Premier Rec FAQs

What is the MVSC Premier Rec Program?

MVSC’s Premier Rec League represents the newest evolution of our open participation soccer program.  By merging the best elements of recreational soccer, coupled with the developmental opportunities afforded through professionally coached sessions, we are providing an optimal playing experience to the Mill Valley soccer community, open for all players.

Is MVSC still offering a Development League?

MVSC no longer offers a development league.  Instead, we have integrated many aspects of our development soccer program into the new Premier Rec Program.  All families will have opportunities to train with our professional coaching staff in a program structure uniquely designed for each age group.

Why did MVSC combine the two programs?

The Development League emerged out of a need that was expressed over a decade ago, for more professional coaching for those who wanted it.  Over time,  MVSC expanded that offering, making it more inclusive by eliminating tryouts.  Yet the interest in friend-based teams has increased as well, blurring the line between Recreational soccer and Development.  In addition, there were challenges in providing two independent playing leagues in certain age groups, given the finite number of players.  By unifying under one new program, we are better positioned to offer robust playing leagues in every age group, while meeting the needs and interests of the Mill Valley soccer community.

Does my child need to try out for the Premier Rec Program?

No.  The MVSC Premier Rec Program is open to all interested players.  For athletes looking for the highest level of competition, we will continue to hold tryouts for our Competitive soccer teams, but no tryouts are required to join Premier Rec.

What amount of professional coaching will my child receive?

All age groups in MVSC’s Premier Rec League will have access to a professional coaching session each week of the season.  Because the developmental interests of different age groups vary, we’ve structured our new league to offer as much flexibility as possible.  Pro coaching resources are offered as follows:

  • Kindergarten:  45 minute training once per week, all under the instruction of our professional coaching staff.  Volunteer coaching support is welcome, but not required.
     
  • 1st Grade - 3rd Grade:  Teams train once per week, with their volunteer parent coach. Teams play each weekend with their volunteer coach. Players are also offered an additional day of practice with our professional coaching staff.  These professionally coached academy style* training sessions are separate from your child’s team practice, and aim to maximize the developmental opportunities for the players who want it the most.  Cost for professional training sessions are included in the registration fee, but parents are welcome to “Opt-Out” of this supplemental training to receive a $180 discount.
    *In academy style training sessions, pro coaches will group players by age, gender and soccer skills; and players may or may not train with friends and teammates.
     
  • 4th Grade - High School:  teams train twice per week; once with their volunteer coach, and once with a professional coach.  Volunteer coaches are encouraged (but not required) to attend the sessions run by our pro coaches.  Since pro training is offered to all players and teams, pro training fees are included in the registration fee.

How do I register my child for Mill Valley Soccer?

On-line registration opens April 1 and stays open until June 1. Registrations received after June 1 will be subject to a $50 late fee. 

Register by clicking the big red button that appears on all our web pages, and creating a Household Account, if you are new to our club. Mill Valley residents will receive a $30 resident discount at the point of check-out. 

Can my child transfer to another team?

Only under exceptional circumstances do we allow players to change teams after teams are announced. Requests must be approved by an MVSC Director of Operations or the Director of Premier Rec. Requests to change must be made to the coach of the assigned team, who will assist the parent in working with the club, if a transfer is approved. 

Can my child play on the same team as his or her friend?

MVSC forms teams with a primary goal of satisfying friendship requests to the extent possible.  Parents are encouraged to indicate friendship requests on the player registration form, at the time of registration.  We also work with volunteer Coaches who submit roster lists prior to the May 15 deadline, to ensure as many friends as possible will play together.  MVSC’s goal to support friendship-based teams is balanced by the objective of creating parity between teams to support an enjoyable game experience for all.

How do I make that Friendship Request?

MVSC encourages parents to make friendship requests on the player registration form in the "Friendship Request" field. Parents are welcome to request more than one friend.  Friend requests made after the registration process are accepted, but it is strongly preferred that parents list all friends at the time of registration.

When do we know what team we are on?

Teams are typically formed after June 1.

We will notify Coaches once their team rosters are final.  Our goal is for Coaches to notify the families on their teams on or around June 15.  If you registered on time, and have not been contacted by your coach by July 1, please reach out to your Age Group Coordinator.  If you registered late, after June 1, your child may not be placed on a team until August. 

Families can also see their team placement by downloading the Demosphere Mobile App, after rosters have been announced.

Does my child need a uniform?

All of our Premier Rec teams will wear the same uniform kit:  Red & White jerseys, black shorts and black socks.  Uniforms may be ordered on-line thru Soccer.com, and are not included in the price of registration.  Uniforms from previous years are welcome, as MVSC encourages recycling.  If you are joining late in the summer, any red T-shirt and white T-shirt may be worn on game day.

Please note: shin guards are mandatory, and baseball cleats are NOT allowed.  

How can I sign up to coach a team?

