Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS)

Accessible soccer programming for families looking for entry-level options!

Year-round

Varies by team, town, game, etc.

Fall 2026 Costs‍

• Grade 3 & 4 (7v7): $335
• Grade 5 & 6 (9v9): $795
• Grade 8 (11v11): $905
• Grade 10 (Spring only, 11v11): $770
• Grade 12/PG (Spring only, 11v11): $825
• Grade 9-12 (7v7): $355

Sign-up online here.

Each team will have their own contact info, find your local team here.

If you'd like to contact the Board of BAYS, member info can be found here.

What Parents Like

• Parents discussing Massachusetts youth soccer describe BAYS town travel as more competitive than basic recreational soccer while remaining considerably less intensive and less expensive than club soccer. One Massachusetts parent specifically described their BAYS team as "more serious than rec but not as serious as club." (1)
• Parents specifically cited the advantage of local practices, relatively local games, and playing alongside school friends as making the experience better for the entire family. (1)
• One parent specifically contrasted BAYS with a local club option that cost roughly four times as much, while describing BAYS as a good fit for kids who wanted more than recreational soccer without the full club commitment. (1)

What Parents Think Could Be Improved

• This is probably the biggest caveat for parents considering BAYS. Parent discussions point out that BAYS teams are often run through town soccer organizations and may rely heavily on parent coaches. One parent specifically asked about the difference between BAYS and programs with professional coaching because their child had previously enjoyed training with former college players. (2)
• Parents looking for professional technical development or a pathway toward elite/college soccer often move toward professionally coached club programs. One Massachusetts discussion described BAYS as a middle ground between in-town recreation and club soccer, rather than an equivalent to elite club competition. (1)‍
• While volunteer coaching keeps costs down and can create a strong community feel, families who want consistent professional instruction may find the experience less predictable. (2)

Our Take

BAYS appears to be a particularly strong option for families looking for the "Goldilocks" version of youth soccer: more organized and competitive than recreational soccer, but generally less expensive, less travel-intensive, and less intense than private club soccer. Parent discussions repeatedly point to the value of local teams, school friendships, reasonable travel, and a competitive-but-not-elite environment.