices under guidelines that allow first time players to quickly become assets to their teams. These games are lots of fun for players and spectators, and embody the best of what soccer can be.

Ranger Adults: The Rangers host various under and over 30 men and women's teams as part of the Austin adult program. Competition levels range from the moderate Competitive league to the more intense Premier league.

Summary Of Youth Soccer Options For Under-11 (10 year olds) and Older

	NASA Div III	NASA Div II	Rangers Div II/Super II	Rangers Div 1
Practices per Week	1 or 2	2	2	3
Games per Week	1	1 or 2	1 or 2	1 or 2
Opposing Teams	8 to 9	10 to 12	10 to 12	6
Licensed Coach	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Professional Coach	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Professional Trainer	League	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tournaments per Season	0 to 1	1 to 2	2 to 4	3 or More
Basic Fees per Year	$290	$410	$750 / $990	$1,170
Additional Fees	$0 to $50	$0 to $100	$220 to $300	$220 to $400
Level of Family Commitment	Variable	Moderate	High	Very High
Precludes Other Sports/Activities	No	No	Some	Likely

All Teams Play in CAYSA: Austin, Bastrop, Copperas Cove, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos, Temple, and other associations in the greater capitol area.