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Martha's Vineyard United Soccer

Our mission and more

Our Mission

We've outlined a clear player development pathway providing soccer to the youth of Martha's Vineyard.

Our Mission : To provide each player the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes skill-learning, fun and enjoyment, at a level that fits his/her interest and ability, to create a challenging environment for those players who aspire to play at a higher level and to foster character building by encouraging fair play.

Martha's Vineyard United Soccer is a volunteer, non-profit organization. We provide children and young adults an opportunity to have fun playing soccer, learn about being part of a team and sportsmanship while training on whatever level best suits the player.

The Recreation Program : This program introduces the youngest players to the sport of soccer and guides them as they add skills and self confidence on the field. This program provides a base for players from which they may determine if they would like to continue playing at the recreational level or move onto a more competitive level.

The Island League : This program is an extension of our recreational program. The Island League is offered in the fall only and is for middle school players who have advanced from a basic level to a more competitive skill level. This program continues to focus on more in-depth training and introduces the finer points of the game to the players.

The Travel Program : This program offers the highest level of soccer and is for those players who have advanced from the recreational program's basic skill levels. More intense training sessions are on island and games are played against teams from the South Coast Soccer League. Teams play in an eight game season with four games being home and four games away.

Everyone associated with Martha's Vineyard United Soccer is a volunteer. Board members, coaches, managers, concessions, registration leaders, opening day helpers and event coordinators. We encourage active participation and are always looking for more skills and great energy. Come and join our teams and we look forward to seeing you on the pitch! Please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

Who can play? How old do I need to be?

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.

Are all the games away?

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!

Why should I play travel soccer?

M.V. 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.