Travel Soccer – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Travel Soccer?
KPSA travel teams compete against other towns in both the Fall and Spring seasons. Teams typically practice twice during the week and play one game per Saturday, with travel required for away matches.
Soccer Organization Definitions
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KPSA – King Philip Soccer Association
The local youth soccer organization that registers players, forms teams, assigns coaches, and manages travel soccer for the King Philip community.
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BAYS – Boston Area Youth Soccer
The regional travel league in which KPSA teams compete against other towns.
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MYSA – Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association
The state governing body that provides player and coach registration, insurance coverage, and oversight. Both KPSA and BAYS are members of MYSA.
2. What grades/ages play travel soccer?
3. Are there tryouts or evaluations? Do players get “cut”?
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Evaluations:
KPSA holds evaluations in the spring to help place players on teams based on skill and ability. See Evaluation FAQ for more details. Players who do not attend evaluations are welcome to register for travel soccer but will not be eligible for placement on the top team.
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Cuts:
KPSA does not "cut" players from travel teams based on ability. However, late registrations are not guaranteed placement if teams are already full.
4. What is the season schedule like?
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Fall Season: Approximately 10 weeks, early September through mid-November
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Spring Season: Approximately 10 weeks, early April through mid-June
Games are typically played on Saturdays. Weather or field-related reschedules may result in games on other days.
5. How often do teams practice?
Teams usually practice twice per week. Practice days and home field locations vary based on coach requests and field availability.
6. How far do teams travel?
Teams travel to other towns within the BAYS league, typically 20–40 minutes. Home games are held at KPSA fields in Plainville, Wrentham, and Norfolk.
8. What league rules and governance apply?
BAYS follows its own playing rules and regulations, aligned with FIFA/IFAB Laws of the Game, with youth-specific modifications.
The league emphasizes sportsmanship, safety, and fair competition across all member towns.
9. How do cancellations or reschedules work?
BAYS has established procedures for postponements due to weather or field conditions. Coaches or the KPSA registrar will communicate all schedule changes.
10. Are there playoffs or tournaments?
Yes. BAYS offers postseason competitions such as:
Participation depends on team eligibility. Coaches may also choose to enter other local tournaments.
Is Travel Soccer Right for My Child?
Travel soccer is a great fit for players who:
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Enjoy a competitive environment
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Are comfortable traveling to other towns for games
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Are motivated to improve skills and teamwork
Families should be prepared for:
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A higher time commitment than in-town soccer
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Weeknight practices and Saturday games
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Occasional longer travel times
KPSA travel soccer is designed to balance development, competition, and enjoyment, while supporting players at a wide range of ability levels.
My child plays other sports or activities. Can they still play travel soccer?
Yes. Many KPSA travel players participate in other sports and extracurricular activities. However, travel soccer does require a higher level of commitment than in-town programs.
Players are expected to:
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Treat soccer as a priority during the season
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Communicate any scheduling conflicts with their coach in advance
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Demonstrate respect for teammates, coaches, and the team environment
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Display good sportsmanship and put forth their best effort at all times
To help with planning and team placement, families are asked to indicate anticipated attendance and known conflicts during registration. This information allows coaches and KPSA to set appropriate expectations and manage teams effectively. While occasional conflicts are understood, frequent or ongoing absences may affect the team’s preparation, consistency, and the shared commitment required in a team sport.
We welcome players of all abilities and encourage every interested child to join travel soccer, develop their skills, and enjoy being part of a supportive, fun, and competitive team environment.