This is your one stop shop for all the information you need regarding the Raiders Boys U8 team and how to register.  If your son is born between August 1, 2001 and July 31, 2002 then he is eligible for the Boys U8 team. 

What Age Team Should My Son Tryout For?

Players must tryout for your age and/or grade-appropriate team even if you elect to attend an additional tryout for an older team within the club.   Check your appropriate age group by going to the following link: http://www.ncsanj.com/agebracket.cfm?YearSel=N

How Do I Register?

Please go to http://www.mahwahraiders.com/mrolr/index_E.html to register for the tryouts.  At this point you are only registering for the tryouts.  Pre-registering for tryouts is FREE but it is mandatory. 

When and Where Are the Tryouts?

The following dates are when the Boys U8 tryouts will be held.

Friday May 29, 4-6 PM at Continental Soldiers Field

Friday June 5, 4-6 PM at Continental Soldiers Field

What Should I Expect at the Tryouts?

All applicants should attend both sessions and arrive at the field 15 minutes before tryouts to register.  No player will be permitted to tryout without shin guards and a parent or guardian who can sign a waiver. Additionally, all children should have soccer cleats, a soccer ball and a drink.  Your son will be evaulated by professional trainers as well as the team coaches on a number of soccer related skills.  

What Happens Next?

Within 48 hours of the last tryout the coaches and trainers will meet and select the 12 players for the team.  You will receive a call shortly thereafter with instructions on what to do next.

I would like to thank everyone for making this the most exciting and fun team that I have coached.  I love each and everyone one of these boys and look forward to another exciting season in the spring.  I have the feeling that this will be a very special team for years to come.

We will start our winter training on January 11th in one of the Mahwah school  gyms.  Look for an email from me with more information.  Also, around late January/February we will participate in an indoor tournament so be on the lookout for that.  Finally, around late March or early April we will resume our twice weekly training outdoors in preparation for the spring season (10 games).

We finished up this year with 8 wins, 1 tie and 1 loss which is outstanding for a first year team.  I think I tried to explain back in August that first year teams often go winless or have very few wins but we far exceeded that.  I am still deciding whether to stay at the lowest flighting (E) or move up to D for the spring season and will try to balance increasing the level of competition with keeping at least a .500 record.  Alot will depend on what the other Mahwah BU8 team does and I think they are seriously considering moving from D flight to C which would increase the likelihood that we move up.  Check the Season Stats page to the left if you are curious about goals, etc...

I would like to thank both Rob and Tim for helping me throughout the season and for keeping our guys focused during the week and on Saturday’s and thank Donna for helping with all the non soccer activities. 

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season and a happy new year. 

See you in 2009!!!

Dave