When you register your child, click on the "Coach" or "Assistant Coach" option in the volunteer section.  You will be contacted by your Age Group Coordinator prior to team formation.  If you’ve already registered, but forgot to volunteer, you can log back into our household account and "REGISTER A VOLUNTEER," or send a quick note to information@mvsc.org.  Remember to tell us which child you are planning to coach.

If I offer to coach, can I pick my own team?

Coaches may submit a list of requested players if they do so no later than May 15.  The number of players requested should not exceed the maximum roster size as outlined in the MVSC Playing Formats.  Players must register by the June 1 deadline.  MVSC will strongly consider a coach's roster requests in the team formation process, while maintaining our goal of forming fair and balanced teams.

Players you would like to include on your roster who are intending to tryout for a Competitive team should still be encouraged to register for the Premier Rec program.  Players who receive an invitation to a Competitive team can easily be transferred to that program, before our Premier Rec teams are finalized.

What are the requirements to coach a team?

MVSC requests  that all coaches take US Soccer’s free online grassroots coaching course, or attend an equivalent approved coaching clinic offered before each season.  MVSC typically hosts several clinic options in late August or early September, near the start of the season.  Check the calendar for clinic dates.  All coaches and assistants must complete a US Club Background Check every two years.

New in 2023:  California Law AB-506 requires that all adults working with minor athletes complete a LiveScan Background Check.  This is not the same as the US Club Soccer Background check, and unfortunately, both are required.

What coaching education resources does MVSC offer?

MVSC offers many helpful resources to novice and experienced coaches.  These include:  a variety of pre-season Coaching Clinics; an online listing of websites with practice plans, exercises, and tips on many topics including parent and player management; and professional coach assistance at early season practices.  For more details, go to MVSC's Coaching resources page.

I don’t want to coach, what else can I do?

While coaches and assistant coaches are always needed, we also need volunteer referees in our 1st - 3rd Grade divisions, Team Photographers to capture the moments throughout the season, Team Managers to handle snacks and communications, and more.  For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, see our Volunteer Roles page.  Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about Committee or Board opportunities, please contact:  information@mvsc.org.

I volunteered, but was still charged a $50 Fee?  Why, and how do I get that back?

We charge all families a $50 Volunteer Fee at the point of registration.  For parents who fulfill their volunteer commitment, you will receive a $50 refund at the end of the season, directly to your credit card.  In this way, we help fund the growing operational costs of our club, while providing a discount to those who still have the time and interest to volunteer.

Where are practices and games held?

Almost all practices and games are held on Mill Valley soccer fields, although fields in Corte Madera, Tiburon and Sausalito may also be used by some age-groups. Our High School teams play in the Marin Interleague Soccer Alliance, with games played at other communities throughout Marin and Petaluma.  By registering with MVSC, you must be willing to practice and play games in any of the locations assigned by the league.

If my child decides not to play, can I get a refund?

  • Refund requested before July 1:  Full Refund, less a $30 Admin Fee. 
  • Refund requested July 1 -  July 31:  75% of registration fees, no refund on late fees.
  • Refund requested August 1 - August 15:  50% of registration fees, no refund on late fees.
  • Refund request after August 15:  no refunds will be given.
  • No refunds will be offered at any time if a child cancels due to concerns about team placement.

When is the season?

Our Premier Rec teams typically begin practicing the last week in August.  

Frst league games are usually scheduled for the weekend after Labor Day, though our high school teams start the week prior.  Most divisions play between 8 - 10 games, and complete seasonal play by the last weekend in October.  For most of our age groups, a season ending Jamboree Tournament will run into the first weekend of November.

Traditionally, the Premier Rec season ends on or before the start of Daylight Savings Time.

When will I know my child’s schedule?

We form teams in early June, and assign practice schedules after team formation.  Coaches should know their practice days, times and locations by early July, and we ask that they communicate those schedules to their team families immediately.  

If you have not heard from your coach by late July, please contact your Age Group Coordinator to inquire about your child’s status.

Game schedules are typically released by August 15, with the first games being scheduled for the weekend after Labor Day.  High school teams will likely have games the last weekend in August.  Parents should expect a game each Saturday, with some occasional Sunday games, throughout the season.

If I have more questions about my child’s team, the playing division, or the Club, who should I contact?

For questions about your child’s team, please communicate directly with your assigned Coach.  If teams have not yet been announced, you may direct questions to the appropriate Age Group Coordinator.

If you have more general questions about the Club, please feel free to contact information@mvsc.org, and your question will be answered by the appropriate person.

What is PAASS Soccer?

MVSC’s partners with PAASS ("Project Awareness and Special Sports") is a community-based program for young athletes with physical, development and behavioral challenges.   Organized by MVSC volunteers,PAASS brings the opportunity to learn and play soccer to any boy or girl in a relaxed, supportive and fun atmosphere.  Our goal is to enable young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the MVSC family.  MVSC is proud to offer this program free to all participants.