Upper level, advanced or first division development teams are teams whose players are normally selected via tryouts and a draft. These teams include only a portion of the league population in an age group and are intended to provide a level of play between house league and competition teams. Division 3 tournaments are open to all CYSA and affiliated teams from foreign countries and other state national associations if the tournament has applied for and been granted the proper status. With the exception of fill-in teams, Division 1 teams may not play Division 3. Division 4 teams competing at the Division 3 level will be reclassified for the remainder of the seasonal year.

RYSL maintains both Boys and Girls Division 3 teams in select age groups.

Need more information? Please contact our league Division III coordinator Brian Crane at: D3coord@reddingsoccer.com

Frequently Asked Questions About the Division 3 Program

What is the Division III Soccer Program?

The RYSL Division III Soccer Program, classified as a developmental soccer program, was established for the development of our soccer players. The program offers an environment for dedicated and skilled players to develop and play. The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity for players who have mastered basic soccer skills and are ready to take the next step to participate in a level of play above the recreational level.

Who is eligible to play?

The Division III Program is specifically designed for players in the U-12 through U-19 age groups. Any player registered with RYSL for the upcoming Fall season is eligible to attend try-outs. Through a try-out process, players will be selected for each team at the coaches' discretion. Selection criteria may include attitude (motivation to play and excel on the field, coachability, ability to work with others), technical soccer skills, and physical ability (speed, quickness, and encurance).

How do I register for Division III Soccer?

The RYSL is trying something a little different this year. All registration will accomplished on the 27th of April at the Redding Soccer Park before your team's tryout. You should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. A non-refundable $10 tryout fee will be charged that will cover field rental and other 2008/09 Division III program costs. In addition, you will need to have a fully complete 1601 form (found here) to be allowed into the tryout. If you don't want to stand in long lines it is encouraged you come to the signup with a completed form in hand. Please note that once you make the team your coach will coordinate with you to get you fully registered with the league. If you don't make the team and want to play in our Division IV recreation program you will need to attend one of the in-person registrations to be held in May.

What if I can't make the Tryout?

We do strongly encourage you to make the first tryout (or meeting) as your chances of making the team are at greater risk by not attending this tryout. If you can't make the first tryout please contact our league registrar at registrar@reddingsoccer.com for more information.

What are the other Tryout Dates?

See the table here for tryout date and time locations.

What team do I tryout for?

The league's DIII program is age pure and gender pure. Boys and girls tryout for the team in their age group in accordance with the following birthdates:

What if I don't attend try-outs?

Players must attend at least one try-out in order to be eligible for selection onto a team.

Can I play with a friend who is older/younger than me?

It is the profound and sincere hope of the RYSL that the Division III Program be comprised of age pure teams and that these teams be afforded the opportunity to develop and grow into the future. Therefore, players are required to play in their appropriate age classification when age pure teams exist. Each team is allowed only two exceptions to the age pure requirement. A player may try-out for a team other than his/her age appropriate team, but s/he is not guaranteed a spot. Therefore we strongly encourage each player to attend at least one age appropriate try-out.

What are the costs of Division III soccer?

The registration fee for Division III soccer is the same as the fee for recreational soccer. In addition to the registration fee, players may be asked to contribute to the costs of uniforms, equipment, and tournament entries. Players and their families will also incur costs for travel to several out of town tournaments during the season. Individual teams may hold fund-raisers and/or obtain sponsors to help with these costs, but players should expect at least some expenses beyond those of playing recreational soccer.

What kind of time commitment is expected?

Most Division III teams begin practicing two to three times a week in July and continue throughout the season. League games are held on weekends during the Fall. In addition, most teams participate in several tournaments (often out of town) during the season. The season may extend into the Winter months for teams choosing to participate in the Association Cup tournament. In addition to practices and games, players/families may be required to participate in team fund-raising activities.

Information For Division 3 Coaches

Playing Leagues

• The Walt Zinko Playing League (District IX League) is the only approved playing avenue for D3 teams in District IX. Information on that league can be found here.
• Out of District playing leagues are available elsewhere, such as the District VI Metro League.

District IX Cup Championships

• Open to all division 3 and 4, U12, U14, U16 and U19 teams in District IX.
• Division 4 teams play in late October.
• Division 3 teams play the first weekend of November.
• More information and entry forms here.

CYSA Association Cup

• Open to all division 3, U12, U14, U16 and U19 teams.
• U12 and U14 teams play in early January at sites throughout the state.
• U16 and U19 teams play in early March at sites throughout the state.
• More information and entry forms here.