For a list of our MTSA Travel Teams and Coach Contact Information- CLICK HERE
What is travel soccer?
Travel soccer is competitive soccer played against teams from other towns or communities. Manchester Township Soccer Association (MTSA) teams are primarily members of MOSA (Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association), with games played throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties.
How is travel soccer different from recreational soccer?
The purpose of the MTSA Travel Program is to promote and provide a higher level of soccer competition. The Travel Program provides all players the opportunity to play travel soccer at their appropriate skill level.
Travel soccer typically requires a greater commitment of time, provides a higher level of training, and better competition. Time commitment involves travel to home/away games, two training sessions each week, and team events (team building, fundraising). MTSA travel teams are placed by MOSA into flights (groups of teams at similar skill levels) to achieve a competitive environment for each team each season.
Where do we “travel” to?
Home games are played at our MTSA Complex while practices are held either at the MTSA Complex, MTMS or MTES fields. Away games are played in other towns in Monmouth and Ocean counties; generally not more than an hour away from Manchester Twp.
How much time will my child be expected to devote to soccer?
Travel teams generally train twice per week, with games played on Sundays between 10AM and 5PM. Typically, the Fall season begins in late August and concludes in early November, and the Spring season begins in late March and concludes in mid-June. Teams play 10 games each season, 5 home and 5 away. Most travel teams hold indoor practice/training sessions during the winter. Some opt to participate in Indoor Winter League Soccer Programs.
Training days and times are set by the head coach/trainer based. MTSA recommends that teams participate in at least one tournament per season.
How are teams formed?
Placement to a travel team is by TRYOUT ONLY. Where possible, a travel team will be formed at the appropriate level when a sufficient number of travel-qualified children have tried out for travel soccer. Every spring, MTSA gives the option of open tryouts for all age groups (U8 and up; Boys & Girls) for the addition to or creation of teams for the upcoming season. Club coaches and our training staff conduct player evaluations at tryouts, and teams are formed/added to based on evaluation results. Team roster size and the number of players on the field at any one time varies by age. MTSA requires that a team carry at least two players more than the number of players on the field (i.e., minimum of 9 players on a 7v7 team). The maximum roster size is established by New Jersey Youth Soccer Association.
How are coaches selected?
Head and Assistant coaches are appointed by the MTSA Executive Board each year and are required to be licensed through New Jersey Youth Soccer Association and/or United States Soccer Federation and pass a youth sports volunteer background check. The MTSA Executive Board expects coaches to adhere and enforce the club’s bylaws and rules and regulations, including managing the conduct of players, parents, and assistant coaches.
What if my child plays another sport?
Many of our players balance a schedule that includes other sports, activities, and commitments. It is important that parents be aware that accepting a roster spot represents a commitment to the team and leaves that roster spot unavailable to other interested players. It is expected that players accepting a roster spot will make every effort attend all games and practices during the Fall and Spring seasons. If that commitment is not an option, our Recreation program offers season only participation, and additional flexibility. Participation in travel soccer requires a commitment to play both the Fall and Spring seasons.
How much does participation in travel soccer cost?
Travel soccer costs come in three forms – registration, uniform, and team costs.
Registration: Yearly fees are paid online via credit card as part of accepting your roster spot following tryouts.
Uniform: Each player is required to purchase a uniform (home/away jerseys, shorts, socks). Uniforms are purchased online direct from the vendor. The club updates the uniform style every 2 years. Uniform orders are placed each year to accommodate growth spurts, new players, lost uniforms, etc. CLICK HERE to order
Team: Teams are responsible for the cost of professional training, tournament registration fees, and any other team activities (e.g., pizza parties). These costs are generally covered via team fundraising. The type and level of fundraising is dependent upon the activities of the team.
For more information or specific questions on our Travel Program please email Paul Rodemann our Vice President of Travel Teams