BAYS (Travel) Program

WUSC fields both Stratified and Balanced teams in each age group. Stratified teams (A, B, C) are formed through tryouts and typically play in BAYS Divisions 1–3. Balanced teams are created through a draft to evenly distribute talent and usually play in Divisions 3–4. All teams—Stratified and Balanced—compete in the BAYS League and play against other towns.

An impartial Age Group Coordinator and the WUSC Travel Committee oversee player placement. They consider three key inputs:

1. WUSC's professional coaching staff assessments
2. Player performance at tryouts
3. Past coach evaluations

Final rosters are approved by the Travel Committee following a structured review process with coaches.

Tryouts are required only for players who wish to be considered for Stratified teams (Divisions 1–3). Players who choose not to attend tryouts will automatically be placed on a Balanced team. All teams play in the BAYS League.

There are typically two tryout sessions held each spring for players in Grades 3 and one tryout session for players in Grades 4-7. Tryouts are usually in late April through mid-May. Players are strongly encouraged to attend tryouts so evaluators can get a complete view of each player’s skills and potential.

Tryouts are managed by the Age Group Coordinator and the WUSC Director of Coaching. Player evaluations are conducted by independent, impartial evaluators who are not affiliated with the teams or coaches in that age group.

Players participate in small-sided and full-field games to assess age-appropriate soccer skills, including ball control, passing, movement off the ball, game awareness, teamwork, and overall athletic ability.

No player is guaranteed a position on a Stratified team. Players may move up or down from season to season based on performance, development, and roster needs. However, teams generally remain together from fall to spring whenever possible.

Separate goalkeeper evaluations are held each spring. If a player makes a Stratified team as a designated goalkeeper, they are expected to play at least 50% of each game in that position. If no player is designated, teams will rotate goalkeeper duties among players.

Parents are notified of team placements by the end of June for the upcoming fall season. Team formation and rosters are considered final once approved by the WUSC Travel Committee.

No. All tryout evaluations, rankings, and placement discussions are confidential. Coaches and evaluators are not permitted to share player rankings or specific placement details.

Players who cannot attend tryouts for a legitimate reason (e.g., injury, travel, illness) should contact their Age Group Coordinator as soon as possible. Players will still be placed on a team based on coach evaluations from prior seasons. However, they cannot be considered for Stratified teams without a tryout evaluation.