Marcos: The following management services are provided for each Super Y-League team: league administration, scheduling, referee assignment, the manpower of the USL's 15-16 person full-time staff, registration, insurance, web site management, press and public relations including providing regular standings and statistics, and the staging of national championship events in each age group.

Weibe: The administrative cost for the league is $1,200, which includes what Francisco has mentioned. The other $300 is allocated to a travel pool fund to offset the cost of the regional champions to the National Finals. Although these costs may seem higher than other leagues, there is a greater overhead cost for operating a North American youth league. No one has complained about the cost of the league in the last three years. Tournaments these days run from $400-700 for a minimum of 3-4 games. Our cost is very reasonable for a 25-week season.

What about the common problem associated with youth soccer, where a young player is clearly good enough to play, but his family cannot afford the associated fees?

Marcos:We are looking for clubs to join the Super-Y League who have a system in place to take care of such players. We want clubs who have the financial wherewithal to welcome all players, regardless of their financial position. This includes kids who can't afford pay for play. The object of the Super-Y League is to eliminate restrictions on players. If there is a club that might not include a player because the player cannot meet certain financial obligations, then we don't want that club in the Super Y-League. The club must find a way to professionalize its operation so that if a player who is unable to pay is good enough to play, he won't be left out.

Weibe: In the 2001 season we established a "Financial Aid Program for Economically Disadvantaged and Multicultural Players" through the U.S. Soccer Foundation. It aided teams and players that fit this category and provided money to their teams to offset travel and equipment cost. We hope to continue this program every year.

How will most Super Y-League teams interface with their local youth organizations?

Marcos:In many cases, Super Y-League clubs will represent the pinnacle of play within a specific youth organizations. A well-heeled club with the budget to field a Super Y-League team will be able to fund its operation by utilizing budget made available from the recreational side of the club.

Weibe: Many local youth organizations support the idea of having an outlet for elite level players that want to continue onto the next level. It balances out the local leagues if the best players are put into the environment of competing on a team within the regional level.