There is plenty of information on our website that describes club structure, procedures, and expectations. You should find the answer to many of your questions by reading our website thoroughly. However, here are a few quick answers to common inquiries.
Where are practices?
Outdoor practices are held at Red Hook & Pier 5.
Indoor locations vary depending on teams. The current gyms where teams train are Plymouth Church, PS38, Packer, Basis and Assumption Church
Where are home games?
Home games are held at Pier 5, Aviator Sports & Events Center, Poly Prep and Sunset Park.
What leagues do teams play in?
We strive to find the appropriate league that meets team and club objectives. For this reason, we participate in various leagues such as NYCSL, NYPL, METRO, EDP, NPL Team Based.
How much travel?
Over a Fall & Spring season, roughly 50% games will be played at “home”, and 50% of games are played “away” on opponents fields.
All teams from U7 to U10 play in localized 5-borough leagues which keeps teams competing mostly within Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan.
From U11 and older, B teams are also kept in localized 5-borough leagues. However, A-teams typically need to travel further afield in order to face stronger competition if they have outgrown the local division. Travel can take you to Long Island & Westchester for these away games.
Who will train and coach teams?
We don’t outsource any of the training or coaching. Players are coached and trained by SABA staff members who are assessed weekly to ensure that club expectations are being met.
Parents do not coach or train any of the teams at SABA.
Do I need to attend all practices & games?
We expect players to commit to the team and attend all practices and outdoor games throughout the year. However, we understand there are some instances when a player may have to miss due to illness/injury/family events etc.
If we feel a player is regularly missing games & practices and not committing to the team, this may have an impact on their overall weekend playing time and placement on the team.
How many games & practices?
Teams train x2 per week at minimum. Some older teams playing in higher level leagues may train 3x per week.
A team will play 7-9 games spread across September to November (Fall) and again 7 -9 games from March to June (Spring)
Some teams opt into NY State Cup which provides opportunities for additional games.
What happens in the winter?
After thanksgiving, we move our practice sessions indoors to nearby school gyms until Mid-March. Session times may change to a later time slot depending on the gyms we are able to secure. The days in which teams trains stay the same 95% of the time.
How are teams formed each season?
Once the tryout is complete, players are organized by levels. When possible, players are organized by levels; A, B, and C.
Read detailed information by clicking on Roster Guidelines and Structure of Teams
How many players are selected?
Roster are selected based on the age group format:
U7 -U8 teams play in 4v4 formats (no G.K’s) with two games running simultaneously. Roster: 12-players
U9-U10 – teams play 7v7 format. Roster: 10-12 players
U11-u12 – team play 9v9 format. Roster: 12-14 players
U13-18 – teams play 11v11 format. Roster: 16-18 players
The objective is to keep the player pool substantial enough in our younger age groups for when teams transition along the different and increased formats.
Several players are selected to“training only” rosters until they can be added to game rosters. Not all training only players are added to game rosters.
What happens if my child doesn’t get selected to the game roster?
Players not selected to the game roster may be invited to take part in our training only program. The staff will provide parents with further details.
What do teams do when it gets dark earlier in the fall?
We try to stay away from moving indoors until the outdoor season is over. Pier 5 has lights and we adjust to the light situation at Red Hook as best we can in order to keep sessions outdoor.
Who will communicate information to parents?
SABA will provide information such as coaching staff, curriculum, objectives, schedules, and payment schedules.
Team coordinators will also help distribute game and practice information.
How do we register?
Registration for teams and programs is done online via our teamsnap portal.
How can I make payments?
- Online (additional fees will be applied)
- Mail check
- Hand check to coach at field
*Please write name of player and team on check.
How do I order Game Uniforms?
Game uniforms are ordered through the online store. Once selected to a team, you will receive the link to order the uniform.
How do I order Practice Uniforms?
Practice uniforms and hoodies are ordered through SABA. Send all practice uniform requests to sabaskills.office@gmail.com