Fall 2024 Updates

A note from the Director

Beginning this fall the MSC is making two big changes to the Rec program in order to enhance the experience for our players and further our clubs stated goals.

The first and most noticeable change is the name. We're no longer going to refer to this program as the "Rec League" but instead are changing its name to the Wildcat League! This change better reflects the leagues place in our local soccer community and fosters a better sense of community since most of our players live in the Mayfield School District.

The second change centers around the ages of our participants. For many years we've listed the ages of this league as K-8th grade, but have informally allowed kids to play before starting Kindergarten. This fall we are going to formally lower the age to enter our program and make some changes to better introduce soccer to our youngest players.

As part of this change we're going to restructure our divisional makeup with the goal of offering better player development (specifically younger players) across our league.

In the past, our divisional breakdown has been K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 with those ages playing on fields 1-4 respectively. However, we've observed an issue for kids who make the jump to the bigger field size just being undersized to utilize the additional space the field provides.

Additionally, there is a large developmental change for kids between kindergarten and first grade, and playing those two ages in the same division makes it extra difficult for a kid getting their first taste of competitive soccer.

Starting this fall, we're going to re-align the divisions as described here: 

• Pre-K and Kindergarten - "Soccer Cubs" (details below)
• 1st and 2nd Grade - Field 1
• 3rd and 4th Grade - Field 2
• 5th and 6th Grade - Field 3
• 7th and 8th Grade / U15 - Field 4

These changes will allow for players to develop their skills on a smaller field, while learning to move the ball around instead of just chasing a moving target.

We are also making it a stated goal to have every division separated by gender up until 7th grade. Obviously registration numbers will dictate how feasible this is each season, but we will be making every effort to ensure that girls only play with girls and boys only play with boys until the 7th grade.

Finally, we are considering making a change to classify kids according to their birth year (ie U12, U9, etc) but are delaying that change until at least the spring session while we continue to evaluate our progress.

Ted Riolo
MSC VP & Wildcat Director

2024 Fall Wildcat League

BOYS AND GIRLS GRADES 1st - 8TH

Objective

To instill in our youth players a sense of enthusiasm, self-confidence, good sportsmanship, and teamwork by emphasizing the game’s basic fundamentals.

What

The Wildcat League will continue to evolve from the many successful years of our Rec Program. Players will be placed onto teams with a parent volunteer coach. They will receive a color coordinated jersey and soccer socks and will practice once a week before match day on Saturday. We keep score during games and conclude the 6 week regular season with two weeks of playoffs ending in a championship. Sportsmanship and competition go hand in hand as we provide growth opportunities for young athletes that they cannot find anywhere else.

When

The season will start with a Kick Off night on August 14th where the teams will be announced and then practices begin the week of August 19th with the first games taking place on 8/24. The final week of the season will be 10/12 and each team will play at least 8 games over that period which includes one scheduled double header day. The earliest game starts at 8:00 and the start times are varied week to week for each team and age group.

Where

Games will be played at Parkview Fields located by Progressive Campus on Rt. 91 or (for the oldest kids) at the Twins Fields near the High School. Based on registration turnout, some teams in the 5-6 and 7-8 divisions may also play games in neighboring East side communities.

Cost

$70 - Early Registration (through 7/19)
$80 - Regular Registration (through 8/2)
$140 - Late Registration (through 8/9)

Discounts

$20 family discount for each additional sibling (in the Wildcat League)
$35 discount for current MSC travel player
100% discount for Head Coaches

2024 Soccer Cubs

Boys and Girls Entering Pre-K or Kindergarten

Find details regarding this new offering from the MSC on it's dedicated page here

RULES OF THE MSC Wildcat LEAGUE

1. Sportsmanship and Competition go hand in hand, at all times! While we want to foster a competitive environment to aid in children's development, we must remember that this is a community based soccer program, not the World Cup.
2. All participants must wear shin guards covered with soccer socks or they will not be permitted to play.
3. Soccer cleats are required, football and baseball cleats are not allowed.
4. Players should not wear jewelry during the game and may be asked to remove it before taking the field.
5. No parent, coach or spectator is permitted behind the goal area for any reason during the game.
6. Parents and spectators must sit on the opposite sideline from the player’s bench.
7. Snacks are a great thing after the game, but please be respectful of the school or park grounds and pick up any trash before leaving. This includes water bottles! Too often sidelines are left littered with trash.
8. The referee’s decision is FINAL!  There will be absolutely no arguing of any call.  Confrontation with a referee will mean an automatic ejection from the field.
9. Please do not offer criticism to someone who has donated their time to help the kids. Offer to help and grow our community driven club.