Beverly Youth Soccer

Frequently Asked Questions

A note from the BYSA Board

Fall 2026 Registration Update

Dear Beverly Youth Soccer Families,

As we prepare for the Fall 2026 season, the Beverly Youth Soccer Board would like to share an important update regarding our registration fees. Our primary goal is to provide a high-quality soccer experience for the youth of Beverly, and to sustain that mission, the Board has approved a fee increase for the upcoming season.

This decision follows a thorough review of our operating expenses over the past several years. While we strive to keep soccer affordable, we are facing significant upward pressure from the costs required to run the association. We have seen rising costs across nearly every category of our budget, including:

  • Field maintenance — surging costs for lining and upkeep of our playing fields
  • Equipment — providing safe, high-quality gear now requires a substantially larger investment
  • Referee services — ensuring qualified, reliable officiating has seen a large cost increase
  • League & tournament fees — moderate increases reflecting broader regional youth sports trends
  • Administrative costs — website, technology, and insurance have also seen moderate increases

Scholarship assistance is available. The Board remains deeply committed to ensuring every child in Beverly has the opportunity to play, regardless of financial circumstances. If the new fee structure presents a hardship for your family, we strongly encourage you to apply for a confidential scholarship through our website. We have historically dedicated funds to support families in need, and we continue to prioritize this program.

Registration for Fall 2026 is open. You can find more information about the season, the updated fee schedule, and the scholarship application process at bevsoccer.org/registration.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for being a vital part of the Beverly Youth Soccer community.

Sincerely,
The Beverly Youth Soccer Board

Fees, Refunds & Financial Assistance
Can I get a refund?

BYSA offers refunds only in the event of documented injury or a player moving away from Beverly. Attendance/transportation issues, team placement preference, and scheduling challenges are not refundable issues.

Is financial assistance available?

BYSA makes scholarships available for players with financial hardships. Please contact us for more information about applying for financial assistance.

Is there a discount for multiple children?

We do not currently offer discounts for multiple children registering, but financial assistance may be available if needed. Please contact us for more information.

Early-Bird Discount: There is an early-bird discount for Spring seasons through December 31 of the prior year. Register early!

Tryouts & Team Placement
Who needs to attend tryouts?

Players from Grades 5–8, and incoming Grade 3–4 players interested in playing for our ECYSA top level travel teams must attend tryouts. BYSA will no longer require tryouts for travel players who wish to participate at the recreational level. For players who do not attend tryouts, coach surveys and evaluations will be used to help place players on teams that are appropriate for their skill level. However, placement on higher-level teams will be reserved for players who participate in tryouts.

Can my child attend more than one tryout session?

To ensure every athlete receives a thorough, fair, and individualized evaluation, tryout sessions will be capped at 40 players per session. Players may attend only one tryout session.

What should my child bring to tryouts?

Your child should bring all the typical soccer gear, water, and a great attitude to tryouts.

Could my child be cut from the program at tryouts?

No! Beverly Youth Soccer Association tryouts are for team placement, not team selection. All players registered for a program prior to tryouts will be placed on a skill-appropriate team. We have teams for ALL ability and experience levels.

What if my child only wants to register for one season?

In order to be considered for placement on a competitive (MTOC) team for Grades 5–8, players must register for our full program — both the Fall and Spring seasons. Players registering for only one season will be seeded on a recreational (ECYSA County) team appropriate to their skill level.

Travel Evaluations: FAQ for Parents

Whether it's your child's first or third time participating, we understand that travel evaluations can feel stressful for both players and parents. Our goal is to make the process as clear and positive as possible. Placement on the right team helps create the best possible environment for player development, confidence, and enjoyment throughout the season.

General Travel Program Information
Does my child need to be registered before evaluations?

Yes. Players must be registered with BYSA before attending evaluation sessions. Your child should also be registered for ONE evaluation session.

What is the commitment for travel soccer?

Travel soccer consists of a fall and spring season. Players that wish to be considered for top teams (grade 3/4 travel or MTOC 1) must commit and be registered for both fall and spring. Travel teams:

  • Practice a minimum of two times per week
  • Play games on Saturdays
  • Compete in Beverly and towns throughout Essex County
  • Typically have game times between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM
What should players bring to evaluations?
  • Wear shin guards
  • Bring a soccer ball
  • Bring water
Tryouts for Rising 3rd and 4th Graders
Who should attend tryouts for Grade 3/4?

Players should only attend tryouts if they are hoping to be placed on one of the 3/4 ECYSA Travel Teams. These teams:

  • Travel to other towns within Essex County
  • Represent the most competitive option at this age level
  • Historically consist mostly of 4th graders
  • Include approximately the top 10% of players in this age group

Players who do not attend tryouts will still be placed on a team through the crosstown program. Most 3rd graders should not attend tryouts. If you are unsure whether your child should attend tryouts, please reach out to their coach or BYSA for guidance.

