We're glad you're interested in the MTSC Travel Program for your child.

The Travel Program is for those players who have participated in our Pre-Travel program, enjoyed it, and want to learn the finer points of the game in real game settings against well-matched players from other nearby towns.  Players with experience from other clubs' travel programs are also welcome to try out.

First, a clarification:  When we say "travel" we mean that half the games will be played here at Mill Pond, and half away, within about a 1 hour drive.  We don't participate in leagues that require long distance travel or overnight hotels.

For those who are familiar with our Pre-Travel program, Travel differs in these important ways:

-- Participation requires a tryout to ensure the player has the required skills to support his/her team and has the confidence to enjoy playing with the team.  You must register for a tryout (free), then based on the result of the tryout your child will be invited to join the program.  That said, your child is not expected to be a World Cup contender in order to join!
-- The player is making a commitment to his team for 9 months (September to June).  The fee covers both fall and spring seasons.
-- The team operates together all year, getting to know their coach, teammates, and teammates' parents very well.
-- There are 10 regular league games in each of fall and spring, usually on Sunday, plus 1 tournament in September (4 games in one weekend)
-- There are 2 practices each week fall and spring, plus bonus sessions on Mondays.  This is similar to Pre-Travel except that the expectation is that the player will be present at all practices and games unless there is a compelling reason -- his/her teammates are depending on him/her!
-- Additional opportunities (winter futsol, winter indoor practices, summer sessions, and/or additional tournaments) will be organized as the parents, team manager, and coach agree.  These additional activities are optional and at additional cost.
--  Players specialize in one or more positions based on their strengths and skills, though coaches will sometimes change a player's position during a game as needed.
-- Practices are more focused on team strategy rather than individual skills, for example, passing plays, corner kick formations, and the like.
-- The team is assigned an MTSC professional coach who is present at all practices and games; a parent volunteer coach is also required to assist during training sessions and act as a backup in case the coach can't make a game.
-- One parent volunteers to be the Team Manager, coordinating game times with opponents, communicating with parents, and organizing additional activities.  (S)he is helped by other parents on the team, for example, bringing equipment to games, having team parties, etc.
-- Games are officiated by trained, professional referees.
-- Teams are "flighted" with like teams in the league, the goal being that the team wins about half the time.  Winning too little is frustrating for the players; winning too much is boring and prevents development of good play habits.
-- Depending on enrollment, there will be 1 or 2 teams at each age group.  If there are 2 teams, one will be flighted against tougher opponents, and the other against easier opponents.  Players will be assigned to play primarily to one team or the other based on skill level and effort, but may occasionally play for the other team as needs and development warrant.

While most players try out during our scheduled tryout sessions in April, you can register for a tryout any time of year... we'll let you know if there is available space remaining on a team in your child's age group.  To register for a tryout, log into your account, click on the "Programs Available" next to your child's name, and complete the registration all the way through to checkout (you will see a payment screen, but the cost will show as zero). 

We hope this answers most of your questions about the Travel Program.  If you have more questions, or want to discuss if Travel is right for your child, please feel free to contact our Director of Coaching at [email protected]