Spring Season Overview

register for spring tryouts (open)

The spring season includes our U9–U14 teams, as well as our high school-age teams (U15–U19). It’s an opportunity for players to continue developing, compete against other clubs, and build on their progress throughout the year.

Preseason — March–Early April

The season begins with technical training twice a week at the Sports Park, typically one weekday evening and one Sunday session. These sessions help players get back on the ball, prepare for the season, and get to know their coaches and teammates.

Team Practices — Mid-April–Late May

During the season, teams typically practice twice a week on appropriately sized grass fields throughout the Upper Valley, including locations in Norwich, Hanover, and Lebanon.

Training focuses on individual skill development and team play, including positioning, team shape, tactical principles, style of play, set pieces, and game management.

Friday Skills Sessions for U12 and under — Mid-April–Late May

Lightning hosts Friday Skills Sessions throughout the season, bringing players and coaches from across the club together for additional development. Sessions focus on key areas of the game, including dribbling, defending, 1v1 situations, and shooting. Goalkeeper-specific training is also offered.

These sessions provide players with additional opportunities to develop their skills, train with players from other teams, and learn from coaches across the club.

League Games — April–June

League games are scheduled throughout the spring, with the regular season running from April 16 through June 5 and playoffs scheduled for June 11–12. Teams typically play approximately seven regular-season games, with roughly half played at home.

Schedules, opponents, and home-field locations vary by team and season.

Spring Tournament — Memorial Day Weekend

Each team participates in one spring tournament, typically held over Memorial Day weekend. Tournament selection is determined annually, with details generally confirmed by the end of March. In past seasons, teams have participated in tournaments in southern New Hampshire and the suburbs of Boston.

Optional Additional Tournament

Teams may choose to organize an additional tournament, such as the Nordic Cup in Burlington, Vermont, over Father's Day weekend. These tournaments are optional and require additional family funding, as they are not included in the standard team fee.