Welcome to the MLSA Academy

Welcome to the MLSA Academy, where we blend the development program of our esteemed Academy with the fun and competitive game format of the Lebo Cup recreational program. Our goal is to provide a fun, engaging, and educational soccer experience that fosters your child's athletic and personal growth.

At the MLSA Academy, we are committed to offering a well-rounded soccer program that supports the developmental needs of young players while making sure they enjoy every moment. Through structured practice sessions and competitive games, we focus on developing your child's soccer skills while promoting teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game. Both the Fall and Spring programs offer affordable, low-pressure, and fun soccer experiences "in community."

Program Structure

Our soccer seasons kick off in early September for the Fall and mid-March for the Spring, each running for approximately eight weeks. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:

Seasons: Fall begins in early September, Spring begins in mid-March
Duration: 8 weeks per season
Teams: 10-15 players per team, based on volunteer coaches and age group
Practice: Once or twice a week for 60 minutes
Games: Weekly games on Saturdays
Formats: 5 v 5 for 1st Grade and 7 v 7 for all other age groups
Age Groups: Boys and Girls 1st Grade, 2nd & 3rd Grade, 4th & 5th Grade and Coed Middle School

All scheduling and communications with parents and players are managed through the TeamSnap platform, ensuring everyone is kept in the loop about training sessions, games, and any changes.

Equipment

The following equipment is needed:

Shin guards
Soccer socks
Soccer ball (sizes 3, 4, or 5, depending on age)
Soccer cleats (no baseball or football cleats) - Regular tennis shoes or indoor cleats are to be used on the Futsal courts

Personalized items: Remember to label your child's soccer ball and water bottle.

Weather Readiness: Ensure that your child has the appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.

Uniforms

Players must wear the Mt. Lebanon Developmental Reversible Soccer Game Navy/White jerseys on game days, which you can find in the MLSA Club Store.

It is important to order your child’s jersey immediately after registering to ensure they have it for the start of the season.

If your child already owns this jersey from a prior season and it still fits, there is no need to make a new purchase.

Registration Information

Registration for the Fall 2025 season will open in mid-June, please check back here for the registration link.

Volunteers

The Mt Lebanon Soccer Association relies on the invaluable support of volunteers, such as Board members, Program Directors, Age Group Commissioners, and Team Coaches, who dedicate their time to enrich the experience of all players. Volunteer coaches must register, undergo a background check, and receive clearance to ensure they meet our standards for safety and coaching excellence.

Field Maps

Field layouts and assignments for practices and games can be found at MLSA Academy Field Maps.

FAQs

How to Request a Friend:

During registration, you can make a friend request. Our Academy director and Age Group Commissioners will review these requests, and we do our best to accommodate them, although roster size limits may apply.

I want to help but don’t know anything about soccer or have never coached:

No problem! At the MLSA Academy, we provide comprehensive session plans that include clear instructions, diagrams, and insights to guide you every step of the way. With the video content provided within TeamSnap, coaches have all the coaching content at their fingertips. Whether you're a seasoned coach or new to the sport, our resources will equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.

I still want to help out but I do not want to coach:

For those parents who do not want to coach, we have volunteering opportunities by being an Age Group Commissioner. The Age Group Commissioner supports the Academy Director by implementing the program's vision within a specific age group, ensuring adherence to the coaching curriculum, managing team assignments, and organizing schedules for practices, games, and events. They also assist in recruiting coaches, serve as the main contact for parents and coaches, and lead the Academy events, such as tournaments, ensuring all participants are informed and prepared.

I am interested in volunteering to be an Age Group Commissioner, what are the responsibilities:

The Age Group Commissioner works with the Academy Director and the other Age Group Commissioners on the following:

Program Execution - Supports the Academy Director in implementing the program vision within their assigned age group or area. Ensures that the coaching and training curriculum is effectively followed.
Team & Schedule Coordination - Manages team rosters within their assigned divisions and coordinates scheduling for practices, games, and events.
Staff Management - Assists in the recruitment of coaches and ensures that they follow the program's principles and standards.
Communication Liaison - Acts as a point of contact for parents, coaches, and the director for their specific age group. Shares updates, resolves logistical questions, and communicates any schedule changes or upcoming events
Event Support - Leads Academy events (e.g., tournaments or camps), managing logistics and ensuring all participants are informed and ready.

My child participates in the Lebo Travel program or on a Club team. Can they still participate in the Academy and play the weekly games with their friends?

Yes, your child can participate in the Academy and play weekly games with their friends, even if they are involved in the Lebo Travel program or a club team. The Academy's weekly games are typically scheduled on Saturdays, while Travel team games are usually on Sundays, minimizing scheduling conflicts and allowing players to enjoy both experiences.

When will I hear about my child’s team assignment?

Coaches are encouraged to reach out promptly after receiving team assignments from the commissioner, which may occur up to a week before the season begins. Recruiting volunteers can be challenging, and your patience is appreciated. Commissioners and coaches will use TeamSnap and email to communicate with families. Teams will be formed even if a coach hasn't volunteered yet; it's each team's responsibility to provide a coach. If no one steps up, there may not be a spot for your child to play. Volunteering is vital to the success of our program. By stepping forward, you ensure that all children have the opportunity to participate and enjoy the season.

Do I need to select a specific jersey number when ordering the jersey?

Any jersey number is acceptable, even if multiple players on the same team have the same number in our in-house league.

Any additional questions?