How are the teams formed in the recreation soccer league?
- Per the MSC rules, teams at all divisions are randomly selected. However, teammate and coach requests are an option during the registration process with efforts to honor them, unfortunately, sometimes they simply can't be accommodated. The primary goal is to balance teams to promote fair, competitive and fun play.
I've never played soccer, can I still volunteer as a head or assistant coach?
- Absolutely! With enrollment between 300-450 players, we always need volunteers. Coaching at this level is a light lift. Youtube provides an abundance of training material, and if needed, members of the club will gladly assist with training plans and concepts. Very simply put, those with a positive attitudes who enjoy engaging with our youth athletes will very easily find the rewards worth the effort.
How much time do I need to commit if selected as a head or assistant coach?
- Each team typically plays 1 match a week and our U8's and up are encouraged to hold 1 training session a week between 60-90 minutes.
When are practices/training held?
- Since our volunteer coaches typically have full-time careers, the training nights and times are at the discretion of the volunteer coach. Although many coaches do their best to iron out scheduling conflicts with players, the end result is sometimes difficult manage and the final decision falls on the coach. Some coaches at U12 and older hold two weeknight training sessions.
Why are some players in the same grade in different divisions?
- Several seasons back, Medford Soccer Club Recreation moved to a similar birth year breakdwown to mirror the travel program and be in line with New Jersey Youth Soccer NJYS and United States Youth Soccer USYS. Although our goal is to provide a less competitive environment for recreation players, the Club believes it is important to groom and prepare players looking to advance themselves and transfer to the travel levels. Additionally since academic grades do not necessary go by age or birth year, age-inappropriate players can find their way in the wrong division based simply on the grade they are in. The 2 year birth year provides for a more age appropriate breakdown minimizing extreme age disparities.
Who can referee recreation soccer and what is the minimum age?
- We encourage our players to become youth referees and hold in-house referee classes each season. Referees must be a minimum age of 12. They are required to complete a W9 to be paid by MYAA. When a referee course is scheduled, you can find it in the Medford Soccer Club news feed with details and a registration link.
We are registered for recreation soccer, when will we find out who our coach is and when we will practice and play games?
- Coaches are provided their team rosters between 2-3 weeks before the official start of the season. Lots of work goes on behind the scenes to allocate players, get rosters to coaches and plan for the season. Once the coach receives his/her roster, they begin contacting their team to discuss training nights. The schedule is posted no earlier than 1 week before opening day. Most divisions play Saturday matches. Links for all division schedules are posted on our website.