What is the difference between ECYSA and Crosstown for 3rd and 4th graders?

ECYSA Travel Teams

  • Travel to other towns in Essex County
  • Designed for highly competitive players
  • Represent the top players in the age group

Crosstown Teams

  • Compete against other Beverly teams and local towns
  • Focus on development, participation, and local competition
  • Do not require tryouts
5th Grade and Older
How does placement work for Grade 5 and older?

Beginning in 5th grade, all teams participate in ECYSA and are expected to travel throughout Essex County. Tryout evaluations are used to:

  • Place players according to skill level
  • Form balanced and competitive teams
  • Identify players for the program's most competitive teams

Players who do not attend tryouts will be placed on a recreational county team within ECYSA.

Does My Child Need to Try Out?
Does my child need to try out?

No. If your child is primarily looking to have fun and does not have a preference regarding team placement, attending tryouts is not required. Tryouts are intended for players who would like to be evaluated for specific team placement levels.

Does my child need to try out for a competitive team?

Yes. Any player interested in playing on one of BYSA's most competitive teams must attend evaluations. Players who do not attend tryouts will not be considered for top teams unless special circumstances are communicated in writing to the Travel Director before evaluations begin. Examples of special circumstances include:

  • Illness
  • Injury
  • Important family commitments

We encourage all players interested in a more competitive experience to participate in evaluations.

What if my child cannot attend tryouts?

We understand that conflicts and extenuating circumstances happen. Consideration for competitive placement may still be made based on:

  • Previous team placement
  • Coach recommendations
  • Prior evaluations and experience

If your player cannot attend evaluations but would still like to be considered for a competitive team, you must contact the BYSA Travel Director via email prior to tryouts.

How the Evaluation Process Works
How does BYSA evaluate players?

BYSA uses a two-part process to place players on the appropriate team.

  1. Player Evaluations — Independent evaluators assess players during a series of soccer activities designed to showcase technical skills, athletic ability, decision-making, and overall game performance. To help maintain fairness and objectivity, players wear numbered pinnies and evaluators do not identify players by name or current team.
  2. Coach Team Evaluations — At the conclusion of each season, coaches provide feedback through age-group evaluation forms supplied by the Travel Director. This feedback helps provide additional context regarding player development, effort and attitude, and team play and coachability.
What is the goal of the evaluation process?

The goal of evaluations is to provide a fair, objective, and thorough assessment of each player's current abilities so they can be placed on the team that best matches and challenges their level of play. BYSA also strives to place all players who want to participate in travel soccer whenever feasible, based on registration numbers within an age group and coach availability. While no evaluation system is perfect, BYSA believes this process provides a fair and unbiased method for determining appropriate team placement.

A Note from the BYSA Board: Fall 2026 Registration Update

Dear Beverly Youth Soccer Families,

As we prepare for the Fall 2026 season, the Beverly Youth Soccer Board would like to share an important update regarding our registration fees. Our primary goal is to provide a high-quality soccer experience for the youth of Beverly, and to sustain that mission, the Board has approved a fee increase for the upcoming season.

This decision follows a thorough review of our operating expenses over the past several years. While we strive to keep soccer affordable, we are facing significant upward pressure from the costs required to run the association. We have seen rising costs across nearly every category of our budget, including:

  • Field maintenance — surging costs for lining and upkeep of our playing fields
  • Equipment — providing safe, high-quality gear now requires a substantially larger investment
  • Referee services — ensuring qualified, reliable officiating has seen a large cost increase
  • League & tournament fees — moderate increases reflecting broader regional youth sports trends
  • Administrative costs — website, technology, and insurance have also seen moderate increases

Scholarship assistance is available. The Board remains deeply committed to ensuring every child in Beverly has the opportunity to play, regardless of financial circumstances. If the new fee structure presents a hardship for your family, we strongly encourage you to apply for a confidential scholarship through our website. We have historically dedicated funds to support families in need, and we continue to prioritize this program.

Registration for Fall 2026 is open. You can find more information about the season, the updated fee schedule, and the scholarship application process at bevsoccer.org/registration.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for being a vital part of the Beverly Youth Soccer community.

Sincerely,
The Beverly Youth Soccer Board

Fees, Refunds & Financial Assistance

BYSA offers refunds only in the event of documented injury or a player moving away from Beverly. Attendance/transportation issues, team placement preference, and scheduling challenges are not refundable issues.

BYSA makes scholarships available for players with financial hardships. Please contact us for more information about applying for financial assistance.

We do not currently offer discounts for multiple children registering, but financial assistance may be available if needed. Please contact us for more information about applying for financial assistance.

Early-Bird Discount: There is an early-bird discount for Spring seasons through December 31 of the prior year. Register early!

Tryouts & Team Placement

Players from Grades 5–8, and incoming Grade 3–4 players interested in playing for our ECYSA top level travel teams must attend tryouts. BYSA will no longer require tryouts for travel players who wish to participate at the recreational level. For players who do not attend tryouts, coach surveys and evaluations will be used to help place players on teams that are appropriate for their skill level. However, placement on higher-level teams will be reserved for players who participate in tryouts.

