MSC Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Monroeville Soccer Club?

The Monroeville Soccer Club (MSC) is a soccer club (really!) serving the area of the Gateway School District (Monroeville and Pitcairn, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania). Our bylaws specify only that we are a “soccer club”; in practice, we offer only youth soccer activities.

How old does my child have to be to play soccer in MSC?

A child is eligible to play on the 1st of August following his or her fourth birthday. This age requirement is set by the state association, primarily for insurance purposes.

What is the playing season?

We have a fall session (roughly September and October) and a spring session (roughly April and May). Usually the spring teams are the same as the fall teams.

When is registration?

Registration (and travel tryouts, if held) are usually held in late April or early May for the following season. However, it is usually possible to register for in-house soccer at pretty much any time (although late registrants may be placed on a waiting list). We very strongly encourage anyone interested in playing travel soccer to register in the spring for the following season.

What do these age groups like “U10” mean?

“U10” stands for “under-10,” meaning that a child's tenth birthday will be on or after the start of the current “soccer year” (1 August). In general, teams are formed from even-numbered age groups (so that a U10 team has U9 and U10 players).

What activities does MSC offer?

We offer league play as well as occasional clinics and workshops. The league play is either “in-house” (involving only MSC teams, or, for U10 teams, neighboring clubs) or “travel” (against teams from other clubs in PA West). Our in-house play is for the U6, U8 and U10 age groups. Travel play is for U10 (including U9 if space is available), U12, U14, U16 and U19 age groups. Sometimes we also have U11, U13 and U17 teams.

Do boys and girls play together?

In U6, yes. At U8 and above, no. However it is sometimes necessary to form mixed travel teams (which compete in the boys' leagues) because of the number of players involved. We feel it is better to field a co-ed team than to deny 15 or 20 kids the chance to play.

Where are games played?

All U6 and U8 games (and U10 home games) are played on fields 1 through 13 at Monroeville Community Park West (the new park). Home travel games are played at a variety of locations around Monroeville, but most are at either MCP West or MCP East (the old park).

How are teams formed?

The U6 and U8 teams are formed at random or by neighborhood or school. The U10 in-house teams are selected in a draft by the coaches. Travel teams are selected by a committee based primarily on coaches' evaluations. This committee also recommends the level at which the travel teams play.

How do the rules differ from what I might see on Fox Soccer Channel?

U13 and up play a full 11v11 game (meaning eleven players on the field for each team). U12 and below play “small-sided soccer”: 3v3 for U6; 4v4 for U8; 7v7 for U10 and 9v9 for U12. U6 and U8 do not use goalkeepers. For U16 and below the games are shorter than the “official” 45-minute halves. For example, U12s play 30-minute halves. There are no limits on substitutions (unlike the total of three substitutes for the game in international rules).

What equipment will I need to buy?

The registration fee includes game uniforms (shirts, shorts and socks) for in-house and travel players. Shin guards are required for all players for both games and practice. Players should always bring an adequate supply of water (or sports drink) with them to games and practices, as well as a properly inflated ball of the appropriate size (size 3 for U6/U8; size 4 for U10/U12; size 5 for older groups). Soccer cleats are useful for the younger age groups; almost essential for the older ages. Only molded cleats are allowed (no removable or metal studs or baseball shoes). Jewelry (including starter earrings) may not be worn during games and is discouraged at practices.

Will my child get to play?

MSC rules require that each player play at least 50% of each game. Exceptions can be made for injury, illness or discipline. Each coach will usually have a policy regarding practice attendance and playing time (generally more of an issue for travel teams than in-house teams).

When are games played?

In-house games are played on Saturdays between 9:00am and 2:30pm. Travel games are played on Sundays. They usually do not start before 1:00pm.

What is this Cup soccer that I keep hearing about?

Cup, or classic, soccer offers a higher level of play for more skilled and/or more motivated players. Teams are usually made up of players from several communities and are formed by competitive tryouts which are often invitational. League play is generally on Saturdays; there are also occasional weekend tournaments. Some of the classic leagues are sanctioned by organizations other than PA West or US Youth Soccer.

How far do we have to travel for travel games?

For the lower divisions (B and C for girls; 2 and 3 for boys), travel is limited to the East District of PA West (roughly a triangle with Pittsburgh, Indiana and Somerset as corners). Divisions A (girls) and 1 (boys) cover all of PA West (roughly the western half of Pennsylvania), so trips to Erie, State College and Morgantown are a possibility.

So, what are these divisions you just mentioned?

Girls travel leagues are divisions A, B or C; boys play 1, 2 or 3. Basically, the lower the number (or letter), the higher the quality of play (or perhaps the less the players have played together before). The Sunday travel leagues have limits of the number of classic players which can be on the rosters.