WHAT ARE THE AYSO NATIONAL GAMES? 
The AYSO National Games, held every other summer, is a multi-day soccer celebration that focuses on sportsmanship, team spirit and making new friends through the activities and events that are offered. This summer, the AYSO National Games will be held at the International Polo Club in West Palm Beach, Florida

The 2010 AYSO National Games will feature  240 AYSO soccer teams (U10 – U19) from AYSO regions all over the country (and beyond) to share in the diverse soccer culture of the AYSO family. Ask anyone from our region who has had the privilege to participate in the Games – this is truly a special event, creating memories for parents and players alike that will last a lifetime.

Learn more at http://www.ayso.org/events/national_games.aspx

WHEN WILL THE 2010 NATIONAL GAMES BE HELD? 
While the festivities begin July 4 with fireworks at Wellington Park, the tournament does not officially open until July 6, therefore players will not be required to arrive into the West Palm Beach area until Tuesday, July 6. This is the final day of team check-in. Teams must be checked in by 5:00PM on July 6, and all players must be present for team check-in. The tournament ends on Sunday July 11 at 5:00 PM. You must plan to stay in the area until Sunday 7/11 at 5:00 PM – which means you should not schedule a flight out of the area until after 6:30 PM on Sunday July 11. 

HOW CAN I/MY CHILD QUALIFY FOR PLAY?
First and foremost, a player must be registered in the Region 418 recreational program for the AYSO year (which spans Fall & Spring) in which the National Games take place. In the case of the 2010 National Games, that means players must be registered/playing during the Fall ’09 season in order to qualify. (The only exception is High School Boys.) Tryouts for U10, U12, and U14 boys and girls teams will be held on April 22 at 5:00 on Field 1 (Foster & Lakefront). If you are unable to attend the tryouts, send an email to aysouniforms@yahoo.com with the player name, division and contact info so that alternate tryout arrangements can be made.
 
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TRYOUTS?
Players will be notified by the end of April as to whether they have been selected for a National Games team. Teams will be cut assuming the maximum roster size allowable by AYSO at each age group. Those players who do not make the team initially will be  placed on a wait list There is a lot of movement on each team’s roster, so there is always a chance that a wait-listed player will be “called up” to play on the team. If a player is selected and is still interested in making the commitment to National Games, a $40 uniform fee will be required. Once formed, teams will need to meet in order to plan the details of their trip, and to plan fundraising events if the team desires.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF PARTICIPATION IF MY CHILD MAKES THE TEAM?
To retain his/her spot on the National Games team roster, a player must: 

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE PARENTS?
Like everything we do in AYSO, this is a 100% volunteer endeavor. We need parents to coach, plan fundraising events if desired, coordinate travel, manage teams, etc.

WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH PLAYER?
Our participation in the National Games is entirely self-funded. Teams (players and parents) must cover all the costs required for their player and chaperones including travel, lodgings and all other expenses to cover a 5 night/6 day stay in the West Palm Beach FL area. It is possible to arrange fund raising activities if the team desires.

Each player will be required to pay $40 for a National Games team uniform. 

HOW DO WE ARRANGE FOR TRAVEL?
Player families make their own travel arrangements. The National Games website has a list of local accommodations to consider; we recommend that teams stay together in the same hotel to enhance the overall experience; however, this is not a requirement.

DOES EACH PLAYER HAVE TO BE ESCORTED BY A PARENT?
No, however each player has to have a pre-determined chaperone for the duration of the trip – someone who has agreed to be fully responsible for the player.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? 
Each team’s acceptance into the National Games is handled via lottery, and the goal of the National Games is to have as many different sections and regions represented as possible. It is possible that teams we form may not be accepted into the National Games tournament – however, historically most (if not all) of our teams have ultimately gotten in. Please plan on being patient. You have to assume your team is going to get in, and plan your summer accordingly. Some teams get in just days before the tournament is set to begin.