MESL Overview
What is Manchester East Soccer League? MESL is a non-profit co-ed fall recreational soccer league for ages 4 to 18 years old located on the east side of Manchester. Our soccer season runs from late August through late October. At MESL, we encourage player development, emphasize teamwork, promote a fun sports environment, and work with players of all experience levels to give them the best soccer experience possible. We believe that youth sports is a powerful tool to promote self-confidence, instill responsible competition, and create opportunities for fun and to give kids the types of physical activity they need.
Who do I contact for more information or if my questions haven’t been answered? We keep information on our website and in this FAQ document, but you are always welcome to email president@mesl.org for more information or any questions you have.
Registration
Do we have to live near the field to play? No, there are no restrictions on residency to play at MESL. We have players from all parts of Manchester and some neighboring towns. There are other fall leagues in Manchester but we welcome all players at MESL.
When can I register my child? We begin taking registrations in April. Please see our REGISTRATION PAGE for more details.
How much does it cost? For 2025, the registration fee is $70.00 per child, with a maximum of $150 per family, meaning if you have three or more children in a family the registration for all players will be $150. A copy of the child’s birth certificate must be provided for players new to the league.
What is included in the registration fee? Your child will be provided with a uniform consisting of a shirt, shorts, and socks. Every player will play approximately 12 to 16 games, in addition to some practices.
What else does my child need to play? Every player must wear soccer shin guards (required for any play, including at practices). Soccer cleats are highly encouraged and must NOT have a front toe cleat (front toe cleats found on baseball/softball versions). Players should bring a soccer ball (size based on their division) and water/fluids to every game/practice. Mouthguards and athletic cups (for boys) are encouraged but not required. Players should wear their full uniform for games.
Is financial aid available? Yes, limited assistance is available. Please contact president@mesl.org for more information.
My child has friends in the league – can they request the same team? Generally, no. In order to create a level playing environment and promote interactions across the league, we cannot adjust teams based on teammate or coaching preferences (aside from those coaching your own child). There are limited instances when families can request the same team together.
Team Composition and Coaching
Does my child need to tryout for a team? No, MESL is a co-ed recreational league and we welcome players of all experience levels. At MESL we try to ensure a level playing field across teams within each division. We do hold evaluation sessions for some divisions in order to help build fair teams. All players, regardless of experience, will play during games.
How will I know which division my child is playing in? Division placement is based strictly on birth year based on the chart below. No player may “play up” or “play down” into other divisions. Most divisions cover two birth years, except the U19 division.
· U6 Division birth years 2020-2021
· U8 Division birth years 2018-2019
· U10 Division birth years 2016-2017
· U12 Division birth years 2014-2015
· U14 Division birth years 2012-2013
· U19 Division birth years 2006-2011
If I am a coach, will my child be on my team? Yes! Children of Coaches, Assistance Coaches and Team Parents will be on their team.
If I sponsor, will my child be on that team? Yes! Our sponsor form includes information to ensure your child is on the team you sponsor.
If I sign up to Coach, will I have support? Yes, MESL has an experienced volunteer Board that can provide ideas for practices and games, and there are coaching materials on our website. Many volunteer coaches at MESL are able to share insights and support each other in bringing a fun soccer experience. MESL is entirely run by volunteers so having parents sign up to Coach is critical to our ability to have a successful season. For more information about Coaching please contact president@mesl.org.
Schedule
How do I find the game/practice schedule? Schedules are posted on the MESL website and updated as needed in the QuickClub App. QuickClub allows coaches to communicate with parents and will automatically update schedules and changes such as game cancellations or postponements.
Will my child’s schedule always be the same? The only division that follows the same schedule each week is U6, which plays on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. All other divisions play a varied schedule, though most teams play 2-3 days per week. Generally, sessions take place on Saturdays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. After Labor Day, most sessions are games, with limited practices occurring during the main part of the season. For specific schedule questions you can visit our website or email vp@mesl.org.
When will we know information about our team, coach and schedule? MESL strives to engage as many players as possible. As such, we usually finalize teams in early-mid August to accommodate later registrants. Older divisions start practices prior to Labor Day so your child’s coach or division manager will provide more details in early August. Information for the U6 division will be sent immediately prior to Labor Day weekend with sessions beginning the Wednesday after Labor Day.
How do I find out about cancellations? Cancellations due to unsafe field conditions are emailed, updated in the QuickClub app and posted on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.
I forgot my coach's name and phone number. How do I reach them? Email president@mesl.org with your child's name and your name and we will email you his/her coach's information or link you to the appropriate division manager.
How do I know where to go on the first day? MESL will have Board members and Coaches at the fields to help direct you to your team.
Volunteering, Sponsors and Referees
Are you looking for sponsors? Yes, MESL relies on sponsors and our cash calendar to run our league. If you are interested in sponsoring a team or other sponsorship opportunities, or if you have gift cards or goods to donate to our annual cash calendar, please contact fundraising@mesl.org.
What do the sponsors receive in exchange for their support? Click here to check out the great deals our sponsors receive!
Are referees paid? Yes, referees are the ONLY paid role at MESL. MESL offers competitive pay in line with other local recreational leagues. To discuss referee opportunities, including questions about the certification process, please email president@mesl.org. Referring is a great way for young people to learn a valuable life skill while earning some income during the fall season.
How old do you have to be to become a referee? Children 13 and over can learn to be referees. All referees must be certified. MESL is always looking for certified referees. Check out more information HERE. To discuss referee opportunities please email vp@mesl.org.
Are there other volunteer opportunities? Yes! MESL is entirely run by volunteers. We are always in need of Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Team Parents. We also ask all parents to help in our concession stand at least once per year, though volunteering is not a condition of your child playing in the league. MESL also has open Board positions. For any questions related to getting involved please visit our website and email president@mesl.org.
I cannot Coach but would like to help – what can I do? Aside from coaching and helping in concession, being a Team Parent is a great way to get involved with your team. Team Parents communicate with the team about our annual Cash Calendar fundraiser and help support team schedules for the concession stand. While the role is fairly straightforward, Team Parents play a critical function in helping us deliver a successful soccer season. For more information about the Team Parent role please contact teamparentdirector@mesl.org.
Is it too late to volunteer? No! We are actively searching for referees, coaches and assistant coaches, and Team Parents. We also ask parents to help with concession stand throughout the season. Please email president@mesl.org or contact any of our Board Members for more information.
Do you accept donations? Yes, we accept financial donations, donations of certain goods/supplies, and donations for our annual cash calendar. Please contact fundraising@mesl.org to arrange a donation, sponsorship or any other giving opportunities.
What is the Board of Directors? The Board is comprised of 18 dedicated volunteers that run the league. Positions include President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Director of Referees, Purchasing Director, Concession Director, Media Director, Facilities Director, Team Parent Director, Fundraising Director, and a division manager for each division in the league. Please email president@mesl.org if you are interested in joining the Board of Directors.
Do you have a question that hasn't been answered here? Please email president@mesl.org so that we can answer your question AND add it to this list! Thanks so much!!