Registration
📅 Dates: September 12 – November 8, 2026
📍 Locations: Maryland and D.C.
⚽ Ages: U-8 – U-19 (Boys & Girls)
🕒 Registration Deadline: August 11th
💳 Entry Fee: $750 – $1,050 (includes referees)
🏆 Sanctioning: US Youth Soccer
The MDSL Championship is the top tier of the MDSL structure, designed for Classic and Entry-Level Travel teams. Games are primarily played in Central Maryland, and clubs may choose to host home games if desired.
Team Levels
Classic / Select Teams
A Classic/Select team is typically formed by combining the top players from a club’s recreational program. These players are seeking additional challenge and a more competitive environment.
Entry-Level Travel Teams
An Entry-Level (Low-Level) Travel team generally competes in Divisions 4–6 in other leagues.
Division Placement
Teams are divided within the Championship League as follows:
- Divisions 1 & 2: Entry-Level Travel teams
- Divisions 3 & 4: Classic/Select teams
Player Development Philosophy
The MDSL Championship begins at U-8 and, unlike other leagues, assigns divisions even at the U-8 and U-10 levels to ensure competitive and meaningful games.
The league emphasizes:
- A competitive environment
- A strong commitment to player development
- Balanced expectations between development and winning
Across all MDSL leagues, our mantra remains:
“Development Over Winning.”
Clubs participating in MDSL must share this philosophy and maintain a high standard of professionalism.
Club & Team Expectations
Clubs and teams are expected to:
- Arrive 45 minutes before kickoff
- Conduct proper warm-ups
- Maintain professional, positive sideline behavior
- Encourage families and players to uphold the same standards
2026 Fall Season Details
Season Dates:
September 12 – November 8, 2026 (U-8 through U-14)
Game Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Number of Games: 8
Game Times: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Game Locations:
- Montgomery County–based clubs: fields provided by the league
- Clubs outside Montgomery County: may provide home fields or elect to play all games at MDSL fields
Eligibility
All players must be USYS-carded to participate.
Independent teams may obtain cards through Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA).
Age Groups, Formats & Fees
| Age Group | Birth Year | Format | Max Roster | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-8 | Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019 | 7v7 | 14 | $750 |
| U-9 | Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018 | 7v7 | 14 | $750 |
| U-10 | Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017 | 7v7 | 14 | $750 |
| U-11 | Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016 | 9v9 | 16 | $850 |
| U-12 | Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015 | 9v9 | 16 | $850 |
| U-13 | Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014 | 11v11 | 18 | $950 |
| U-14 | Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013 | 11v11 | 18 | $950 |
| U-15 | Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012 | 11v11 | 22 | $1,050 |
* Cost includes referee fees, game fields, and league administration.
Refund Policy
A $75 administration fee is deducted from all refunds.
- 100% Refund – Before team acceptance (no fee if the team was never accepted in GotSport)
- 75% Refund – After team acceptance
- 50% Refund – After schedule is complete
- 0% Refund – After schedule has been posted
Game Lengths
- U-8 to U-11: 30-minute halves
- U-12 to U-14: 35-minute halves
- U-15: 40-minute halves