Summer Travel Program
Winter training begins in January, with league games running from April through early July.
Summer Travel Program Overview
The Summer Travel Soccer Program is designed for players who are passionate about competitive soccer and ready to take their skills to the next level. This program provides a structured, challenging team environment with a strong focus on player growth, teamwork, and competition. The program provides players the chance to elevate their game, build lasting friendships, and experience the excitement of competitive soccer in a supportive, team-focused environment.
Training
Teams practice multiple times each week under the guidance of experienced coaches, with an emphasis on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical fitness, mental preparedness, and sportsmanship.
Winter training begins in January to foster year-round development, with regular season practices starting in March/April.
Season & Competition
The season runs from late spring through early summer and includes league play against regional clubs as well as at least two tournaments each season.
Teams compete in both local and regional tournaments, providing opportunities for higher levels of play and broader exposure.
Commitment & Travel
Players and families should be prepared for a higher level of commitment, including consistent practice and game attendance.
Teams will play in 8-10 league games that consistent of both home and away locations.
Teams will participate in 2-3 tournaments in addition to league games.
Travel varies by team and may range from nearby cities to destinations up to 90+ miles away.
Summer 2026 Travel Program Cost Structure
Player Age | Division | Registration Fee | Team Fee | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
U9/U10 | Division II / Division III | $415 | $0 | $415 |
U11/U12 | Division II / Division III | $515 | $0 | $515 |
U13 to U19 | Division II / Division III | $650 | $0 | $650 |
U13 to U19 | Division II / Division III plus Mini Academy | $650 | $75 | $725 |
U13 to U19 | Division 1 / Academy | $650 | $115 | $775 |
What does the registration fee cover?
Your registration fee helps to cover:
- MYSA league fees
- Tournament fees (up to 3 per team, including the state tournament)
- Coach stipends
- Referee payments
- Field rentals
- Winter training sessions
- Registration systems
- Coach resources
- Hudl cameras (U13 and older teams)
What is included in the team fee?
The team fee supports expenses beyond standard registration. It includes:
- Academy or mini-academy fees
- Additional tournament costs
- Coach stipends
- Indoor training space
Competitive Pathways
U9 - U10 Age Group
Highest Division: Division II
Secondary/Lower Division: Division III
Teams will compete in Division II or Division III, based on overall roster strength and player development needs. Division II is the higher level league compared to the Division III League.
U11 - U12 Age Group
Highest Division: Possibly Division I
Secondary/Lower Division: Division II and Division III
Division 1 teams may be offered if MYSA provides Division 1 brackets and player numbers and skill levels support team formation.
U13 and Older Age Group
Highest Division: Division I
Secondary/Lower Division: Division II and Division III
Division 1 teams may compete in the MN Academy League or Metro Alliance League, with opportunities to participate in State Cup or Presidents Cup tournaments.
High-performing Division 2 teams may also take part in the MN Academy League Mini-Season, which includes three competitive matches against Division 1 opponents.
For additional information about available leagues, please visit the MYSA website - https://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/leagues/
Summer Travel Program Q & A
How is travel different than recreational soccer?
Travel soccer stresses player development and a competitive playing environment. We recommend recreational soccer for less competitive players who desire equal playing time.
What does the registration fee cover?
Your registration fee helps support the full soccer experience for players. It covers:
- MYSA league fees
- Tournament fees (up to 3 per team, including the state tournament)
- Coach stipends
- Referee payments
- Field rentals
- Winter training sessions
- Registration systems
- Coach resources
- Hudl cameras (U13 and older teams)
What is included in the team fee?
The team fee supports expenses beyond standard registration. It includes:
- Academy or mini-academy fees
- Additional tournament costs
- Coach stipends
- Indoor training space
Are there any additional costs families should anticipate beyond the standard registration fees?
The registration fee does not include the cost of a uniform. A complete uniform kit—consisting of two jerseys (home and away), shorts, and socks—typically costs around $90 plus shipping.
Families are also responsible for providing necessary equipment, such as cleats and shin guards, and may incur additional expenses related to travel, including meals and lodging.
In some cases, teams may opt to participate in additional tournaments beyond the standard two per team allocation. Any such costs are the responsibility of participating families.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes, payment plans are available through registration. Upon sign-up, there's a required non-refundable deposit.
Is there a discount available for families registering multiple players?
Yes, the first child will pay their entire registration fee, and each subsequent registration afterward is eligible for a $25 family discount.
What is the practice and game schedule for players?
Winter indoor training starts in January and moves outdoors in April. Once outside, teams independently schedule their practices.
League games occur weekly in the evenings during the spring/summer season and on weekends in the fall league. Division 1 and Premier Teams players may also have weekend games in the spring. Games begin in April or May, depending on level play, and run through mid-July. Teams may also participate in weekend tournaments.
What training guidelines should families be aware of for their child's age group and team level?
Sartell Soccer Association provides age-appropriate training recommendations to support player development. While exact practice schedules may vary by team, the suggested training frequency and session lengths are as follows:
- U9–U10: 1–2 practices per week, 1:1 or 2:1 practice-to-game ratio, 60–75 minutes per session
- U11–U12: 2–3 practices per week, 2:1 or 3:1 ratio, 75–90 minutes per session
- U13–U14 (Div 3): 2–3 practices per week, 2:1 or 3:1 ratio, 90 minutes per session
- U13–U14 (Div 2): 3 practices per week, 3:1 ratio, 90 minutes per session
- U15+ & Premier: 3–4 practices per week, minimum 3:1 ratio, 90–120 minutes per session
- Premier & U17+ (Preferred): 4–5 practices per week, 4:1 ratio, 90–120 minutes per session
Training sessions are tailored to the team’s age, competitive level, and seasonal needs.
Where are games played?
Home games take place at Pinecone Central Park in Sartell. Away games and tournaments are generally played within 90 miles +/- radius of Sartell.
Occasionally, some teams may play out-of-state tournaments based on their skill and level of competition. Teams will make that decision individually.
How many players are on a team?
Per MYSA rules:
- Age 9U - 7v7, roster size: 7 - 12 players
- Age 10U - 7v7, roster size: 7 - 12 players
- Age 11U - 9v9, roster size: 9 - 16 players
- Age 12U - 9v9, roster size: 9 - 16 players
- Age 13U - 11v11, roster size: 11 - 18 players
- Age 14U - 11v11, roster size: 11 - 18 players
- Age 15U - 11v11, roster size: 11 - 18 players
- Age 16U - 11v11, roster size: 11 - 18 players
- Age 17U - 11v11, roster size: 11 - 18 players
- Age 18U - 11v11, roster size: 11 - 18 players
- Age 19U - 11v11, roster size: 11 - 18 players
*MYSA does allow teams to be "over rostered" under some circumstances, which is why your player may be on a team with more athletes than permitted in this chart.
Does the Sartell Soccer Association have liability insurance?
Yes, the club has insurance through the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA).
Can I try out for a SSA travel team and a team from another club?
Yes, a tryout is not a commitment to play. However, once you register (commit) with one club for the season, you can't play with another MYSA club until after the competitive season ends.