Florida Alliance Soccer League (FASL)
There seems to be many questions being asked about this new exciting concept which is on its way to Tampa Bay! I have answered some of the more pertinent questions to give a better understanding as to what this means to our club. I have composed a list of frequently asked questions:
Q: What is FASL?
A: FASL is a new League which has been designed by Club Directors who have many years of experience in Youth soccer development. This League will cover the greater Tampa Bay area in the interim and look to incorporate other locations further afield as it grows.
Q: Who are the people running this League?
A: Many of these Directors have professional soccer backgrounds and know what it takes to form a winning product and develop players, including both playing and coaching in UEFA club competitions.
Q: Why do we need FASL?
A: Many of the Leagues that are presently in place have started with the best of intentions but failed to deliver the product to enhance the playing experience for our players and take the player to the next level. This has lead to dissatisfaction and stagnation amongst some of its membership. There are a multitude of reasons for this and something I do not want to delve into at this stage. However we have studied these issues and are well placed to eradicate what we see. There needs to be a League in place that services all clubs and that measure up to the standards required to participate.
Q: Will our team still be able to play FYSA Region Cup and State Cup?
A: Yes, with teams being registered through US Club soccer and FYSA or Teams participating in a FYSA sanctioned League. This will enable teams to play both USA league soccer and FASL.
Q: What age Brackets does this service?
A: It will service ages 13-18 with an attempt to go from ages 9-18 in year two.
Q: When will the Leagues run?
A: 13-14s will go from September-October and 15-18s August through mid October.
Q: How many games will be scheduled?
A: Seven League games have been slated for season one with a knockout cup completion in the spring season, however this is subject to change.
Q: In what other areas will this help our Teams?
A: For the first time in my 17 years of being involved in Youth soccer in the Bay area, never have so many DOCs been on the same page due to the development of this League and in this for the good of the players, no matter what club they come from! This is a rarity amongst local clubs which hurts the development of the players in the long run.
The League intends to run Coalition teams from the member clubs, thus allowing teams to attend hybrid Tournaments perhaps not on offer to teams in the past. The Alliance will have its own distinct uniforms which will be worn at such events, which will represent our club and the League! This will also give our older players greater college exposure.
Q: What else can I expect?
A: Events hosted at all member clubs will be on offer to registered players from the Alliance. This could be a clinic, or a visiting coach from overseas! And any other worthy event that is on offer. You can expect a League run with vision and a plan to make this a League we can all be proud of with ownership and integrity being displayed in abundance!
Q: How many Clubs will be in this League?
A: We have 6 founding members and two members. So a total of 8 with two other clubs looking to join.
Q: How Far will we travel?
A: No further than you have in the past as this is a Tampa Bay based league.
Q: So, what sort of corporation will you be?
A: A 503c Non Profit organization
I think that this covers most of the questions that seem to be prevalent... This League is being orchestrated for the right reasons and the timing is spot on. People are always wary of change however in order to improve we have to step outside the comfort zone and be bold in what we do have the courage and conviction to carry them out!
Tony Paris
President: FASL
