What leagues do MSC Travel teams play in? Our teams compete in the Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer Association (MNJYSA) and the Elite Development Program (EDP) League.

What do the fees cover? The fees cover professional coaching, field space, league registration fees, referees, insurance, tournaments (2-3 per year), and winter training. Uniform costs are separate.

How much are uniforms? Information regarding uniform purchases will be provided after team placement and registration.

How are teams organized?  MSC plans to organize travel teams by birth year, the partial exception for 2011-2012 teams (U14 and U15) which may be combined in order to allow for continued participation for older eight-graders and ensure competitive team placement.

What is the team selection process? All players are required to attend tryouts. Coaches evaluate players based on skill, team needs, and other factors. Players will be notified of their team placement after tryouts are completed. MSC is committed to fielding as many teams as possible and accommodating as many committed players as practical, while maintaining a high level of play.

Can my child play for MSC and another club at the same time?  All MSC players are required to have their primary club affiliation and player card with MSC.  Secondary permission (“double carding”) of travel team players is permitted for members of the Club if players are otherwise eligible under NJYS and league rules.  In such cases, MSC obligations (games, practices, events) take precedence over activities with the secondary club.  Players in MSC's high school program only are permitted to have their primary club affiliation and player card at another Club, and to obtain secondary permission to play with MSC, if otherwise eligible under NJYS and league rules.

When are the seasons? The fall season typically runs from late August to November, and the spring season from March to June. Winter training occurs between these seasons. Specific dates will be communicated.

Where and when are practices? Practice days, times, and locations vary by team and are typically announced before each season. Practices are generally held two or three times a week during the fall and spring, and once a week during the winter and held at local Millburn and Short Hills schools and fields.

Where and when are games? Games are typically played on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) during the fall and spring seasons. Home games are played in Millburn or Short Hills. Away games are typically within a 75-minute driving distance, with many games being significantly closer. Teams typically play approximately 20 league games per year (10 in the fall and 10 in the spring)

What is the player commitment level? While we understand players may participate in other sports, travel soccer requires a significant commitment. Although we recognize that there can sometimes be schedule conflicts, players are expected to attend all practices, games, and events throughout the entire soccer year. When a conflict arises, players (or parents) must notify the coach in advance. Players that have a high rate of absenteeism can expect reduced playing time and are at risk of losing their spot on the roster.  However, the coach will work with parents to correct any such issues. Communication is vital.

How much playing time does each player get?  Our goal is to develop players, not win at all costs by providing meaningful playing time for all team members.  It is MSC policy that for U8-10 age groups, players must play approximately 50% of each game and for U11-U14 Age Groups players must play a minimum of 25% of each game.  However, playing time can vary based on factors such as attendance and commitment levels.

Do you offer financial assistance? Information about financial assistance opportunities is available. Please contact coachingcommittee@millburnsoccer.com for details.

What is the role of the Team Manager? Each team has a volunteer parent team manager responsible for scheduling, communication, paperwork, and administrative duties. In addition, we ask for each team to have at least one parent assistant sideline coach who provides valuable support during games.

Are pre-season camps available? Optional pre-season camps may be available for players to get a head start on the season and build team chemistry (fees not included in membership).