What is Travel Soccer?

Travel Soccer is where teams of players from Back Mountain Youth Soccer Association (BMYSA) travel to other townships/clubs (or the come here) to play their teams.  These teams are usually made up of the best players or players that need more competition than the intramural program provided in the respective townships/clubs.  The travel teams participate in the following leagues:  Back Mountain Travel League for U-9 and U-10, Northeast Travel League for U-11 on up, and some teams may elect to play in the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League.

How serious is Travel Soccer?

Travel Soccer is a large step up from Intramural.  It requires a time commitment from the player AND his/her parents during its season.  There are no limits on how many time a travel team may meet for practice, however typically there will be two (2) practices per week and a game on Sunday (and sometimes on Saturday, such as with the Lehigh Valley League).  It requires dedication to the game and practice at home is expected.  Remember, this program prepares the child, to play at the next higher level such as Select, Premier, Olympic Development (ODP), and High School.

Does my child have to try out for the team every season?

YES.  Tryouts are held every spring.  Players are expected to progress and improve every year.  Sometimes, current players are cut to make room for better ones. All interested players are encouraged to come to tryouts.  It is the goal of BMYSA to field one (1) team in each age group for boys and girls.  A second team will be considered depending on interest and ability.

How much playing time will my child get?

This is always a tough question.  At the U-9, U-10 and U-11 levels, we try to even out playing time as much as possible so that all players get game experience and develop a love of the sport.  However, there will be situations that arise (especially in older teams), where the more advanced players are kept on the field at the expense of less experienced players.  Added time for the other players is usually given when the outcome of a game is no longer in doubt.  This usually provides equal playing time over the course of the season.  That being said, please be confident that our goal and intention is to develop ALL of the players on the team.

How much is winning stressed?

At BMYSA, it is our objective to field the best teams possible and win games, but not at all costs.  Your children will be trained regularly and encouraged by the coaches to play well.  Winning is a by-product of training, conditioning and good play.  However, as the child moved on to the older age teams, winning does become more important and there will be more tactical decisions made to ensure successful game outcomes.

How much Soccer will my child be playing?

Travel Soccer consists of spring and fall play, as well as tournaments.  Travel teams are encouraged to participate in as many weekend tournaments as they would like, typically three (3) or four (4) tournaments per year.  There is also optional winter indoor play, but that is usually a team decision.

How much travel is involved?

Most leagues games are on Sunday.  Travel time is usually within 45 minutes, if play is in non-premier leagues such as the Back Mountain Travel League and Northeast Travel League.  Premier leagues may be further away and usually the southeastern region of Pennsylvania.  Most coaches select tournaments that are competitive to their teams ability.  However, on occasion, coaches may ask for input from parents and other coaches as to which tournaments may benefit the team.  Some tournaments may require a weekend stay, which helps to bond the players and parents, ultimately improving team play.

What about conflicts with practices and games?

In the fall season, the player’s first obligation must be to Soccer.  The order of precedence established for schedule conflicts when players are playing both Intramural and Travel soccer is:

• Travel practice over intramural practice
• Travel games over intramural games
• Intramural games over travel practice

In the spring, efforts will be made to set the practice schedule to avoid conflict.  However, with baseball and other sports, we understand that some training sessions may be missed.  It is expected that all players will attend every game and practice.  Some conflicts, such as those with religious schooling, are truly unavoidable, and where possible, every effort will be make to set training session times so that all can attend.  If a player misses too many practices, they will not develop the skills their teammates have, their play will suffer, their playing time will be reduced and ultimately, their status on the team will be jeopardized.

How much does Travel Soccer cost?

BMYSA travel teams are parent supported.  The club provides and maintains the facilities for play (i.e. the fields).  Registration fees pay for each team to be registered in the spring and fall Travel League.  Costs for uniforms, referee fees, tournaments, patches and winter indoor play are paid by the parents or recaptured through club fundraising activities.  If no fundraising activities are done, a reasonable budget to assume would be $200-$350 per player per year.  That figure is over and above club registration fees.  If the team is going at the premier level, the costs will be higher.