• Our goal is to produce a family friendly environment in which all players can learn, develop, compete, and have fun.

• We offer club teams, clinics, and camps coached by experienced staff who are committed to the education and development of athletes.

• We are a Maine-owned, Maine-run club committed to player and coach development.

• We formed a club to make a difference, not to make a living

• We offer a multi-sport club for both multi-sport athletes and singularly focused athletes.

• We have a proven staff of high school coaches and college coaches from all over Southern Maine who are coaching to give back to our communities and to the game we love.

• We will work with families to limit conflict and travel, especially for our younger athletes.

• We will also offer choices for teams based on their needs---those choices include access to out-of-state tournaments and college exposure events in and out of Maine. This will primarily be addressed through two levels of commitment---we will offer both a Regional team & a State team for most ages.

• We will offer training at multiple levels for athletes ages six to nineteen & have access to Edge Academy opportunities that include SAQ training, strength training, college counseling & connections, & more!

When players play for our club, they can expect to find coaches who will serve as positive role models who take a holistic approach to coaching. Many of our staff have backgrounds working in education as teachers, advisors, counselors, administrators, and other various roles, and coach high school or college teams in the fall. All of our head coaches are highly experienced and hold coaching licenses from NSCAA, USSF, UEFA, NFHS and/or other reputable organizations from around the world. 

Our coaching staff shares our basic philosophy:

• Model and encourage others to work hard with direction---always have a goal in mind.

• Strive to be consistently at your best and expect the same of others---as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

• Have fun---a competitive kind of fun!

When is the season?

Most age groups begin mid-December and compete through late summer with ending activities after Father's Day Weekend. Some of our high school level teams may begin training at the conclusion of the high school season in preparation for college showcases.

What weeks do we have off during the season?

Our coaches vacation too! Check with our club coaches for information.

What is the commitment?

MLSC is a competitive soccer club. Depending on age level, teams train 1-2 times per week, and participate in weekly leagues, tournaments, or other playdates. We also believe, however, that family and school come first. We believe that soccer can be an important part of one's overall youth experience but recognize that players have other commitments. We only ask that families try their best to make all events.  

Where do we play?

MLSC teams train at various facilities in the Greater Portland area. Most of our older teams train at the Maine Athletic Complex (MAC) or the Portland Sports Complex (PSC) during the winter, and Portland and Falmouth fields in the spring. Additional foot skills sessions and clinics are held at local community centers in the Portland and South Portland area, including at The Point in South Portland. Our winter futsal foot skills sessions are held at Rowe Elementary and Talbot Community School in Portland. For directions, you can see our Locations.

Who are my coaches?

We are most proud of our coaching staff. Our coaches come from local colleges, high schools, and town programs. We select coaches who understand the community and the development levels of the youths we coach. Many of our coaches are teachers and professionals who work with children outside of soccer. As part of our club philosophy, we are committed to assuring that coaches will coach only one team and will be dedicated to the development of that team. Check out our Teams page for a list of coaches and contact information for the season!

How much does it cost?

Financial Assistance

If you are in need of financial assistance, please know we have limited scholarship funds. If you would like to apply for aid, please email bnoltkamper.mlsc@gmail.com for an application. 

Club Teams

The cost of club teams varies by birth year and programming. For details of programming by birth year, you can visit our Teams page.

Training Players

We have Training Player positions available on most teams. Training Player spots come at a reduced rate but do not guarantee players will play in League games and tournaments. Please ask for details if this is of interest to you.

Clinics

The cost of clinics varies by program offering. For current programs, you can visit our Clinics page, which includes cost information. 

Where can I find more answers?

For general questions, email Michael Hagerty & Todd Whitcomb.

You can also stay, up to date with the latest information from Maine Lightning Soccer Club, including information on new programming like clinics, camps, leagues and tryouts by joining our email list.