Soccer Association of Columbia

What ages and program levels does the Soccer Association of Columbia offer?SAC Juniors covers ages 3–6 with tots classes, junior academy teams, and junior technical training. Recreation serves roughly U7–U14, Rec Plus adds a higher-touch U8 option, and high school recreation serves about U15–U19. Select is tryout-based for players who want a tougher local league while still receiving at least half of each game. Travel runs about U8–U19 with Pre-MLS NEXT / Pre-GA, MLS NEXT New Tier / Girls Academy Aspire, Premier, and United levels. Baltimore Armour fields the top academy teams for boys and girls who earn those rosters.

Where does SAC train and play?The Bob Lucido Fields at Covenant Park anchor outdoor training and many games. Recreation, Rec Plus, high school rec, and select matches also use Howard Community College fields and Howard County public school sites. Select teams usually practice twice weekly on county school fields. Travel teams add wider league travel depending on tier and age.

When are tryouts and how does registration work?There are no tryouts for recreation or junior programs. Primary select and travel tryouts are held each May and June for the next fall–spring cycle, and players must attend at least one travel tryout to join a travel team unless a coach runs a later supplemental session. Supplemental tryouts are scheduled when teams need players. Families create accounts and register through PlayMetrics; early-bird windows and deadlines apply to discounted spring rates.

What does a season cost for recreation or travel?Spring 2026 junior academy, recreation, Rec Plus, high school rec, and select rates are tiered with early-bird pricing before the February cutoff and slightly higher standard spring rates afterward—for example recreation near $265–$275 and Rec Plus near $360–$370 for listed age bands, with an eight-game spring season when weather allows. Travel club fees for 2025–2026 range roughly $2,450–$3,500 by age phase and level, include league fees, tournaments, training periods, cups where the level qualifies, referee and Maryland State Youth Soccer fees, coach compensation, insurance, and facility operations bundled into annual travel enrollment, and exclude uniforms during a buy cycle. Travel registration requires a $600 initial payment, offers a six-payment plan, and gives a discount for paying in full at signup.

What is SAC’s approach to playing time and development?Recreation and select players are guaranteed at least 50 percent of each game so development stays balanced with participation. Travel prioritizes competitive placement, so minutes are earned rather than guaranteed. Junior curricula build coordination, focus, ball comfort, and teamwork before tactical demands rise. Baltimore Armour layers elite national platforms for players who reach academy teams.

How can families contact SAC or get registration help?Call 410-203-9590 or email asksac@sac-hc.org Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or visit the office at 4560 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Use PlayMetrics to register and pay. For fall-only junior or recreation pricing, family discounts with three or more players, or payment questions, email registrar@sac-hc.org before completing checkout so staff can apply the correct rate.