Teams are offered for both boys and girls in as many age groups as show sufficient interest. Based upon player population, family support and volunteer coaches and managers, teams have been offered from ages Under-11 ( 5th graders ) up through Under-18 ( High School Seniors ). A requirement of 40 players in our U-10 Recreational Program, for both boys and girls, must be maintained in order for a U-10 travel team to be established. Please note that no travel team will be formed for an age group that does not have a coach. We will be working hard each fall to identify coaches for the spring season before the tryout date. Travel tryouts will take place in November each year immediately following the Island League playoffs. This will be announced via our website, email and social media. Registration for M.V. United Tryouts will open on October 1st.
What is the Process?
Evaluations will be held for the spring travel season in November immediately following the Island League playoffs. The specific date and times will be announced by email and posted on our website and social media. All players who are interested in our travel program must participate in the evaluation process. There is no fee to register.
A few details about the process:
- An impartial Evaluation Team will be established.
- Players must register for tryouts with no fee.
- The Evaluation Team may use the M.V. United playing up policy if a situation arises.
- After tryouts, the Evaluation Team will meet with coaches, and teams for that season will be formed.
- Teams will be posted on the website.
South Coast Soccer League has guidelines in place for roster sizes in all age divisions. Those guidelines are as follows :
- U10 - U12 will play 8 v 8.
- U13 - U19 will play 11 v 11.
- A maximum of 22 players are allowed on each teams roster for the U13 - U14 division 1 and 2 age groups.
- The recommended roster size for U10 - U12 is 15 players.
- A maximum of 22 players are allowed on each team roster for the U15 - U19 division 1 age group.
Are all the games away? Where are they?
No! Teams play four home games on the fields at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Vineyard Haven and four away games. Vineyard teams play 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 but not farther away than Norton, Nauset, or Seekonk, MA. Our registration fee includes boat and chartered bus fare, and teams travel together to the games. Parents are welcome to join the team on the bus if room allows.
Why should I play Travel Soccer?
MV United soccer is a great place to explore and experience being part of a team. M.V. Youth Soccer supports M.V. United as the next step in player development when a player graduates from Recreational soccer and is ready for the next step. For many players and their families, M.V. United soccer is their first experience with the responsibility, commitment and effort that is part of youth sport, and representing Martha's Vineyard! A key ingredient in team philosophy is that emphasis should always be on fun and enjoyment of the game. It also allows players to more rapidly develop skills, learn the game and build independence and lifelong friendships in a team environment. "Remember that goal you scored at Dartmouth? That was awesome!"
When are practices and games?
Practices ("Training sessions") are scheduled for 2-3 times per week and are 90 minutes in length. They are run by licensed coaches and employ the latest activities and skill development philosophies. The days are determined by what works best for the team. Games are on the weekends - one game per weekend. Winter indoor practices are held on the weekends.
How competitive is it?
Travel soccer is more result oriented than recreational league soccer. Score is kept, league standings are maintained, and all games are managed by a licensed referee. Divisional playoffs are held and league champions are acknowledged. Divisional champs travel to the State playoffs held in June of each year. Players, coaches and fans are expected to follow high standards for sportsmanship and fair play.
The objective of the South Coast Soccer League is to provide the opportunity and training for boys and girls to learn the game of soccer through the development of individual skills, teamwork and fair play. The S.C.S.L. will cooperate with all others in the development of soccer. The main season for the S.C.S.L. shall be in the spring. The underlying philosophy of the S.C.S.L. is to provide an atmosphere of good sportsmanship within which players and teams can compete, learn and enjoy the game of soccer. In this spirit, all member organizations, teams, coaches, managers, players and spectators shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and shall cooperate fully with the letter and the spirit of the rules of play and the by-laws.
Come join MV United Soccer!
Email [email protected] and [email protected] for more information.
To request a partial or full reduction of fees, please see the M.V. United Financial Assistance tab.