City Program

Our City Program consists of teams made up of other players from Melrose.  Teams are generally grouped by schools when possible.  Our City Program divisions are Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd & 4th Grade, and 5th & 6th Grade.  Games and practices are all in Melrose. 

• The City Program is for Kindergarten through 6th grade players who wish to play and practice in Melrose. 
• Players are typically grouped in coed teams by their school and year.
• Kindergarten teams have a 1-hour combined practice and game on Saturdays.  
• 1st – 6th graders have a 1-hour practice one evening a week and a 1-hour game on Saturdays.
• Fall practices and games typically start in early September and spring practices and games typically start in early April. 
  

Travel Program

Melrose Youth Soccer participates in Middlesex Travel League where away games are played in towns ranging from Charlestown to Chelmsford and Waltham to Westford.  Players in the 7^th – 8^th grade must play in the Travel Program, while players in the 3^rd – 6^th grade can choose to play either in the Travel Program or in our City Program.

Evaluations are required for players to sign up to play Travel Program and teams are formed and placed into divisions based on the team's composition.  Therefore, it is requested that players who register to play travel soccer follow through with that commitment.  There is an impact when players decide not to play after teams are formed since players cannot be easily moved between teams to balance the numbers and teams may be left short on players.

Travel soccer games are scheduled during both April vacation week Saturdays as well as Columbus Day weekend.  The lack of players available to play is not an allowable reason for reschedule and forces us to forfeit games so plan your vacations accordingly!

• Travel Program is for 3rd grade through 6th grade players who wish to travel and play other towns within the Middlesex League.
• Players are separated by gender and placed on teams based on ability.  Therefore, we cannot accept requests for teammates, coaches, or team placement for the Travel Program. 
  
• Teams generally practice two evenings a week and play games on Saturdays either home in Melrose or away at any of the cities within Middlesex.  Fall games typically start the Saturday after Labor Day and spring games typically start in early April.

Travel Program compared to the City Program

• Travel teams practice twice a week, while City teams practice once a week.
• Travel teams play against teams in other cities, while City teams play in Melrose against other Melrose City teams.
• Travel teams have either all girls or all boys teams, while city teams are coed.
• Travel teams have 3 different age groups (Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6 and Grades 7-8) and multiple divisions within each age group based on the teams competitive level;  City teams have 5 different age groups (K, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grades 3 & 4, Grades 5 & 6) and are not divided by competitive level.

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.

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.