Intertown program for Grades 3 to 8.
Our Travel program is designed to offer players with competitive opportunities to develop the necessary abilities to play at the next highest level. We recognize that many coaches, players, and parents value competitive play, however, to assure proper player development our Travel coaches follow the developmental philosophy and methodologies set forth by US Soccer. No matter the level of competition, we promote development by challenging players to think independently and play good soccer.
The program's main goal is to field teams to compete in various divisions within the Essex County Youth Soccer Association (ECYSA). Grade 6 and Grade 8 divisions do have a playoff system in the spring where winning does mean something, but our coaches are expected to reinforce player development no matter what the outcome of the match.
We ask that you review our Travel Policy adopted to assure fairness, transparency and continuity with this program. We hope you will also take a moment to review the Player Development Initiatives to learn more about the development philosophy and playing standards set forth by US Soccer for the playing formats used by this program.
Seasons
Travel seasons consist of a combined eight matches played in the fall and another eight matches played in the spring. Fall matches are scheduled from September to November with a break for Columbus Day. Spring matches are scheduled from April to June with a break for Memorial Day. The start and end of each season is set by ECYSA.
Grade Groups- Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
Travel teams are formed by gender and dual grade as set by ECYSA. Please refer to ECYSA Operational Rules for details of exceptions.
G4: Entering 3rd or 4th grade- Fall 2024
HYS will be offering one G4 boys and one G4 girls team.
Rosters will be capped at ECYSA maximum of 14
HYS will be applying a minimum of 11 to rosters
Players who are not selected for a team will be able to transfer registration to In-Town and will be refunded the difference
G6: Entering 5th or 6th grade- Fall 2024
G8: Entering 7th or 8th grade- Fall 2024
The number of G6 & G8 teams will depend on the number of registrants
Rosters will be capped at ECYSA maximum of 16 for G6 and 22 for G8
HYS will be applying minimums for roster amounts, 14 for G6 and 16 for G8
For example, if we have 28 boys try out for G6, there will be one team of 22
Players who are not selected for a G6 team will be able to transfer registration to In-Town and will be refunded the difference
Evaluations
Fall 2024 and Spring 2025- Team Evaluations: TBD
Schedule
Travel matches are scheduled by ECYSA and can be found on its website.
Equipment
Travel players must have the following to participate in training sessions and matches:
Uniform - Once players are placed on a roster, they will be sent a separate link to purchase their kit (New Balance: yellow jersey, black jersey, black shorts, and black socks) via a soccer.com email with a designated uniform number.
Shin guards - Mandatory for safety.
Footwear - Soccer cleats are recommended to avoid bad spills. However, shoes with toe cleats (baseball) are not allowed.
Soccer ball - Size 3 for Grade 3/4, Size 4 for Grade 5/6, Size 5 for Grade 7/8.
Sports bottle - Players should bring plenty of fluids with them.
Updated: April 25, 2024