To ensure every athlete receives a thorough, fair, and individualized evaluation, tryout sessions will be capped at 40 players per session. Players may attend only one tryout session.

Your child should bring all the typical soccer gear, water, and a great attitude to tryouts.

No! Beverly Youth Soccer Association tryouts are for team placement, not team selection. All players registered for a program prior to tryouts will be placed on a skill-appropriate team. We have teams for ALL ability and experience levels.

In order to be considered for placement on a competitive (MTOC) team for Grades 5–8, players must register for our full program — both the Fall and Spring seasons. Players registering for only one season will be seeded on a recreational (ECYSA County) team appropriate to their skill level.

Travel Evaluations: FAQ for Parents

Whether it's your child's first or third time participating, we understand that travel evaluations can feel stressful for both players and parents. Our goal is to make the process as clear and positive as possible so players can enjoy their soccer experience. Placement on the right team helps create the best possible environment for player development, confidence, and enjoyment throughout the season.

General Travel Program Information

Yes. Players must be registered with BYSA before attending evaluation sessions. Your child should also be registered for ONE evaluation session.

Travel soccer consists of a fall and spring season. Players that wish to be considered for top teams (grade 3/4 travel or MTOC 1) must commit and be registered for both fall and spring. Travel teams:

  • Practice a minimum of two times per week
  • Play games on Saturdays
  • Compete in Beverly and towns throughout Essex County
  • Typically have game times between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM
  • Wear shin guards
  • Bring a soccer ball
  • Bring water

Tryouts for Rising 3rd and 4th Graders

Players should only attend tryouts if they are hoping to be placed on the 3/4 ECYSA Travel Team. This team:

  • Travels to other towns within Essex County
  • Represents the most competitive option at this age level
  • Historically consists mostly of 4th graders
  • Includes approximately the top 10% of players in this age group

Players who do not attend tryouts will still be placed on a team through the crosstown program. Most 3rd graders should not attend tryouts. If you are unsure whether your child should attend tryouts, please reach out to their coach or BYSA for guidance.

ECYSA Travel Team

  • Travels to other towns in Essex County
  • Designed for highly competitive players
  • Represents the top players in the age group

Crosstown Teams

  • Compete against other Beverly teams and other local towns
  • Focus on development, participation, and local competition
  • Do not require tryouts

5th Grade and Older

Beginning in 5th grade, all teams participate in ECYSA and are expected to travel throughout Essex County. Tryout evaluations are used to:

  • Place players according to skill level
  • Form balanced and competitive teams
  • Identify players for the program's most competitive teams

Players who do not attend tryouts will be placed on a recreational county team within ECYSA.

Does My Child Need to Try Out?

No. If your child is primarily looking to have fun and does not have a preference regarding team placement, attending tryouts is not required. Tryouts are intended for players who would like to be evaluated for specific team placement levels.

Yes. Any player interested in playing on one of BYSA's most competitive teams must attend evaluations. Players who do not attend tryouts will not be considered for top teams unless special circumstances are communicated in writing to the Travel Director before evaluations begin. Examples of special circumstances include:

  • Illness
  • Injury
  • Important family commitments

We encourage all players interested in a more competitive experience to participate in evaluations.

We understand that conflicts and extenuating circumstances happen. Consideration for competitive placement may still be made based on:

  • Previous team placement
  • Coach recommendations
  • Prior evaluations and experience

If your player cannot attend evaluations but would still like to be considered for a competitive team, you must contact the BYSA Travel Director via email prior to tryouts.

How the Evaluation Process Works

BYSA uses a two-part process to place players on the appropriate team.

1
Player Evaluations — Independent evaluators assess players during a series of soccer activities designed to showcase technical skills, athletic ability, decision-making, and overall game performance. To help maintain fairness and objectivity:
  • Players wear numbered pinnies
  • Evaluators do not identify players by name or current team
2
Coach Team Evaluations — At the conclusion of each season, coaches provide feedback through age-group evaluation forms supplied by the Travel Director. This feedback helps provide additional context regarding player development, effort and attitude, and team play and coachability.

The goal of evaluations is to provide a fair, objective, and thorough assessment of each player's current abilities so they can be placed on the team that best matches and challenges their level of play. BYSA also strives to place all players who want to participate in travel soccer whenever feasible, based on registration numbers within an age group and coach availability. While no evaluation system is perfect, BYSA believes this process provides a fair and unbiased method for determining appropriate team placement.

Playing Up or Down a Grade Level

BYSA's position: As of March 2026, the BYSA board voted to enforce grade-level play for all participants. Every player must compete in the division that matches their current school grade. Regardless of skill level or prior arrangements no exceptions will be made to play up. This policy keeps competition fair and developmentally appropriate for every child in the league. We appreciate your understanding and support!

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