NORCAL STATE CUP: GET READY NORCAL HERE WE COME

Well it's official, all teams have been bracketed for State Cup. Their formula for seeding is probably different than what we've seen.

The Seeding Committee has divided the teams into two even numbered groups.

U10 Girls: Teams seeded 1 to 21 - A ...Teams seeded 22 to 42 - B

Two teams from both A and B groups have become a group of 4. As much as possible, the “groups of 4” have been assembled by location, but insuring that each group is approximately equal in strength to all other groups was the first priority.

1. Seeding Committee creates groups of 4.
2. During October, “Groups of 4” play a first round 3 game round-robin against the other teams within their group. This is the “sorting” round beginning the process of moving teams into groups of more comparable strength. These games can be played in any order, on any date and at any time agreeable to both teams. Norcal will designate the home teams for all of these games with most eligible teams having either one or two home games.
3. By formula, the results of the first round move the teams into new “groups of 4” that play a second round 3 game round robin on Saturday, November 17th. This round will finalize the groupings of the teams for the games on Championship Sunday.
4. By formula, the results of the second round are used to move the teams into Sunday AM quarter-final round games in the different divisions – some combination of Super, Premier, Gold, Silver and others – depending on the number of teams in a division. Each team will play 3 games on Saturday and at least one game on Sunday AM. There will be from 20 to 22 Championships decided on Sunday, November 18th

I know it's a bit confusing, but after talking to Norcal, I think this is a very good way to do State Cup. We are very excited about our bracket. Here it is

Group F: 5 team group, 4 games
Modesto Ajax United Elite 98 G
CVSA Cyclones
Elk Grove United 98 Blue
South Valley United G97
Placer United Prestige '98 Girls Tango

Yes, we'll be playing 4 games instead of 3, but this is a good thing. We also have just been sent hotel information for The Championship Weekend on Nov 17-18 in Sacramento. The coaches feel if at all possible we should try to all stay in the same hotel. This way the girls can hang out and us parents can also. Because 10 years from now the girls may not remember the wins or losses. But they will remember the fun times they had together.

And really, what are we doing this all for. Yes, to build character in our little girls and also to show them hard work pays off. We also hope they learn to work with others and to find a love for the game. Let's never forget they are just little girls, let's fill their lives with positive things. Life will throw enough negatives at them as they grow up. Remember, when they are playing the game, they are doing there best out there on the field, no matter how we see it. So let's encourage them for the right things they do, and let the coaches worry about anything that they might need to work on. Then we will all look back at the times here with CVSA and be pleased with what it gave to us and our children.