MLSA Academy

MLSA Academy

Welcome to the MLSA Academy

The MLSA Academy blends skill development with fun, competitive play in a supportive community environment. Through structured practices and Saturday games, young players in grades 1-8 build soccer skills, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the beautiful game. Our program is affordable, low-pressure, and designed to help every child grow both as an athlete and as a person.

The MLSA Academy runs two 8-week seasons - Fall (September-October) and Spring (March-May) - with 1-2 weekday practices, Saturday games each week and an end of season tournament.

MLSA Academy at a Glance

📅 Who:
Boys & Girls, Grades 1-8
(Coed in Grades 6-8)
💰 Cost:
Registration: $120
Jersey: $29.99 (one-time)
📆 When:
Fall: Sept-Oct (8 weeks)
Spring: March-May (8 weeks)
⏰ Time Commitment:
1-2 practices/week
Games: Saturdays
⚽ What You Need:
Cleats, shin guards
Soccer ball (size varies by age)
📍 Where:
Local Mt. Lebanon fields
Close to home!
Register Now for Spring 2026

Registration closes February 15th | Space is limited

Program Structure

When We Play

  • Fall Season: September - October (8 weeks)
  • Spring Season: March - May (8 weeks)  
  • Practices: 1-2 times per week (weekday evenings)
  • Games: Saturday

What to Expect

  • Practice sessions: Skills training and scrimmages
  • Game days: 7-8 games per season
  • Team size: 10-15 players per team
  • End of Season Tournament: Fun, high-energy tournament with food and drinks to cap off a fun season
  • Field locations: Local Mt. Lebanon fields

Age Group Format

Grade Level Format Ball Size Team Size
1st Grade 5v5 Size 3 10
2nd and 3rd Grade 7v7 Size 4 14
4th and 5th Grade 7v7 Size 4 14
Middle School (6th to 8th Grade) * Coed 7v7 Size 5 14

Ready to join?

Start Registration

Season Dates

Spring 2026 Season

  • Registration Opens: January 5, 2026
  • Registration Closes: February 15, 2026
  • First Practice: Week of March 16, 2026 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday weekday evenings)
  • First Games: Saturday, March 21, 2026
  • Season Ends: Saturday, May 16, 2026

What Your Player Needs

Required Equipment

  • ⚽ Soccer ball (size depends on age - see chart above)
  • 👟 Cleats (soccer-specific)
  • 🦵 Shin guards (must be worn at all times)
  • 👕 Mt. Lebanon Developmental Reversible Soccer Game Navy/White Jersey ($29.99, purchased through Signature Locker)

Recommended but Optional

  • Soccer shorts/athletic pants
  • Long soccer socks
  • Water bottle
  • Sweatshirt for cool weather

Not Allowed

  • Baseball/softball cleats
  • Metal cleats
  • Jewelry including earrings (safety concern)

Uniforms

Your Academy player will wear:

  • Mt. Lebanon Developmental Reversible Soccer Game Navy/White Jersey ($29.99)
  • Purchased through Signature Locker (MLSA Club Store) - Jerseys take 20 business days to manufacture before shipping.
  • Reusable across seasons if it still fits

Uniform Colors by Team

  • Home: White jersey
  • Away: Navy jersey

How to Register

Registration Process

  1. Complete online registration at https://mlsa.ottosport.ai/_registration#household
  2. Pay registration fee ($120)
  3. Register as a volunteer

Important Registration Notes

  • Rising Grade: Enter the grade your child will be in during the season (Fall 2025 = 2025-26 school year grade)
  • Eligibility: The MLSA Academy welcomes all players in grades 1-8 - both Mt. Lebanon residents and non-residents. Everyone is welcome to register!
  • Financial Aid: Available for families who need assistance - contact academy@mlsa.org

What Happens After Registration

  • Order Mt. Lebanon Developmental Reversible Soccer Game Navy/White Jersey (see above)
  • Join TeamSnap (1 to 2 weeks before season) - You'll receive an email invitation with team assignment, schedule and coach info.
  • Get equipment before first practice

Volunteers Make the MLSA Academy Possible

The MLSA Academy program thrives because of dedicated parent volunteers who step up to coach teams and coordinate age groups. No soccer experience required! We provide training and support for all volunteer roles.

⚽ Volunteer Coaches

Lead a team of 10-15 players through practices and games. We provide:

  • Complete coach training sessions with TeamSnap+
  • Age appropriate practice plans and drills for every session
  • All equipment and materials
  • Coaching resources and guides
  • Introduction to Coaching course in partnership with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds
  • Time commitment: 1-2 practices per week + Saturday games

📋 Age Group Commissioners

Coordinate and support all teams within a specific age group (1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th grade, or Middle School). Responsibilities include:

  • Helping form balanced teams
  • Being a resource for coaches in your age group
  • Coordinating schedules and field assignments
  • Communicating with parents about age group activities
  • Ensuring smooth game day operations
  • Organizing and running end of season tournament 
  • Time commitment: 3-5 hours per week during the season (flexible scheduling)

Interested in coaching or being an age group commissioner?

Check the volunteer box when you register, or contact us at academy@mlsa.org

🌟 Why Volunteer? It's one of the most rewarding ways to be involved in your child's soccer journey. By volunteering, you help ensure every child has a great Academy experience - and you might just discover a new passion yourself!

Ready to join as a Volunteer?

Start Registration

Contact Us

General Questions: academy@mlsa.org

We're an all-volunteer organization. Email is the best way to reach us. We typically respond within 24-48 hours.