Classic League Overview / FAQ
What is Classic League?
Classic is a secondary division run by Four Corners Youth Soccer League. It exist to provide a higher level of play than our recreational division.
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What is the purpose of Classic League?
To provide player & coach development opportunities in an enjoyable environment, that challenge all participants in a higher overall level than the recreational division.
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Who Plays in Classic League?
Locally, players U9-U15 who are registered with FCYSL soccer clubs in Aztec, Bloomfield, Farmington or Kirtland. Durango, Cortez, Gallup & Pagosa also often have teams traveling to play in our classic league.
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Where are Classic games played?
Mostly the Farmington Soccer Complex (U10-U12), and San Juan College (U15). And usually 1 game per season in Durango. In the past there have occasionally been games in Pagosa or Gallup (1 per season)
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When are Classic games played?
The same 8 week schedule as the recreational division games. Classic games are spaced generously apart from recreational games. Some are Saturday mornings, Saturday afternoon, or Saturday night under the complex/college stadium lights.
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What are the eligibility requirements to participate in Classic?
Players simply need to have registered for classic with their local club. There are no other hard requirements for eligibility.
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Classic league is not for novice players (normally not for first-time players). Participants in Classic should have a solid foundation of technical ability for their age group, and game flow, age-appropriate soccer terminology, etc. However, Classic is not the highest level either, and not intended to be ultra-competitive. Ideally all players in the 50th-percentile for their age would participate in Classic.
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(Some options may also exist for players too old for the recreational divisions.)
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Can players play Classic league & recreational?
Yes. Many do this. In this case the Classic team is the primary team and recreational team secondary (in terms of practices & games).
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Can players in Classic & Recreational practice with both teams?
Yes, but this would need to be coordinated between the parents & coaches. Technically Classic is the primary team and hence the first obligation for attendance. However, we encourage collaboration among coaches, players and parents to help create the best experience for everyone.
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Is Classic competitive?
Technically no. Competitive & Classic are defined differently. However, the level of play, intensity, and competition are generally higher than recreational. Scores are kept and standings posted. The overall level of coaching tends to be higher than recreational on average.
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Can Classic teams play in competitive tournaments?
Yes. Most do. And many FCYSL Classic teams compete very well in their respective divisions against other competitive teams.
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Is there a local tournament Classic teams can compete in?
Yes. In the fall FCYSL Socctoberfest is our own invitational competitive tournament every year the last weekend of October (1-2 weeks after the rec league is finished). Teams travel to Farmington from Albq, El Paso & Amarillio, Gallup, Colorado (southwest & western slope), Utah, etc. It is a weekend of awesome, exciting soccer!
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In the spring many teams play in the Durango Shootout in May or other tournaments.
Additional info Parents need to know
What is the cost?
$20/player per season ($40yr) for local FCYSL players (from Aztec, Bloomfield, Farmington, Kirtland clubs)
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Can I pre-register my child to ensure they play classic?
No. Classic teams are directly organized and run by coaches. They are not formed by a league or club registrar like the recreational teams.
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How can I find a classic team for my child?
Ask their recreational coach. If they are participating, this may be an ideal scenario.
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Attend a Classic Connection event sponsored by FCYSL to help interested players find teams.
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Email the league registrar or director of coaches. They may be able to help players find teams.
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How do I register my child for Classic?
You use the same registration system for your club as recreational division. There will be a separate registration option for classic.
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Is there a way to ensure my child plays Classic?
No. The number of available spots depends on how many coaches choose to participate, and coaches may not invite every interested player.
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FCYSL strives to help provide development opportunities for all players, but we are limited based on volunteer coaches & team managers.
Additional info Coaches need to know
Why should I do Classic?
Classic is a great opportunity for further development as a coach. It is challenging, fun & exciting!
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How to find players?
You need to find your own players & provide the parent-signed roster to the league (league will provide this to you)
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You may want to team up with another rec coach to create a classic team and combine players, in order to have enough players Classic level. This is a great opportunity for collaboration at the club & league level.
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You are encouraged to attend the Classic Connection days to find players, and help able players have the opportunity.
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If you are still looking for more players, please email your club DOC as well as the FCYSL Registrar and Director of Coaches. They may be able to help.
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Can players “play up” in Classic?
This is not encouraged. Because Classic is a higher level of play, ideally playing up should not be necessary. Players should be challenged by similar-ability teammates & opponents.
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If you feel a player should be playing up, please email the league registrar to discuss options.
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What are the requirements to coach classic?
FCYSL would like all Classic coaches to at least hold their age-appropriate USSF Grassroots license for the division they will be coaching (7v7, 9v9 or 11v11). We want to foster a fun learning environment where coaches & players can grow and experience a slightly/moderately higher level.
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How do I register my team?
If you are interested in coaching classic, please email the league registrar. She will provide the roster form & details for you to provide to your team, and the process you need to follow as coach to get your roster.
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Can my Classic team play in the recreational division?
No. Players in classic who also play recreational must be evenly distributed across recreational teams in each club to the extent possible, with the only exception being if the players played together on the same recreational team the prior season.
Those particular classic players in recreational can continue to stay together in recreational without being broken up in rec, but should then be merged with recreational teams in a way that evenly distributes the classic players across the recreational teams to the extent possible.
(Set by FYCSL Board unanimous vote May 2023)
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