About the Travel Program
BYSA's travel program offers players the opportunity to compete at a higher level against teams throughout Essex County. Whether your child is just stepping up from recreational play or has been competing for years, our travel program is designed to develop skills, build teamwork, and foster a love of competitive soccer in a supportive environment.
Travel teams are available for players in Grades 3–8. Placement on a travel team is determined through our annual evaluation process, and all registered players are placed on a team appropriate to their skill level.
Travel Levels by Age Group
| Grade | Program | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4 | ECYSA Travel Team | 8 v 8 | Top ~10% of players; mostly 4th graders; tryouts required |
| 5–6 | ECYSA County | 9 v 9 | All Grade 5–6 teams travel within Essex County |
| 7–8 | ECYSA County / MTOC | 11 v 11 | Top teams eligible for Massachusetts Tournament of Champions |
What to Expect
📅 Season Structure
Travel soccer runs both a fall and spring season. Players interested in top MTOC teams must commit to and register for both seasons.
⚽ Practice & Games
Teams practice a minimum of twice per week. Games are played on Saturdays, typically between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
🚌 Travel
Teams compete in Beverly and throughout Essex County. Travel time to away games is typically up to one hour.
🏆 Tournaments
BYSA covers registration fees for up to two tournaments per year, including the North Reading Kickoff Classic and the Danvers Invitational Tournament.
Commitment Expectations
BYSA is committed to providing a positive and inclusive experience for all players. To support the development of cohesive, competitive teams at higher levels, attendance and commitment are essential for travel players.
| Practice attendance | Minimum average of 1 practice per week |
| Game participation | Minimum 5 out of 8 scheduled games per season |
| If unable to commit | Notify the Travel Director as soon as possible. Players will still be placed on a team appropriate to their availability — no one is turned away. |
Players who do not meet attendance expectations will still be encouraged to play BYSA, but team placement for following seasons may be impacted. Full details at bevsoccer.org/attendance-for-competitive-teams.
Tryouts & Evaluations
All travel team placements are determined through BYSA's annual evaluation process. Tryouts are for placement, not selection — no player is cut from the program.
Who needs to attend tryouts?
Tryouts are required for any player interested in being placed on a competitive team:
- Grades 5–8 players seeking competitive placement
- Grade 3–4 players interested in the ECYSA Travel Team
Players who do not attend tryouts will be placed on a recreational county team. If you are unsure whether your child should attend, reach out to their coach or contact BYSA.
How the evaluation process works
| Step 1 – Player Evaluations | Independent evaluators assess players through soccer activities covering technical skills, athleticism, decision-making, and game performance. Players wear numbered pinnies — evaluators do not identify players by name. |
| Step 2 – Coach Feedback | At the end of each season, coaches complete age-group evaluation forms covering player development, effort, attitude, and team play. |
What to bring to tryouts
- Shin guards
- Soccer ball
- Water
- Great attitude
How to Register
Travel registration is open at bevsoccer.org/registration. Select the tryout registration form for your child's grade and gender.
Interested in Coaching Travel Soccer?
Travel team coaches commit to practices twice a week and Saturday games. BYSA pairs all coaches with at least one assistant, provides coaching resources, and reimburses all US Soccer licensing fees. Our Director of Coaching is available for support throughout the season.