Greater Bethlehem Soccer League
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WELCOME TO GBSL 2008   

This season will be the 41^th year of GBSL in the Lehigh Valley and we are glad that you have chosen to join us this season. The 2008 season begins Sunday September 7^th and runs ten consecutive Sundays ending on November 9^th.  

 If you have any questions in regard to the league, please speak to any of our league commissioners or officers at the fields on Sundays. We also maintain an information line, which can be reached at (610) 954-0996. You can also find information on our website at http://gbslsoccer.tripod.com.  

Team Assignment – Your division and team assignment appear next to your name and address. The first digit is your division and the last two digits are your team number. For example, if the number 208 appears, you are on Team 8 in Division 2; if the number 411 appears, you are on Team 11 in Division 4. We have enclosed a schedule for Divisions 2 through 5, and a map of the fields.  

Division 1 – All Division 1 players and their parents should report to the Division 1 area noted on the enclosed map on Sunday, September 7^th, by 2:15 PM . There must be at least one parent or guardian at the field for each Division 1 child during each session. Flags will be set up with team numbers on them to show the specific meeting area for each team. There is no team schedule for Division 1 players. All Division 1 sessions will begin at 2:15 PM and end at 3:45 PM .

 Divisions 2 thru 5 – Each player should report to the field assigned for your team’s game on September 7^th by 2:00 PM. Sessions run until 4:00 PM . You can determine the field assignment from the enclosed schedule. For example, if you are on Team 3 or Team 4 in Division 2, you would report to Field 4 on Sunday, September 7^th for the game between those two teams; if you are on Team 10 or Team 7 in Division 4, you would report to Field 11, etc. The dates are listed on top of the schedule. A map is included on the last page of this mailer.

Equipment – GBSL supplies a team jersey for every player. The jersey is not to be taken home, but is to be left with the coach or team parent each week. Please have your child dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Each player must wear shin guards in order to play. We recommend soccer socks to cover the shin guard. No shin guards – no play. We also recommend that each child bring his or her own soccer ball. Number 3 balls are recommended for Divisions 1 and 2; number 4 for Divisions 3 and 4: and number 5 balls for Division 5.

Jewelry – No jewelry of any kind is to be worn during any GBSL practice or game session. Any jewelry that cannot be removed should be covered with tape or a Band-Aid. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Water – We strongly recommend that each player bring a water bottle (or two during the hot early weeks). Players will be given frequent water breaks, and while coaches may have extra water available, they are not expected to provide water or cups for players.

Free soda – At the end of each session, all players in Divisions 1 thru 4 can return to the information desk area for a free soda. Division 5 players can get their soda by the Division 5 fields.

Parking: Please park in the parking areas noted on the enclosed map. Parking is not allowed on Goodman Drive or on Mountain Drive (near Division 5). Division 5 parents should park in the lot behind Stabler Arena - all the lots closer to the Division 5 fields will not be available for our use.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

Pick-up – Parents: Please, make sure to be at the pickup area by 4:00 to get your child. GBSL volunteers are not permitted to take your child home. The pick-up area is located near the information area. A portion of the parking lot will be blocked off to car traffic. Please be aware of children and soccer balls.

Cancellations or early dismissals – If a session is canceled due to bad weather, we will attempt to notify the coaches Sunday morning. We will also post a message on GBSL information line. Please be aware of changing weather conditions as we may end a session early if the weather worsens. Canceled sessions will not be rescheduled.

Soccer games – All players are expected to play every game, with equal participation by all players. Division 1 will play 4 on 4 games; Division 2 will play 6 on 6; Division 3 will play 7 on 7; and Divisions 4 and 5 will play 9 on 9 or 11 on 11. The small-sided soccer is intended to encourage players to run, and space themselves properly on the field. GBSL does not permit slide tackling, or other dangerous play, at any level of competition.

Soccer Day – Each year we hold an event during which we supply refreshments (hot dogs, chips, candy, soda, etc.) to all the players followed by a prize raffle. We solicit prize donations from area businesses for the raffle as well as donations to cover the food items. If you think you can help or you patronize a business that might donate please talk to someone at the information desk

Volunteers – We have had a strong response to our call for volunteers this year. However, we can always use additional help. If you are interested, please contact any of these individuals at the fields or leave a message on the hotline:

PLEASE NOTE: The GBSL does not sanction or allow any games, practices, team meetings, etc. outside of our Sunday afternoon time frame.

2008 GBSL Event Schedule

 Opening Day: September 7^th  

Photo Day: September 21^th   (Rain date September 28^th)

Soccer Day: October 12^th (Rain date October 19^st)……….All games end by 3:00 PM

Coaches Game: November 2^th ……………………………All games end by 3:30 PM

Select Game: November 9^th …>…………………………..Division 4 & 5 games end by 3:00PM

Last Session of Season: November 9^th

2008 Game Schedule