Melrose Youth Soccer Travel Team Placement & Evaluation Policy A Note on This Policy Beginning in the Fall 2026 season, MYS is formalizing a practice used widely across competitive youth soccer programs. Placement on a Travel team is not solely based on registration.  There are also player evaluations. This change allows us to build teams where every player is appropriately challenged, supported, and set up to succeed. This change benefits the whole program. We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we make this improvement. At Melrose Youth Soccer (MYS), our primary goal is to ensure that every player is placed in the environment that best supports their development, confidence, and long-term enjoyment of the game. Team Placement Philosophy Players will be placed on the team that best aligns with their current level of play. Team assignments are based on objective evaluations, coach input, and overall roster composition to create balanced, competitive, and developmentally appropriate teams. Our focus is always on: Player development Appropriate competitive challenge Positive team experience Long-term growth within the program Travel Evaluations Participation in Travel evaluations is required for players seeking placement on a Travel team. If a player is sick, injured or unable to attend evaluations it must be communicated with MYS so we can assure we can assess players skills. Please note: Evaluations are designed to assess readiness for competitive Travel play. Participation in evaluations does not guarantee placement on a Travel team. Final placement decisions are made based on observed skill level, game readiness, tactical understanding, and team needs. Developmental Readiness In some cases, a player's development will be best served by additional time in our City program before moving to Travel. When this occurs, MYS will work directly with the family to transition the player into the appropriate City division. Time in the City program is an investment, not a step back. Players in this path will: Strengthen foundational technical skills Build confidence in game situations Develop tactical awareness Gain consistent playing time in an environment where they can thrive Many Travel players developed through additional time in the City program first. This pathway has a proven track record and it works. Registration & Fees Players who register for Travel and are placed in the City program following evaluations will be re-registered in the appropriate City division at no additional cost. Registration fees are the same across both programs. Please contact your Age Director or Travel Coordinator with any questions about your specific situation. Evaluation Dates - Attached *Look for an email about how to Register for Evaluations next week. Our Commitment MYS is committed to: Transparent evaluation processes Fair and development-focused placement decisions Open communication with families throughout the process Supporting each player's growth at the level that is right for them We know that placement conversations can bring up big feelings, for players and parents alike. We take that seriously. The Age Directors and Travel Coordinators are always available to talk through questions, concerns, or next steps with your family. Questions? Please reach out to your Age Director or Travel Coordinator. We're here to help. Thank you for being part of Melrose Youth Soccer.