About Travel Soccer (U10+)

Travel soccer is offered on Martha’s Vineyard under the umbrella of Friends of Vineyard Soccer during the spring season. Teams are offered for both boys and girls in as many age groups as show sufficient interest. Based upon player interest and family support, teams have been offered from U-9 (third graders) up through U-18 (high schoolers who drive themselves to practice!). Teams play four home games on the fields at Veteran’s Memorial Park behind the Vineyard Haven Post Office and four “away” games. Vineyard teams are registered in the South Coast Soccer League as Martha’s Vineyard United. SCSL is made up of 22 clubs representing all communities on the Cape and Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts. “Away” games are scheduled with other clubs as close as Falmouth, Mashpee or Sandwich and as far away as Norton, Dartmouth, or Seekonk, MA.

Travel soccer is a significant commitment for both families and players.Travel soccer is a great place to explore and experience being part of a team. Travel soccer is a good environment for the player who is looking for a little more structure and challenge than the recreational league chooses to offer. Travel Soccer is the next stop along the line for the player seeking to hone their skill and experience after beginning in the recreational program. For many players and their families, travel soccer is their first experience with the responsibility, commitment and effort that is part of youth sport. A key ingredient in team philosophy is that emphasis should always be on fun and enjoyment of the game and respect for everyone involved. The commitment on the part of each family involves managing the practice, game and off-island travel details provided by FOVS as well as keeping equipment and uniform organized, clean and “not lost”. Travel Soccer is a GREAT opportunity to experience youth sport at the step above recreational league play. However, please don’t underestimate the effort involved in making this a really good experience for your child.

DETAILS:

• Practice is scheduled for at least once and for some teams twice per week, depending on the coach’s preference.
• Practice usually spans 60 to 90 minutes and practice days are determined by what works best for the team.
• Travel soccer is more result oriented than recreational league soccer. Score is kept and league standings are maintained. Divisional playoffs are held and league champions are acknowledged. Divisional champs travel to the State playoffs held in June of each year.
• SCSL is a zero tolerance league. All games are officiated according to the Rules of the Game. Spectators and players must always exhibit respect for everyone involved (refs, opponent, spectators) or the individual and team will receive a warning and penalty if necessary. As a result, the game climate is very positive. This policy works well!
• All team players receive a complete good quality uniform which must be returned at the end of the season.
• The cost last season was $175 per player and will be approximately the same for Spring 2006. The fee covers all uniform, travel and league registration expenses.