One of the most frequently asked questions is "What is traveling - competitive or recreational soccer, and how is it different than in-house soccer? And "How is MSC different than other soccer leagues in Southern Wisconsin?"
MSC is an inclusive program, meaning ALL players who sign up will be placed on a team. Evaluations are utilized to best place the player and the team, with the Madison Area Youth Soccer Association (MAYSA) league. This will help all players and teams to have an opportunity to be challenge, grow and have fun!
Traveling Soccer
Traveling teams can begin as early as U9, but at U11 and above, all teams are traveling teams and are placed in to brackets to align with other teams of comparable skills levels. These are continually reset to keep the seasons balanced.
Player Assessments/Tryouts are held to identify players on the basis of talent and ability (typically in early June). Players that accept an offer and for a specific team for MSC are committing to their team for one seasonal year (August 1 - June 30 of the following year). Additionally, players selected for MSC are also financially committing to their team for one seasonal year. Teams qualify for competition based on performance in the previous season and other factors reviewed annually. Teams play a district-wide schedule which requires travel and commitment.
The seasonal year is divided into a Fall season and Spring season some of the games at home (Schilberg and King Park), and some away. A typical session is 4 home and 4 away games during both the Fall and Spring session (total of 16 games). Fall typically starts practice in the second half of August, and Games are in September and October. Spring starts in April and games are typically in April and May.
All coaches are licensed, background check verified and have expectations outlined by MSC.
Before committing to a traveling - competitive or recreational soccer team, you should evaluate several things about your child and your lifestyle:
-Have I, the parent, had a conversation with my son/daughter about their goals and desires, regarding soccer?
-Am I, the parent, willing to make the financial commitment for a seasonal year (Fall and Spring)? We can at times accommodate Fall only or Spring only, but the needs of the Club and specific team are prioritized and full year players will be allocated first and then as roster spots are available, Fall or Spring only players will be allocated. We do try to leave a buffer on each team but also need to make sure each team has enough minimum players in order to practice and play for both Fall and Spring. We recommend attending assessments and when Offer Letters are distribute, communicate specifically if you are accepting but only can play one of the sessions.
-Am I, the parent, willing to make the commitment of getting my child to two practices per week during the season? MSC competitive teams typically practice August through October, and April 1- end of May/early June.
-Am I, the parent, willing to make the commitment of getting my child to games on the weekend, even out of town games which could require travel?
-Am I, the parent, willing to allow my child to play some games on Sunday or even during a weeknight in the event of a reschedule?
-Am I, the parent, willing to make the commitment of getting my child to play-off or tournament games if their team advances or choses to play in tournaments?
-Am I, the parent, understanding that competitive-level playing time is performance-based and at the discretion of the coach?
-Does my child understand that playing time is performance-based and at the discretion of the coach?
-Does my child have time in their schedule? Can he/she balance school, homework, school sports, and/or other extra curricular activities to commit to a competitive team?
-Does my child want to play soccer competitively for a year with the same team?
If you answered "yes" to the questions above, then MSC Traveling Soccer Program is right for you!!!
REGISTER FOR PLAYER ASSESSMENTS
U10 Traveling Teams are also formed in June. If interested, email treasurer@miltonsoccerclub.com
*U9 & U10 have the option of full year traveling or Fall / Spring In House sessions
