On this page 3 sections
The 2026–27 teams are formed for the fall. Boys’ and girls’ teams are separate, and teams are named by US Soccer age group and color (for example, “LSC United U9 Black”). Try-outs are usually early to mid-June for the next season, with a smaller try-out in January for spring places; see Try-outs.
What each team plays
United players in rec age groups also play rec.
- Tournaments are mostly in Traverse City, Petoskey and Boyne, with the occasional longer trip such as Midland (about 2½ hours, in May). Recent ones: the Midland Invitational Tournament, Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Cup (spring) and Autumn Classic (fall), the Petoskey Fresh Coast Classic and the Boyne Bavarian Cup at Boyne Mountain.
- Friendlies are games against nearby clubs of a similar level.
- League: the Northern Michigan Soccer Alliance (NMSA), a league of clubs from Alpena to Cadillac. Teams play at least four double-headers a season (two games on the same day), girls on Saturdays and boys on Sundays.
Roster sizes
| Ages | Players a side | Most players on a team |
|---|---|---|
| U9–U10 | 7 | 12 |
| U11–U12 | 9 | 16 |
| U13–U14 | 11 | 18 |
| U15–U16 | 11 | 18 |
These are the most players a team can have in 2026–27.
We keep rosters big on purpose. Young players develop at different speeds, and a big roster means nobody is left out while they catch up. A big team can also split in two to play an extra tournament.
We try to keep each team to one birth year, so players move up together instead of always playing a year above their age. Every team follows U.S. Soccer’s heading rules for younger players.
Coaches
United coaches are volunteers. Like every LSC coach, each one completes the CDC’s HEADS UP concussion training and the U.S. Center for SafeSport training, and passes a background check. LSC United coaches also sign the club’s code of conduct. Want to coach a United team? See how to volunteer.