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Pre-Academy/Rec FAQ

Is my child eligible to participate?

  • Potentially, depending on their birth year! Our Pre-Academy/Rec program is for players U4-U12! 

What team is my player on?

  • Maryland-Elite SC, and the Pre-Academy/Rec Program, is ran academy-style, which means that there are not "teams". We focus on individual player development. Instead of players being assigned to specific teams for the program duration, players practice and play in groups according to their birth year. Players will be assigned to a certain area of the field (marked by field signage indicating birth year) upon arrival to the practice field. On game days, each week, players are assigned to different groups to compete.

What should my player bring to the field?

  • Shin Guards
  • A Ball
    • Size 3 recommended for players U8 and younger. Size 4 recommended for players U9 and older.
  • Athletic Shoes / Cleats if preferred
  • Soccer Socks (covering shin guards)
  • Athletic Pants/Shorts

How many practices and games per Pre-Academy/Rec season?

  • Per season, we plan for 5 Games and 7 Practices - weather permitting. All dates/times for the season are listed on the program's page!

WHAT IS FESTIVAL DAY?

  • Festival Day is the official last day of the season where fun activities and games will be set up and parents/family members are welcome to get involved! Player certificates will also be passed out. Festival day follows the same time schedule as a typical Saturday game day. 

Do canceled practices/games get rescheduled?

  • No, cancelations are final and any canceled practices/games will not be made up. We plan for and schedule, with set dates/times, 7 practices and 5 games per season, weather permitting. Weather plays a factor from time to time, unfortunately causing field closures and/or dangerous conditions for play. As a result, cancelations may occur. 

How do I add an email address to receive emails?

Can I order Spirit Wear?

What is the process for player identification for the MESC Travel Academy?

  • Maryland Elite's Recreational All-Star ID Program, part of MESC Player Identification Program(PIP) is a first in the area and is designed to identify players with exceptional ability.  The ID program allows staff coaches to distinguish the players that display talents that are required to play at an all-star level. At this level coaches will recognize the following elements of a player that displays all-star talent; Technique, Tactics, Physical and Mental.  For example, the fastest kid or the strongest kid is not what we are ultimately looking for in a young player.  The Player Identification Program is an extension of Maryland Elite Soccer's 'Elite Player Pathway' which not only creates programs to ensure players are being trained and prepared for soccer at the highest levels but also to make certain capable players are identified.
    • TECHNIQUE: Enhanced dribbling skills using all foot surfaces. How they receive and control the ball. How they pass and do they pass. We don’t encourage players to just kick the ball down field. We will recognize controlling of the ball and trying to keep possession. At this age the kids are learning to shoot so the "biggest foot" will be ID'd but technique is the key.
    • TACTICS: Players that will be ID'd will begin to understand the game. How they move up and down the field and how they penetrate defenses with quick touches through passing. Heavy emphasis will be on how they react in 2v1 and 2v2 situations towards goal. 
    • PHYSICAL: ID'd players will be evaluated by their hand and eye coordination (goalkeepers) and foot and eye coordination. 
    • MENTAL: Players ID'd should display passion with a smile on their face.  No poor sportsmanship will be allowed.  ID'd players should be focused and enjoy the game so they learn to love it.