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.’
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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
G6: Entering 5th or 6th grade- Fall 2024
G8: Entering 7th or 8th grade- Fall 2024
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I sign up for Travel soccer just for Fall or Spring?
A: Travel is a commitment for the Fall and Spring seasons. Teams typically remain the same to build continuity. Also coaches often offer optional winter training and indoor league play.
Q: What if my player has other sports or activities they participate in?
A: This is common and is typically not a problem. We ask that players make at least one of two practices a week. However, if you think your player will miss most or all a season, then In-Town is likely a better option.
Q: Can you tell me the practice and game days/times?
A: Practice days and times are set by the coach shortly before the season starts. Games are on Saturdays and the times are determined by the league (Essex County Youth Soccer Association).
Q: How many games a season are there and where are they?
A: The Fall and Spring season each have 8 games. 4 are home and 4 are away. Away matches are in Essex County and a few select Middlesex County towns.
Q: What if my player can only make one evaluation date?
A: Then that player will be scored on their performance that day.
Q: What if my player can’t make either evaluation date?
A: If there is availability in the players age and gender, Travel Committee will reach out to his/her coaches to determine if Travel Soccer is a good fit.
Q: What if my player does not make a team?
A: If G4 or G6 that player will be moved to In-Town for Fall and the family will be refunded the difference. There is no G8 In-Town so a refund would be provided in full for anyone in that age group that is not selected.
Q: Why do we have to pay up front and decide if while the Spring season is still happening?
A: Haverhill Youth Soccer has strict deadlines to submit roster and player information to ECSYA and MYSA (Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association).
Evaluations
Evaluation dates and times are as follows and all take place at Haverhill High School:
G4 = Monday June 10th & Wednesday June 12th 5pm – 6pm
G6 = Monday June 10th & Wednesday June 12th 6:15pm – 7:15pm
G8 = Monday June 10th & Wednesday June 12th 7:30pm – 8:30pm
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: May 17, 2024