Travel Soccer Program
Millburn Soccer Club Travel Soccer
Millburn Soccer Club offers a challenging and rewarding travel soccer program for dedicated players from the Millburn and Short Hills community who are passionate about the game. We foster a positive environment where these athletes hone their skills, develop teamwork, and grow as individuals, both on and off the field.
At the U7 level (typically 1st grade), we offer two programs: U7 Futures and U7 Festivals. Our U7 Futures program focuses on developing fundamental soccer skills to help players become more capable and confident on the ball. Our U7 Festival program will add participation in 4v4 Festival Tournaments against travel teams from nearby clubs. Both programs take place during the the Fall & Spring soccer seasons.
Our U8-U14 Travel teams (typically 2nd-8th grade) are a full school-year commitment, with Fall, Winter, and Spring training programs and Fall & Spring league participation. The teams compete in the Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer Association league for most teams and the Elite Development Program (EDP) league for our most competitive teams.
Tryouts take place in March/April for team placements for the following School Year (September-June)
What we offer
- Professional Coaching: All MSC travel teams are coached by experienced and dedicated professionally licensed trainers, ensuring players receive high-quality instruction and guidance.
- Competitive Play: Participate in the Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer Association and EDP leagues, facing some of the best competition in the region.
- Comprehensive Training & Development: We prioritize player growth and creating a positive team environment.
- Fall & Spring: Typically two or three training sessions per week (combination of 1.5-hour and 1-hour sessions).
- Winter: One weekly 1.5-hour training session.
- Tournament Opportunities: Up to 2-3 tournaments per year, providing valuable game experience.
- Pre-Season Camps: Optional pre-season camps are available (fees not included in membership).
- State Cup Participation: Our most competitive teams may participate in the State Cup tournament (for eligible teams).
2026-2027 Program Details & Membership Fees
U8-U14 Travel Teams ($1775): This fee covers:
- Two weekly training sessions (90 minutes each) during the fall and spring seasons.
- Participation in fall and spring league seasons (typically 8-10 games each).
- Up to three tournaments per year. (For the 2018 age group, a festival format may be used instead of league games and tournaments if deemed more suitable for skill development.)
- Weekly indoor turf practice during the winter season.
U8-U14 Travel "A" Teams ($1975): In addition to the benefits listed above, our most competitive teams will receive:
- An additional third weekly practice session during the fall and spring seasons.
- Participation in the State Cup tournament (for eligible teams).
U7 Futures Program ($250): Millburn Soccer Club is excited to offer an expanded U7 program designed for players born between Aug 1, 2019 and July 31, 2020. This program runs during the fall and spring seasons, but does not include a winter training component. All players will practice twice a week with our professional trainers and take part in small sided games on the weekend. The program curriculum focuses on developing fundamental soccer skills to help players become more capable and confident on the ball.
U7 Festival Program ($450): In addition to the U7 program benefits listed above, select teams will participate in 4v4 Festival Tournaments against travel teams from nearby clubs. This try-out-based program offers a more competitive yet fun learning experience.
FAQ's
What leagues do MSC Travel teams play in?
Our teams compete in the Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer Association (MNJYSA) and the Elite Development Program (EDP) League.
What do the fees cover?
The fees cover professional coaching, field space, league registration fees, referees, insurance, tournaments (2-3 per year), and winter training. Uniform costs are separate.
How much are uniforms?
Information regarding uniform purchases will be provided after team placement and registration.
What is the team selection process?
All players are required to attend tryouts. Coaches evaluate players based on skill, team needs, and other factors. Players will be notified of their team placement after tryouts are completed. MSC is committed to fielding as many teams as possible and accommodating as many committed players as practical, while maintaining a high level of play.
What age group is my child?
Beginning with the 2026-27 season, U.S. Soccer implemented an updated age-group cutoff based on an August 1st–July 31st grade-based model. Under the new model, a player’s soccer age will be determined by their birthdate between August 1st of one year and July 31st of the next.
Can my child play up for an older age group?
Millburn Soccer Club will only allow a child to play in their official U.S. Soccer age group except in the case where their age group is behind most of their classmates. Players whose birth dates fall on or after August 1st and are in the grade ahead of their age group may elect to try out and play up with the age group that aligns with their school grade, if that age group is older than their official U.S. Soccer age group.
Can my child play for MSC and another club at the same time?
All MSC players are required to have their primary club affiliation and player card with MSC. Secondary permission (“double carding”) of travel team players is permitted for members of the Club if players are otherwise eligible under NJYS and league rules. In such cases, MSC obligations (games, practices, events) take precedence over activities with the secondary club. Players in MSC's high school program only are permitted to have their primary club affiliation and player card at another Club, and to obtain secondary permission to play with MSC, if otherwise eligible under NJYS and league rules.
When are the seasons?
The fall season typically runs from late August to November, and the spring season from March to June. Winter training occurs between these seasons. Specific dates will be communicated.
Where and when are practices?
Practice days, times, and locations vary by team and are typically announced before each season. Practices are generally held two or three times a week during the fall and spring, and once a week during the winter and held at local Millburn and Short Hills schools and fields.
Where and when are games?
Games are typically played on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) during the fall and spring seasons. Home games are played in Millburn or Short Hills. Away games are typically within a 75-minute driving distance, with many games being significantly closer. Teams typically play approximately 20 league games per year (10 in the fall and 10 in the spring)
What is the player commitment level?
While we understand players may participate in other sports, travel soccer requires a significant commitment. Although we recognize that there can sometimes be schedule conflicts, players are expected to attend all practices, games, and events throughout the entire soccer year. When a conflict arises, players (or parents) must notify the coach in advance. Players that have a high rate of absenteeism can expect reduced playing time and are at risk of losing their spot on the roster. However, the coach will work with parents to correct any such issues. Communication is vital.
How much playing time does each player get?
Our goal is to develop players, not win at all costs by providing meaningful playing time for all team members. It is MSC policy that for U8-10 age groups, players must play approximately 50% of each game and for U11-U14 Age Groups players must play a minimum of 25% of each game. However, playing time can vary based on factors such as attendance and commitment levels.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Information about financial assistance opportunities is available. Please contact coachingcommittee@millburnsoccer.com for details.
What is the role of the Team Manager?
As a volunteer-led organization, Millburn Soccer Club relies on parent support to ensure our teams run effectively. Every team is required to have a volunteer parent Team Manager responsible for scheduling, communication, and administrative duties. In addition, we ask each team to have at least one Sideline Manager who provides valuable support during games. To become a Sideline Manager, you must complete a formal certification process through NJ Youth Soccer.
Are pre-season camps available?
Optional pre-season camps may be available for players to get a head start on the season and build team chemistry (fees not included in membership).
Ready to Join?
If you're interested in enrolling your child in the Millburn Soccer Club Travel Program, please contact the MSC Board at info@millburnsoccer.com for more information and to discuss if it's the right fit for your family.