The EUSA Travel Soccer Program is offered to those players (and their families) who are seeking to play in more competitive matches against teams from other towns in NJ (and possibly other states as well). Currently, EUSA’s travel teams participate as members of the Mid-NJ Youth Soccer Association (MNJYSA) League.
Tryouts and Age Groups
Each year during the Spring season, EUSA conducts a series of player evaluations (tryouts) to create teams that will remain together for a year (starting with the Fall season of that same year and then ending after the Spring season of the following year). Based on the results of their evaluation in comparison to other players in the same age group, a player may be offered a spot on a team depending on the number of teams in his/her age group. These age groups are known as:
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Group
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Age player must be by July 31st of the year they are trying out
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U-9
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8 years old
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U-10
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9 years old
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U-11
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10 years old
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U-12
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11 years old
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U-13
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12 years old
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U-14
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13 years old
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When and where Travel teams play
Travel soccer teams generally play five (5) games here in Edison, and five (5) games in other towns that are usually within 60 minutes driving time from the Edison area. These games are generally played on Sunday, although there may be an occasional game played on a Saturday. Matches usually start between 11:30am and 3pm.
Practice, practice, practice
The only way to develop a better‑skilled player is to practice, practice, and practice. Travel teams practice twice a week, and one of these practice sessions is usually run by a professional trainer who assists the coach. Teams, especially those that are older or play in higher‑skilled flights, may practice more often and those additional sessions may also be run by a professional trainer (at an expense that must be paid for by members of the team). The dates and times of all practice sessions are determined by the team’s coaching staff.
Tournaments
As part of their registration fees, travel teams are able to participate in up to two (2) tournaments a year. These tournaments are a fun way to test every player’s skills against those from a wider geographic area than just the central NJ area. There is also a tournament offered by MNJYSA at the end of the Spring season for all teams who are participating members. Some teams attend even more tournaments, but those must be paid for by members of the team.
Fees
The fee that must be paid for each player on a travel team is $320 per year if the child is a resident of Edison or Metuchen, or $330 if they reside anywhere else. This fee covers the registration costs for both the Fall and Spring seasons, as well as insurance costs that are in effect during those times as well. Please note that these fees do NOT include the cost of the uniform that every player’s family is required to purchase.
