The GSSA recreational program (GSSA SAY) is operated under SAY National rules, and plays in the SAY North District.
Facts About the Greater Sycamore Soccer Association
Background:
Since 1977, the Greater Sycamore Soccer Association (GSSA) has provided the local community with a fun and exciting recreational youth soccer program for players ages 5-18 who live in the Blue Ash, Kenwood, Montgomery, and Symmes communities.
GSSA is part of the national SAY (Soccer Association for Youth) USA organization, and is committed to promoting a nurturing environment for all ages, providing a balance of fun, skill-building, and competition. We reside within the SAY North district and service the Sycamore School district.
We have two distinct playing seasons. The spring season starts in March and typically concludes before Memorial Day weekend. The season consists of eight (8) games, with no post season. The fall season involves ten (10) regular season games, plus a post season tournament. The fall season starts in August and concludes in late October/early November, depending on a team's success in the post season.
Teams typically practice one night per week for one hour, but older level teams commonly hold longer practices.
To ensure the highest standards are maintained throughout the organization, a code of ethics endorsed by all SAY North organizations for players, spectators, referees, and coaches is strictly enforced. All participants are encouraged to read the code of ethics prior to participating in the program.
Registration: All registration is completed online.
Cost: If a player registers in time, the fee is $100. If one registers after the deadline, the fee is $150. The fee includes the cost of a jersey, shorts, and socks. There are no additional fees for field usage, referees, etc., but some Hamilton County Parks charge for admission. Players need to provide their own shin guards, soccer cleats, and ball for practices. SAY soccer leagues, including GSSA, offer the greatest value for their participants.
Playing Levels: There are a total of seven playing levels in the organization, with separate boys and girls programs.
Refer to the SAY Soccer Player Age Chart to determine your child's playing level.
Player Participation:
Placement on teams is accomplished via a draw per SAY USA rules. If a player has requested NOT to be placed on the same team, he/she will be randomly placed on another team. No special requests for practice nights, playing dates, coaches, or teammates can be considered.
Coaching: Coaching is a volunteer position and can be a fun and rewarding experience. All coaches are required to attend an SAY-certified coach clinic. Coaches may request one Assistant Coach. No special requests for players or additional coaches can be honored due to the random draw rules. If you would like to coach, please fill out the appropriate information on the registration form or call our Administrator @ 513-426-6957.
Refereeing: Refereeing is a paid position. Anyone 12 years of age or over is eligible to be a referee. All referees are trained and certified per SAY national requirements. To become a referee, e-mail our Referee Coordinator (see Executive tab).
Team Sponsors:
Team sponsors are critical in keeping the registration fees at an affordable rate. Companies or individuals can sponsor teams. Multiple team discounts are available. If you are interested in sponsoring a team, please e-mail (see Executive tab on left ) or call our Administrator @ 513-426-6957. Also Team sponsors will have banner ads listed on our sponsor tab on the left. Team sponsor listings will have their logo hyperlinked to either their web site or email address.
Mailing Address: GSSA, 11414 Deerfield Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
Questions? Please send your questions via e-mail to the appropriate GSSA Board Member (see Executive tab on top) or give us a call @ 513-426-6957.