MSC is a local soccer club founded in 1988 solely dedicated to youth soccer development. The governing body of soccer in the state is the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) of which we are a member in good standing. We are an accredited non-profit organization. As such, the MSC is an all-volunteer club. We only pay for the services of licensed referees and professional trainers. We are not just a sports club. We are a soccer family of about 500 to 600 youths ages 4 to 19, plus their parents and volunteer coaches. Our common goal is to raise our children in the best way possible, through the sport of soccer. We have a tradition of providing the best, the safest and the most rewarding soccer experience for the children of Meriden. The club is managed by a Board of Directors comprised of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, In-town Director, Boys Director and Girls Director. Also involved are a Referee Coordinator, District Representative, Field Manager, Equipment Manager and Web Director. We are all guided by the MSC's by-laws. Learning the sport of soccer is a long-term process. Our program is divided into two major categories, in-town and travel soccer. MSC's in-town program keeps children in strict age-appropriate brackets to limit if not to prevent injury. Team sizes are kept small to provide more playing time and learning. Players will get equal playing time regardless of physical ability. For the youngest members of the club, this is an opportunity for play. At the in-town level, we discourage applying pressure to win because we believe that proper development takes precedence over the result of any game. The governing bodies of youth soccer in Connecticut and the United States strongly recommend this approach. The natural progression of in-town is the travel program where players are encouraged to begin testing their skills against other town programs thus furthering their development. Our curriculum is implemented through volunteer coaches and paid professional trainers. Travel level players can play recreational and competitive divisions. Emphasis is still on players’ footwork skill development and technical tactics.