Travel Evaluations – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are Travel evaluations required?
Travel soccer is designed to provide a higher level of competition and development. Evaluations help ensure that players are placed on teams where they will be appropriately challenged and supported. This allows us to create balanced teams and a positive experience for all players.
Evaluations are a common practice across competitive youth soccer programs.
How are players evaluated?
Evaluations are collected through coaches, program leaders, and hired professional evaluators. Our coaches provide evaluation information for each season (both Fall and Spring) on each player. Additionally, players attend on-field evaluations which are observed by independent, third-party evaluators during structured activities and small-sided or full-field scrimmages.
MYS has contracted a local soccer organization that specializes in youth training and development. Their personnel have extensive soccer backgrounds and coaching experience, providing independent and unbiased input on our players.
All evaluators consider:
- Ball control and technical skills
- Decision-making and awareness
- Passing and teamwork
- Effort and coachability
- Game understanding
Multiple evaluators are present at on-field sessions and evaluations are collected from all coaches (Head and Assistant) to help ensure fairness and consistency.
Does my player need to attend the on-field evaluation session?
Yes. Attendance at on-field evaluation sessions is required. These sessions provide an important additional view of each player, on top of the feedback collected from Travel Coordinators, Age Directors, and coaches.
What if my player has a scheduling conflict?
If a player has a conflict, please contact your Age Director or Travel Coordinator as soon as possible. We cannot accept requests to attend alternate sessions, as players must be evaluated within their cohort. Due to field availability there are no makeup or alternate sessions.
My player is a goalkeeper – should they participate?
Yes. Goalkeepers should attend. A goalkeeper-focused evaluator will be present at each session for rising 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Please make sure to indicate this when signing up, and have your player mention it when checking in.
Can a parent or caregiver stay to watch?
We ask that parents and caregivers do not stay to watch the on-field sessions. Experience has shown that having parents present at the field can increase pressure on players. Due to this, and limited parking at the field, we ask that players are dropped off 10 minutes prior to their assigned session time. Parents and caregivers will be asked to leave the field area and move to a location not visible to players on the field.
What should my player wear and bring?
Please do not wear MYS kit. Players can wear any soccer- and weather-appropriate clothing. The following are required or recommended:
- Shin guards are required to participate and must be worn.
- Soccer cleats are recommended (baseball and football cleats are not permitted).
- Players must bring a water bottle.
- Pinnies will be assigned to each player at check-in.
I missed the sign-up window – can my child still participate?
Yes. Players can be registered manually upon arrival at the field. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the grade-appropriate time slot (for example, the rising Grade 3 time slot is for current 2nd grade players). Please double-check before the session that your player has everything they need: water bottle, appropriate soccer clothing (no MYS kit), and shin guards (soccer cleats recommended).
How is on-field feedback weighted compared to coach input?
Feedback from on-field evaluations is used in concert with input from coaches, Travel Coordinators, and Grade Coordinators. On-field feedback is particularly helpful for leveling teams within the Travel divisions to ensure competition appropriately meets each player where they are.
Can I see my child’s evaluation?
Parents are welcome to request feedback about their child’s evaluation. While we do not share exact evaluation forms or scoring sheets, we are happy to discuss:
- General feedback from evaluators
- Areas where your player performed well
- Recommended areas for growth and development
- Skills or aspects of the game to focus on moving forward
Age Directors and Travel Coordinators are available to speak with families who would like additional insight or guidance.
Who can I speak to if I have questions?
We encourage families to reach out to their Age Director or Travel Coordinator if they have questions about the evaluation process. We are always happy to have constructive conversations and support your child’s development within the program.