Championship League (April 5 – June 8, 2025)

MDSL Championship is the top league of the MDSL and caters to Classic to Low-level travel teams. Games are mostly played in the Central Maryland area.

Classic:

A Classic level team is typically one who has combined the better players on the recreation side in their clubs to form teams. It is made up of players who are looking for more of a challenge and to play on level with the competition.

Low-Level Travel

A Low-Level Travel team is typically one who has played in divisions 4-6 in other leagues.

Classic and Low-Level travel teams will be divided by divisions in the Championship league. Low-Level travel teams will play in Divisions 1 and 2 and Classic level teams will play in Divisions 3 and 4.

MDSL Championship begins at the U-9 level and unlike other leagues who may not categorize the U-9 and U-10 age groups by divisions, we feel as though this is important at this age to ensure meaningful games. The Championship strives to provide a positive environment to support player development. This league is competitive and encourages clubs to find a balance between player development and winning.

Across all leagues the MDSL’s mantra remains “Development over winning” and it is our expectation that when your club joins any of our leagues that you too must have a similar mindset. Clubs and their teams are to conduct themselves in a professional manner. We expect teams to show up 45 minutes prior to their games, have proper warm-ups and during the games, coaches to be professional and conduct themselves positively all while enforcing the same principles in their families and players.

Season: April 5 – June 8, 2025

Game Days: Saturdays and Sundays

#of games per team: 8

Game Times (Range): 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Game Locations: Teams outside of Montgomery County will need to provide fields to host 4 home games. For teams in Montgomery County, you will be able to utilize fields in the MDSL inventory for games only!

Cost:

*Cost includes referees, game fields, and league administration.

Note that ALL players must be carded to be a part of this league. If players are not registered with their clubs under US Youth Soccer then they must be carded through U.S. Club Soccer. This is an additional annual fee per player of $18 +$150 for the MDSL to card the players. This is also an annual fee. If your team is not associated with a club and carded then they will have to be registered under the Maryland Developmental Soccer League.

Age Group	Birth Year	Format	Max Roster	Entry Fee
U-9	2016	7 v 7	14	$750
U-10	2015	7 v 7	14	$750
U-11	2014	9 v 9	14	$850
U-12	2013	9 v 9	16	$850
U-13	2012	11 v 11	16	$950
U-14	2011	11 v 11	18	$950
U-15	2010	11 v 11	18	$950
U-16	2009	11 v 11	18	$1,050
U-17	2008	11 v 11	22	$1,050
U-18	2007	11 v 11	22	$1,050

Refund Policy:

A $75 administration fee will be deducted for any refund request:

• 100% – Refund amount before team acceptance. Keep in mind that we have to accept the team first inorder for funds to be deducted. If the team is not accepted in GotSport then no fee will be deducted.
• 75% – Refund amount after the team has been accepted.
• 50% – Refund amount after the schedule is complete.
• 0% – `Refund amount after the schedule has been posted.

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U-9 (2016s) – U-11 (2014s) – Games are 30 minute halves.

U-12 (2013s) – U-14 (2011s) – Games are 35 minute halves.

U-15 (2010s) – U-16 (2009s) – Games are 40 minute halves.

U-17 (2008s) – U-19 (2006s) – Games are 45 minute halves.

*Note – Referee fees are included in the cost and all teams are required to be USYS and US Club Soccer carded.

League Rules

• Build-out lines are required for U10 and below.
• No Heading (U-9 – U-11)
• Slide tackling is not allowed for U-9-U-10. However, players can slide at the U-11 level.
• One (1) Referee per match for U12 and under. 3 refs for U13 and up.

For more detailed information the league’s rules you can click here.

Block scheduling will be available.  We will also offer double coach scheduling preference to de-conflict games. 

AMAZING BENEFITS. MDSL member clubs and teams will also receive access to Squadra, BowNet, United Soccer Coaches, and partnerships only available to the MDSL.

MDSL Spring 2025 KEY DATES to remember: 

MDSL Spring 2025 KEY DATES to remember: 

• Team Registration Deadline: March 15, 2025
• Division Structure Released: March 22, 2025
• Master Schedule Released: March 27, 2025
• Season Starts: April 5, 2025
• Season Ends: June 8, 2025

Match Day Dates :

Teams will be guaranteed 8 games. Matchdays are as follows:

• Match Day Dates :
• Teams will be guaranteed 8 games. Matchdays are as follows:
• Pre-season: March 23-24, 2025 (Spring Classic)
• Week 1: April 5-6, 2025
• Week 2: April 12-13, 2025
• Bye Week (Due to Easter): April 19-20, 2025
• Week 3: April 26-27, 2025
• Week 4: May 3-4, 2025
• Week 5: May 10-11, 2025
• Week 6: May 17-18, 2025
• Bye Week: May 24-25, 2025 (Memorial Cup)
• Week 7: May 31 – June 1, 2025
• Week 8: June 7 – 8, 2025

Fees include:

1. 8 League Matches per season. In case of inclement weather games will be made up. This might include playing a game on a day that your team typically doesn’t play or playing a doubleheader in one day.
2. Standard rules and procedures developed by clubs.
3. Centralized master scheduling via GotSport. 

Please Note: All scheduling (games and fields) are handled by the MDSL office.