Announcements

Important: SOE is a supplemental program - In order to qualify for and participate in this program, Players are required to play for an NYS team (either travel or intramural) and be a player in good standing for their NYS team.
A limited number of spots are available for soccer players from other neighboring towns.

What is the Metro-Boston Bulldogs/SOE Program?

Just four years ago, Newton Youth Soccer, in partnership with Mass Premier Soccer, successfully launched our Metro-Boston Bulldogs program. Also known as the School of Excellence , this is a program for players seeking extra opportunities for skill development through top notch training by the MPS professional coaching staff.

Programs are for the U10, U11 & U12 age levels as well as in our U9 "Smart Soccer" and U8 "Junior SOE" programs.

Instruction and coaching are from Mass Premier Soccer's professional coaching staff. Teams train in Newton and U10-U12 teams compete in Sunday games against similar Mass Premier Soccer programs based throughout Eastern Massachusetts .

After over three full years in operation, we have had excellent reviews from parents, players and coaches. The level of skill improvement from our players has been outstanding, and players have had fun while they have played at a high level.

In the summer of 2008, MPS has restructured its School of Excellence into two programs, the Academy program and the Elite program. The Academy program is the same as SOE in its previous years whereas the Elite program is for the players who have excelled on their respective SOE teams. One main difference between the two is the commitment level. Elite players are expected to commit to all three seasons (fall, winter and spring) whereas Academy players commit to fall and spring.

Why is the Metro-Boston Bulldogs/SOE program offered by NEWTON YOUTH SOCCER?

The Metro-Boston Bulldogs program provides professional coaching and additional playing opportunities for our more committed players. The Newton-based Metro-Boston Bulldogs program recognizes that some players who participate in NYS want more soccer than they get from their town team, but would like the convenience of training in Newton . The program is intended to be complementary to the players’ NYS travel or intramural team, and great effort goes into avoiding scheduling conflicts.

Is the Metro-Boston Bulldogs/SOE Program for everyone?

No. NYS offers programs for a wide range of soccer interests and abilities. We will continue our commitment to providing intramural and travel programs with numerous clinics and instructional opportunities. Many strong players on top teams have commitments to other activities, and participation in the Bulldogs is neither mandatory nor factored into NYS team selection. Those who do play for the Bulldogs should have a strong commitment and dedication to the development of their soccer skills. Attendance at Bulldogs training sessions and games is expected.

Metro-Boston Bulldogs / School of Excellence program description:

All coaching will be provided by the Mass Premier Soccer staff of professionals.
Programs are offered for Under-8, Under-9 , Under-10, Under-11 and Under-12 age groups.
Programs run for 8 weeks in fall, winter and spring.
Players are required to also play for an NYS team (either travel or intramural) and be a player in good standing for their NYS team. Participation is also open to Brookline Youth Soccer players.
Players receive game and/or practice uniforms as part of the fee.
Applicants are selected by Mass Premier Soccer staff independent from placement process for their NYS team.
Teams train in Newton twice per week (once per week for U8, 9 and 10) during the fall and spring seasons and have a game on Sunday afternoons. (The U8 & U9 programs have a season ending-event and do not have regular Sunday games).
Practices during the fall and spring are on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. (U9 on Monday only and U10 on Wednesday only).
All home games are played in Newton

Program Fees:

NYS registration is a separate cost. MPS also offers a scholarship program to players based on an as-needed basis.
Academy: U9 - $650, U10 - $850, U11/U12 - $1150
Elite: All ages - $1275

If you are interested in trying out for the Winter 08/09 SOE season please
contact SOE Communications director Gavin MacPhee (gmacphee@mpsbr.com or
781-891-6900x34)

All current Bulldogs players should attend a tryout if they wish to play in the program for 2008-2009.
These tryouts are conducted independently from the Newton Youth Soccer travel program tryouts. Results and acceptance to the Bulldogs program are also independent from the NYS tryouts. Players will be notified of their status within a week after the tryout.