Important 2020-2021 Tryouts Update

The state's youth soccer governing body, Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA), has adopted a major change in regard to tryouts for Fall 2020 play. Read about the policy and get information on how to sign up for OSC on our Tryouts tab.

OSC Allowing Team "Get Togethers" June 9 - July 19

This is to provide you an update on Okemos Soccer Club's / suspension on all activities ban that has been in place in the last three months.

In order to understand firsthand the implications of MSYSA return to training guidelines, we held a pilot practice last night that involved no soccer balls.  In reviewing the results, OSC has determined we are not in a position to endorse, recommend, or encourage practices / trainings that involve soccer balls.  However, we feel it is important for teams to have the option to get-together for the mental health aspect of our players and families.  That's why, we are lifting OSC's "all activities" ban through the end of month, but NOT the ban on "soccer practice / training" with a soccer ball.

In other words, a socially-distanced team get-together WITHOUT A SOCCER BALL and WITH LIMITED TRAINING EQUIPMENT, following MSYSA guidelines below, IS allowed through July 19th, but again NO SOCCER BALLS can be used in this socially-distanced get-together.

Please note, we all must understand and adhere to the very specific "MSYSA R2T Guidelines" listed below.  We will update these as we get updates from both the MSYSA and the State of Michigan. Remember, these are the responsibilities not just expected of our club, parents, players, and coaches, but required to maintain a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment for our families.

Here is a link to MSYSA's "MSYSA R2T Guidelines": https://myemail.constantcontact.com/MSYSA-UPDATE---6-4-20.html?soid=1126670487603&aid=KBspyPrMmrU

To summarize:
Club Responsibilities
  • Okemos Soccer Club will work with public health officials to notify adult leaders, youth, and their families if the organization becomes aware that a participant or adult leader has developed COVID-19 and may have been infectious to others while at a youth activity.
  • Okemos Soccer Club has educated all staff on protocols and requirements, including state and local regulations, CDC recommendations, and other necessary safety information.
  • Okemos Soccer Club is prepared to shut down and stop operations if necessary due to health concerns.
  • Okemos Soccer Club will provide adequate field space for social distancing.
  • Okemos Soccer Club has received confirmation from MSYSA that its insurance is provided and secured through August 31st.
  • Families who do not wish to participate in our return to training due to health concerns have our full support and understanding.
Coach Responsibilities
The following steps will be taken by all Okemos Soccer Club coaches:
  • Ensure they (as coaches) are healthy and check their temperature before activities with others.
  • Conduct all training sessions outdoors and in compliance with state and local social distancing guidelines.
  • Wear a mask during training sessions.
  • Ensure all athletes are not sharing equipment (ball, water, etc.).
  • Ensure they (as coaches) are the only person to handle equipment (e.g. cones); do not enlist parental or player assistance.
  • The use of scrimmage jerseys or bibs is prohibited at this time.
Parent Responsibilities
  • Ensure your child is healthy, and check your child’s temperature before activities with others. If your child has experienced any feelings of being ill, or any COVID-19 symptoms, do not send your child to practice.
  • If your child becomes ill for any reason, please contact your head coach:
  • If you are not attending training due to any reason other than illness, please contact your head coach.
  • Ensure that your child uses the bathroom before training. Bathrooms will not be available at this time.
  • Be sure your child has necessary sanitizing products with them at every training.
  • Ensure all equipment (cleats, ball, shin guards etc.) is sanitized before and after every training.
  • Consider not carpooling or very limited carpooling.
  • Stay in your vehicle whenever possible. If you must leave your vehicle, adhere to social distance requirements based on current state and local health requirements.
  • Do not assist your coach with equipment before or after training.
  • If you have questions or concerns about club-related activities, please contact your coach via email or phone.
  • Ensure your child’s clothing is washed after every training.
Player Responsibilities
  • Take your temperature daily and especially before activities with others.
  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after training.
  • Bring, and use, hand sanitizer with you at every training.
  • Wear a mask before and after all training sessions. This protects others in the event that you are unknowingly carrying the virus.
  • Do not touch or share other players’ equipment, water, food or bags.
  • Do not touch the coach’s training equipment, including cones
  • Practice social distancing, place bags and equipment at least 6 feet apart.
  • No group celebrations, high-5s, hugs, handshakes, fist-bumps, etc.
  • Follow all CDC guidelines as well those of your local health authorities.
Okemos Soccer club understands the varying concerns of families based on the current situation. If families do not feel comfortable participating in any team activity this week, we fully support and respect your decision.


OSC Suspending Activities Until At Least June 15

Dear Okemos Soccer Club Coaches and Families,

The state's youth soccer governing body, Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA), is suspending all soccer activities- practices, clinics, camps, and tournaments through June 14, 2020 for all teams including those in the Okemos Soccer Club.

The June 15, 2020 return-to-play date will be reviewed by MSYSA periodically and will take into consideration the current and anticipated recommendations from the State of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, and our governing bodies while reviewing the June 15 date.

Click here to review a list of MSYSA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s).

Picture
Juggling Club!
OSC is continuing the popular juggling club again this spring. Players will work toward reward levels for the number of consecutive juggles they can perform. For each level achieved, players will receive a reward tag they can attach to their bag.

Juggling helps players improve their touch on the ball, allowing them to be more comfortable and confident when they have the ball.  Plus, juggling improves a player's balance and concentration.  
Top players dribble and juggle a ball every day!