Programs from first touch to travel

Fall recreational soccer welcomes players from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade—youth U4 (birth year 2023) through U14 (birth year 2012)—with equal playing time, skill development, sportsmanship, and a positive environment for every skill level. Registration typically runs June 1 through June 30, with late registration through July 15; the season runs from late August to mid-October with practices starting mid-August. Beginning around age seven, families may add Academy development while still playing recreation.

Spring development tracks step up commitment before full travel. Micro Academy (5v5, U8) serves youth ages 5 through 9 (second grade and below by school grade) with two weekly practices from early April through late May or early June, generally at Mogan Field with possible friendlies at Amend Park in Billings. Pre-Academy (7v7, U9/U10) covers ages 7 through 9 with two practices weekly and Wednesday small-sided games as the season progresses, plus optional tournaments when player progression warrants added fees. Spring Academy (9v9, U11/U12) bridges recreation and competitive play for ages 10 through 12, emphasizing skills intensity and mostly friendly matches with some tournament exposure; players ages 11–12 who want competitive soccer register through Academy first, with extra costs only if enough interest forms dedicated competitive rosters.

Spring competitive (11v11, U13+) serves ages 11 through 19 in Montana Youth Soccer Association league play with statewide travel, home hosting, and divisions including Classic, Select, and Premier. Select teams are standard developmental MYSA squads (often one or two ages, gender-specific) with state cup play from April 1 through June 10. Classic supports smaller or mixed-age community rosters; Premier is the highest tier with additional fees and tournament obligations. Practices begin early March; the season ends around late June. Uniforms require purple and grey kits, black shorts, and socks, ordered before mid-March deadlines so players are equipped for opening weekends.

Fall Academy / Development covers four-year-olds through fifth grade (birth years 2014–2021) with developmental focus, small-sided games, and possible league or friendly schedules depending on registration numbers—August through October—with coed-team policies aligned to Montana Youth Soccer rules when rosters require it.

Summer Foundational Skills Camps (partnered programming) meet at Fir Field, Fir Ave and 8th St, Laurel, with August sessions including TinyTykes ages 3–5, half-day ages 5–14, and full-day options; early-bird pricing is published for each tier.

Locations, volunteers, and community role

Home soccer uses Laurel fields including Fir Field (Fir Ave and E 8th St), Mogan Field (Alder Ave and E Maryland Ln—with teams and fans on opposite sidelines), and Murray Field (500–598 W 13th Street). Competitive and Academy play also travels across Montana and into northern Wyoming, South Dakota, Idaho, and Denver-area tournaments. Billings-area Amend Park (5101 King Ave E) appears on spring field maps for some Academy activity. Recreational practices are set by volunteer coaches at Laurel public parks; game venues follow published schedules.

The association is volunteer-driven: coaches receive pre-season clinics and lesson-plan links, with SAY National Volunteer Screening for coach and assistant roles; team parents, field setup, and team sponsors ($175 per team before July 1) support each roster. Multi-player discounts apply when siblings are added through “Register Someone Else” during online signup.

How to reach the club

General questions go through the online contact form or Help@laurelstormsoccer.org. Mailing address: PO Box 464, Laurel, MT 59044. Club president Aaron Christiansen can be reached at (406) 325-3594 for board or program questions. Board leadership includes directors for recreation, registration, referees, competitive fields and equipment, and open roles such as Academy Director and Communications Director when listed.