The travel soccer program is for children who are committed to improving their skills and sense of teamwork on the field. While teams adhere to PAYSA’s principles of development and participation, soccer at the travel level offers a more competitive and comprehensive experience than is found on the recreational level.
Teams are led by volunteer licensed coaches. Players are expected to commit to training times and games. Travel teams begin practices in mid-August with league play starting late August. Our season included two practices per week, 6 league games (usually on Sundays, home and away), 2 tournaments, additional friendly games, and a festival (U9-U11 age group), or playoffs (U12-U14) at the end of the season (October/November).
For the U9-U11 age groups, teams are designated as “noncompetitive,” meaning scores are not formally kept and standings are not maintained. These teams play in a season-ending tournament in late October. Teams in the U12-U14 age groups are deemed “competitive,” and scores and standings are tracked for seeding in the state championship tournament.
Evaluations. Each spring, the club holds player evaluations to determine each player’s level of skill, as compared to his or her peers. Average individual scores tallied from these evaluations are used to form teams.
At the U9, U10, U11 and U12 age groups, with enough players to form more than one team, every attempt will be made to form balanced teams. At the U13 and U14 age groups, PAYSA reserves the right to form Division 1 and Division 2 teams to ensure a competitively viable experience.
2024 EVALUATIONS REQUIRED ONLY FOR NEW PLAYERS
Fees. PAYSA tries to run our soccer programs at break even. Components of the program expenses covered by registration fees include, but may not be limited to, Soccer Maine team and player fees, tournament fees, field and facility rentals, field paint, goals, balls and equipment, insurance, referee fees, and scholarships. If the registration fee presents a hardship for any family, PAYSA offers a generous financial assistance program to enable all players to participate. PAYSA is run entirely by volunteers.
- U9 – U10: $180 + uniform costs*
- U11 – U12: $195 + uniform costs*
- U13 – U14: $205 + uniform costs*
* Complete uniform (shirt, shorts, socks) is $40
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost per player to play at this level? See “Fees” above.
What age group is my son or daughter? Age Groups
How many players per team? Roster size is determined by age group. U9 and U10 teams play 7v7, with teams between 12-14 players. U11 and U12s play 9v9 and field teams of 14-16, and U13 and U14 teams play 11v11 and field teams of 18.
How are teams selected? Player performance is scored and noted during the evaluation process. At U11 and younger, age groups with enough players to form more than one team, every attempt will be made to form balanced teams. At U13 and U14, PAYSA reserves the right to form Division I and II teams to ensure a competitively viable experience.
Do I need to purchase a uniform? If you are new to Travel, you will need to purchase a uniform. Returning players are not required to purchase a uniform each year. All items may be purchased separately or as a “kit.”
Do tournaments take up the whole holiday weekend? The Indigenous Peoples Day tournament requires a one-day commitment. Typically, boys play on either Saturday or Sunday, and girls on the other, and Monday is not a play day. The Columbus Day tournament is held on both Saturday and Sunday. For teams U12 and above this is a competitive tournament and teams may advance to playoffs on Monday.
How do coaches determine playing time? In general, players can expect to play about 50 percent of games over the course of the season. Participation and effort in practice are factors. In playoff scenarios, coaches have the option of managing playing time in order to field the most competitive team possible.
Where are practices and home games? Practices are held on public fields and school campuses across Portland. For the 2023 season, U9 and U10 teams practice and play at East End Community School, U11 and U12 teams at Talbot School (Formerly Riverton Elementary), and U13 and U14 teams at Deering High School fields and Memorial Stadium.
What if my player cannot attend tryouts because of previous commitment? Players unable to attend tryouts will be placed in a player pool. Coaches may either assign players to a team or hold a later tryout to determine which players will fill out rosters.
How much travel is involved in travel soccer? PAYSA teams typically play regular season games in the Greater Portland area: South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Saco, Gorham, Westbrook, Windham, Standish/Buxton, Falmouth, Yarmouth and Cumberland. For U13 and U14 teams, the amount of travel could be greater based on the number of teams in each division.