Questions?
When does the soccer season begin?
Registration for the Fall Soccer Season typically begins in May and is done online. The soccer season includes two sessions, Fall and Spring. A participant can register to play one or both sessions. The player's age determines the age bracket (league) in which a player will be placed. Age is determined by how old a player is as of July 31st of the registration year. Fall session begins the last week of August through the first week of November. Spring session begins the second week in April and runs through the third week of June. Each team typically has two practices per week and most games are played on Saturdays.
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What equipment will I need to play Recreational Soccer?
You will need to provide a set of shinguards, shorts (usually black). The MYASP provides team shirts and socks. Each player must have shin guards and shorts, usually black. Most players wear soccer cleats but sneakers are also appropriate. Baseball cleats are not allowed.
Mouth guards are highly recommended, if your child wears braces or not. If glasses are worn during games, retaining straps must be used.
In the colder weather players may wear a layer under their uniform; long underwear works very well.
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What are the age groups available to my child?
Age groups vary according to numbers of participants. During the Spring session there are usually fewer participants, so fewer age brackets are available. Typically the age breakdown is: COED Under (CU) CU6, CU8, CU10, CU13, CU15 and CU19. CU stands for "Co-ed Under". Also, in the Fall, we offer two GIRLS ONLY (GU) leagues: GU11 and GU14.
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What is the cut-off date in determining the appropriate division for my child?
The cut-off date for all leagues is July 31st of the registration year. For example, if the child is 11 years old on July 31, he or she cannot play in a CU11 league, but must play in the next higher age group (CU12 or CU13, depending on which leagues are offered that season).
To play in the CU6 league, the child must be at least 4 years old but less than 6 on July 31st.
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Can my daughter play in the Co-ed divisions when Girls Only is offered?
Yes. When COED and GIRLS ONLY leagues are both available, your daughter may choose to play in either. Due to the typically lower numbers of participants in the Spring Soccer program, only the COED league is offered. During the Fall Soccer program, both leagues are available.
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Can my child play Recreational soccer if he/she is on a travel team?
Yes, the MYA soccer registration fee allows the player to participate in both leagues - assuming the player is selected for an MYA Travel team. In other words, when you are signed to an MYA travel team, you can also play in the rec league for no additional charge.
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Where does my Soccer registration fee go?
If you are playing Recreational soccer, your registration fee goes to State soccer association fees (which includes insurance), a team jersey, a pair of soccer socks, and direct costs to run the fall soccer season. Direct costs include soccer balls, goals, nets, corner flags, referees, training and field maintenance.
You are also eligible to try-out and, if selected, to play on a Travel team. If you play Travel soccer, your registration fee goes to State soccer association fees and toward direct costs of running the program for two seasons (fall & spring). In addition there is a travel fee which funds league and tournament registration fees, and other related costs.
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What are the differences between the recreational and Travel soccer programs?
There are several differences. The MYA's Travel program participates in the Granite State Youth Soccer League (www.granitestatesoccer.com), which is governed by the New Hampshire State Soccer Association (www.soccernh.org). Travel teams play other teams from other towns. Typically, all matches are on weekends with half of the games at home (local fields) and the other half out of town. Travel teams compete in 8 matches and a tournament in both the fall and spring and usually practice twice a week. The fee ranges between $100 - $150 depending on the age group. Uniforms are a separate cost and the responsibility of the player. Roster space on travel teams is limited and annual tryouts are held.
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If a family runs into financial hardship, and wants to have their children participate in sports, what can be done?
Scholarships are available to children whose families encounter financial hardship. Please feel free to contact the Registrar in confidence to inquire.
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Are players allowed to wear jewelry?
No jewelry is permitted to be worn during games or practices.
Taping over jewelry to cover it is not allowed, regardless of age.
This Law of the Game of Soccer includes rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, ear rings, pins, and piercings. Hairpieces may only be the soft "Scrunchi" type.
If a child is going to have a body part pierced before the season, make sure there is enough time for the body to heal such that the jewlelry may be removed prior to a game or practice. Although it may appear trivial not to allow jewelry, it is for the safety of the child and all the children on the field.
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Are players allowed to wear medical alert bracelets?
The difference in the treatment of medical alert pieces and jewelry is that the medic alert bracelet is medically necessary for the child. The alert bracelet provides medical information that may be needed in case of an emergency.
The treatment of jewelry and medic alert bracelets is specified in Law 4 of FIFA's Laws of the Game.
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How can I help?
Be a coach, be a team parent, referee, soccer board member, help us by voting on key issues that make our program better. Attend a Soccer Board meeting to voice your concerns.
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When are MYA Soccer Board meetings?
The second Monday of every month at the MYA building at 7:30pm and the public is welcome.
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