Greetings Parents,

Over the years players have left the Mariner Youth Soccer Program to pursue their development with various MAPLE teams in the area. So, the Mariner Youth Soccer Board has authorized expanding its offerings to include MAPLE teams in order to meet the developmental needs of all its players as well as local players. This offering is not for every player. Players and parents must be committed to the program and its demands!

Hopefully the following questions and answers will clarify this program.

What is MAPLE?

This league is the premier league in Massachusetts it has seasons in Fall and Spring for age groups U-11 to U-14, older age groups play only in the Spring because of the high school Fall season. The games are played on Sunday afternoons and can be anywhere in the state.

At what age does MAPLE start?

The MAPLE League offers developmental play for ages U-10 thru U-12.  At U-13 teams are seeded into three levels, Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3 (called “D”).

What is the commitment for being on a MAPLE Team?

The teams will train twice a week prior to and during each season. The fall season is 9 weeks and the spring season is 7 weeks. Futsal will be the indoor game of choice for winter play (Jan & Feb). Your player is expected to be at all training unless they are sick, have a school, religious or family obligation.

How does MAPLE differ from spring travel?

There are a few differences. First, attendance, your player must be at training or they will not be able to develop to their potential. Second, travel, it is more extensive than the South Coast League although half the matches will be home half can be anywhere in the state. Third, cost, playing on this team is more than Spring Travel. Forth, coaching, individuals working with your child will be licensed by Mass Youth Soccer, USYSA, or NSCAA and must earn a minimum of a “D” License, or Regional Diploma to continue coaching. Most importantly the training, your player will receive training far superior to anything he or she has been exposed to in the past. All training guidelines will mirror those of Mass Youth Soccer and US Youth Soccer.

What qualifications will the coaches have?

Every coach will be required to obtain his or her “D” License or NSCAA Regional Diploma (current Mariner coaches will be give time to acquire these licenses or diplomas). All training sessions will be age appropriate and build a solid foundation for future growth in the game. Coaches will be assigned teams on a yearly basis according to their coaching strengths. Coaches will be retained only if they strive to develop all their players to their potential and will be evaluated every season by the Technical Director.

What is the cost for this program?

A player participating in a two season age group the cost is $675 for the year. A player participating in a one season age group the cost is $300. Fund raising is an option to help families defray the cost. Mariner players who participate in the fall rec and spring travel will receive a scholarship of $200 because of fees already paid. These prices are the most reasonable in the MAPLE League; some players pay as much as $1000 per season on various clubs

Are there other costs that may arise?

Yes, the uniforms are a separate item but are not a yearly expense.  This first time cost could be around $150. Mariner is  an Adidas sponsored Club and therefore gets the best price for uniforms and gear. Teams can also attend other tournaments or indoor training and can fund raise for these expenses.

What does my player get for the cost?

Your player will get age appropriate training based on recommendations by the United States Youth Soccer Association, the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) and the FA (English Football Association). This training will expose your player to the most current training methods available! Your player will get a minimum of 40 (1 ½ hours each) sessions per year and 16 matches (for two season age groups). Winter Futsal and skill work as well as one tournament per year for all age groups. This works out to around $5 per hour of involvement for a two season team.

The fee pays for the following: MAPLE registration, Mass Youth registration, Cups Registration, gym rental (Futsal), coach’s salary, one tournament, minimum 60 training hours, and 16 matches.

 Is there a down side to my player being on a MAPLE Team?

Some people may consider these a down side! There is a commitment to attend all training sessions which could interfere with other spring sports; however training times can be adjusted. There is travel on at least three to four Sundays where you could be anywhere in the state. There is a financial obligation which is more than spring travel. Your player may not get as much playing time as he or she did on the Spring Travel Team but every player will play in every match! Your player will be playing with team mates from outside the area because these teams are open to all players. There is no guarantee your player will be selected every season.

Is my player going to be on a winning team?

Being on a winning team has nothing to do with your player’s development in the game. Although parents sometimes think winning is a bench mark of how their player is developing and the success of a coach, this is not the case! Age appropriate training sessions that challenge and expand your player’s horizons in a fun, educational atmosphere are most important for development. By gaining skill and becoming more tactically aware your player will grow in the game and when he or she plays with like players wins will come but only as a byproduct of development. The quality of the weekly training sessions will determine how your child plays the game in the future.

Can my player still play Spring Travel in the South Coast League?

Yes, your player can dual roster up to the U-15 age level. It is your player’s choice if they want to pursue this course of action.