FAQs

Each player can be registered in one of four divisions based on their school grade:

• Academy:
  • Academy K: Pre-K (Final Year) and K
  • Academy 2: Grades 1 and 2
• G4: Grades 3 and 4
• G6: Grades 5 and 6
• G8: Grades 7 and 8

Register online through TeamSnap by clicking the "Register Today" button or link in an email. Add player and guardian information, and submit payment.

Note: If you are unable to register or don't see your division available, it may mean that registration is closed or full.

• Fall: Registration generally opens in June and closes in July
• Spring: Registration starts around December and ends in February

Some divisions fill quickly—register early! Players that miss the deadline will not be placed on a team.

Fees range from about $100 to $200 depending on division and can change moderately year to year. There is a discount for multiple family registrations.

Fees cover:

• Field rentals
• Referees
• Equipment
• Shirts (Academy and G4 in the fall)
• League insurance
• Administrative costs

• Full refund: If requested before a player is placed on a team
• Partial refund: After placement and before the first game (less processing)
• No refund: After the first game, except for documented medical/relocation reasons

• Spring: Early April to June (approximately 8 games)
• Fall: September to early November (approximately 8 games)

Exact dates and postseason events are posted on the league calendar. Game schedules will be communicated by coaches shortly before the start of the season.

• Academy: Saturdays only
• Younger divisions: May have combined practice/play sessions or 45–60 minute practices
• Older kids: Practice once or twice per week for 60–90 minutes

Coaches set specific days and times based on field availability. Practice schedules will be communicated by coaches shortly before the start of the season.

Schedule: Games for all divisions are typically on Saturdays, with occasional weeknight games for makeups. Away games may be at neighboring club/league fields. A field map and addresses will be posted before the season.

Locations:

• Coach Field (Brook Street)
• Essex Elementary School
• Pine Street Field
• Manchester Essex High School
• Sweeney Park
• Masconomo Park

Notifications are sent via the TeamSnap app, and coaches may also send email communications. Weather-related decisions are generally made on game day. Ensure your TeamSnap account has current contact information.

Academy K and Academy 2 sessions are held on Saturdays as follows:

• Academy K – Last Names A–L: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
• Academy K – Last Names M–Z: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
• Academy 2 – Boys: 11:45 am – 1:00 pm
• Academy 2 – Girls: 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm

• Fall: Masconomo Park in Manchester
• Spring: Hyland Field at Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School

Required items:

• Cleats (or sneakers)
• Shin guards
• Soccer socks
• Soccer ball

Ball sizes:

• Academy K (Pre-K and K): Size 3
• Academy 2 (Grades 1 and 2): Size 4

Note: MEYS provides a jersey to all players.

The program is run by Coach Mo Elsayed (Coach Mo) and his team from Sphinx Soccer Academy. Parent volunteers help support our 1st and 2nd grade program. Register to volunteer!

• Academy K: Sessions are geared towards skills and drills and include some scrimmaging
• Academy 2: Sessions break time evenly between scrimmaging and skill drills run by Coach Mo and the coaching staff

Parent volunteers are needed for the 1st and 2nd grade level to help oversee games. Coach Mo and his team are available to provide support and refereeing, but we ask for 1–2 volunteers per team to help support the players and the program.

Register to volunteer!

Required:

• Shin guards (worn under soccer socks)
• Soccer socks
• Soccer cleats or athletic shoes (no metal studs)
• Water bottle

Recommended:

• A soccer ball
• Warm layer
• Sunscreen

Ball sizes by division:

• Academy: Size 3
• G4 and G6: Size 4
• G8: Size 5

• Academy: The league provides jerseys but not shorts and socks
• G4, G6, and G8: Travel to play other towns during Spring sessions requires full-kit uniforms (jersey, shorts, and socks) for both home and away games. Information about ordering uniforms from travel soccer will be provided at the start of the season

Players must wear:

• Official team jersey
• Matching shorts and socks (for travel seasons)
• Shin guards under socks
• Closed-toe athletic footwear

Jewelry policy: No jewelry allowed. Earrings must be removed or taped per referee discretion (local policy applies).

Coaches are volunteers screened by the league through:

• Application review
• Reference check
• Background check (where required)

The league provides training and resources, and may require completion of safety and concussion modules. Please see ECYSA for more information.

Coaching staff: Typically one head coach and one or two assistant coaches per team.

Team sizes by age:

• Younger teams: 6–8 players
• Older teams: 12–16 players

We aim for small-sided formats to maximize playing time.

Teams are formed by a representative coaching group based on player age and experience. Player evaluations or prior-season input are used to balance skill levels.

We follow modified small-sided rules aligned with national youth soccer guidelines:

• Academy: 3v3/4v4, no goalkeepers, kick-ins or dribble-ins, no offsides, coach/official-managed restarts
• G4: 5v5/7v7, build-out line, goalkeeper allowed, modified offsides
• G6: 9v9, standard restarts, offsides applies
• G8: 11v11, full Laws of the Game

Complete rules and modifications are available at ECYSA.org.

We emphasize fun, respect, and learning. Players, coaches, and parents must display positive behavior toward opponents and officials. Running up scores is discouraged; use equitable playing time and development-focused coaching.

Do:

• Sit on the spectator side opposite the teams
• Cheer positively
• Respect referees' decisions
• Arrive on time
• Keep fields clean
• Report unsafe conditions to staff

Don't:

• Coach from the sidelines
• Bring pets on fields (unless permitted)

We follow a "When in doubt, sit them out" policy.

• Any suspected concussion requires immediate removal from play
• Evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider is required
• Written clearance is required before returning to play
• Travel soccer coaches are all trained in concussion protocol

1. Inform the coach/official immediately
2. For minor injuries, first aid is provided on-site when available
3. For serious injuries, call emergency services
4. File an incident report with the league within 24–48 hours

• Coaches carry basic first-aid kits
• Some venues have certified athletic trainers or EMTs on site for higher divisions/events
• Availability varies by location; emergency procedures are posted at fields

• Bring a full water bottle to every session
• In hot weather, add extra water breaks and use shade
• Dress appropriately for conditions

There are many ways to volunteer:

• Coach or assistant coach
• Team manager
• Join the board or committees

Training and materials are provided. Register to volunteer!

Most communications are from your coaches through the TeamSnap app, and their email address is provided.

• Team matters: Contact your coach
• Additional questions: Submit via the contact form

Yes. All participants agree to the league's code covering:

• Respect
• Safety
• Sportsmanship
• Compliance with Massachusetts rules

The code is shared at registration and posted on the Massachusetts state website.

Progressive discipline may include:

• Warning
• Game suspension
• Removal from the venue
• Season dismissal without refund (for serious or repeated violations)

Referees and league officials may enforce on-site; appeals follow league policy.