About Us - Golden State South ICL

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Why NICA?

GoSo MTB is a part of The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with leagues across the country. NICA serves over 25,000 student-athletes and 15,000 volunteer coaches. As one of NICA’s leagues, we create, manage, and organize a variety of mountain biking programs and events in our area, from Santa Maria to San Diego. We use mountain biking as a tool to develop a community of young athletes with strong minds, bodies, and character. Our programs fill a niche for students whose needs may not be met by traditional interscholastic sports. We get kids and families outside, and welcome ANY athlete in grades 6-12 to participate. We support diversity in ability, ethnicity, gender, orientation, and skill level.

What we do:

We promote a safe and supervised environment for California student-athletes to practice their skills and shred while developing strong decision-making skills. Our goal is to have fun, build confidence, and push through physical and mental limits. We equally welcome all student-athletes into our league to experience the thrill of cycling and be part of our community and culture of stoke and positivity. We sincerely hope the lessons that our student-athletes learn on the trail will carry on with them for the rest of their lives. This is why we started the league; to share the stoke with the next generation and pass it on.

When we ride:

GoSo NICA is a Fall league. Team practices will commence in the summer of 2025, with racing and other program activities set to begin in the fall of 2025:

Registration for coaches will open on March 1, 2025.
Student-athletes can register starting on April 1, 2025, to start their pre-season activities.
The regular season is scheduled to kick off on July 1, 2025. Learn more about our programs and find out how you can participate!

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FAQ and Q&A: Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League (GoSoNICA)

What is the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). NICA is a youth development organization that uses the mountain bike as a tool to build strong minds, bodies, character and community in middle and high school student-athletes. The Golden State South league operates in southern California, and serves students from Santa Maria south to San Diego.

What are we hoping to achieve with the new Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League? What can we tell you about the league?

We want to change lives by giving more youth access to the transformative power of mountain biking. Cycling brings kids together and builds communities. The challenge inherent in the sport builds character and develops leaders. We want ALL youth to have access to these experiences. We want mountain biking to be a staple sport in schools, similar to soccer or baseball. We started this league in order to expand the opportunities for youth to engage in cycling in southern California, and we are excited to bring it to life.

Who can participate in the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

All students in grades 6th through 12th in southern California, from Santa Maria south, are welcome. This includes homeschoolers, and students from Charter and private schools.

Will coaches and/or student athletes be able to participate in more than one cycling organization?

Yes, students or coaches who are involved in other cycling programs (outside of NICA) or disciplines are welcome to also participate in the Golden State South league.

However, students cannot enroll and participate in more than one NICA league in a calendar year. For example, students cannot participate in the NorCal Interscholastic Cycling League, also part of NICA, in the spring and join the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League in the fall.

When will the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League hold races? Are there any other important dates to keep in mind?

The Golden State South League will be operating in the Fall season. Coach registration for our first season will open March 1. Student athlete registration opens April 1. And the regular season will start on July 1. Please keep your eyes peeled for event dates to come!

Why should student athletes join the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

We are building a family of cyclists. Whether you have experience riding, or it is your first time riding, we would love to have you join us. There is a place for everyone in our community. See first hand how fun mountain biking is, where you can go and what you can see.

Mountain biking is awesome!

What do coaches need to know about the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

We welcome all who are interested in coaching to join us! The most important thing is for you to have a passion for working with kids and a desire to help them be the best version of themselves that they can be.

You don’t need to be an experienced mountain biker! We can teach you cycling skills. What we need are coaches who care.

So whether you are a highly experienced coach or have never coached before, please reach out. And if you have accreditation from another entity, contact us and we will see if it transfers.

We are stoked to have new and familiar coaches join the GoSo league.

How can I learn more about the Golden State South Interscholastic Cycling League?

Visit our website: www.goldenstatesouthmtb.org

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Why NICA?

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When we ride:

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