Program policies
Terms & conditions
The terms that apply when you register a player for any MDS Academy program — payments, refunds, weather, safety and conduct.
Last updated October 20, 2026
1.About these terms
These terms apply to every MDS Academy (Major Development Soccer Academy, "MDS", "we") program — including futsal, camps, clinics, training blocks and team sessions. By registering a player, the parent or legal guardian ("you") agrees to these terms on their own behalf and on behalf of the player.
Some programs have extra details (dates, venues, prices) on their own page or registration form. Where those differ from these terms, the program-specific details apply.
2.Registration & eligibility
- Registrations must be completed by a parent or legal guardian aged 18 or over.
- You confirm the information you give us — including the player's date of birth, medical information and emergency contacts — is accurate, and you'll tell us if it changes.
- Players are grouped by age and, where appropriate, ability. MDS may move a player to the group that best suits their development and safety.
- A place is confirmed once registration and payment are complete, unless the program page says otherwise. Places are limited and offered first come, first served.
- MDS programs are club-neutral: taking part never affects a player's membership of their own club.
3.Payment
- Fees are due at registration unless a payment plan is offered for that program.
- Payments are processed securely by our payment providers (Stripe or Cheddar Up). MDS never sees or stores full card numbers. Card processing fees, where they apply, are shown at checkout.
- If you choose a payment plan, you authorize MDS to charge the card on file on the scheduled dates. If a payment fails, we'll contact you; a player's place may be released if payment isn't completed.
- Program fees include the items listed on the program page (for example, the MDS Futsal Kit).
4.Refunds, withdrawals & transfers
- More than 14 days before the first session: full refund, less a $25 administration fee.
- 14 days or fewer before the first session: 50% refund, or full credit toward a future MDS program.
- After the program has started: no refunds for missed sessions. If an injury or illness confirmed by a doctor's note stops a player continuing, we'll offer a pro-rated credit toward a future program.
- Kit and uniform items that have been ordered or issued are non-refundable.
- If MDS cancels a program, you'll receive a full refund.
- Players can't be transferred between programs or age groups without our agreement. To request a withdrawal or transfer, email info@mdssoccer.com.
5.Weather & session cancellations
- MDS decides whether sessions go ahead. Player safety comes first: sessions are paused or cancelled for lightning, severe weather, unsafe field conditions or facility closures.
- For lightning, play stops and players are moved to shelter; play may resume 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning.
- We'll tell families as early as possible by email or text. Where we can, cancelled sessions are rescheduled; sessions cancelled for reasons outside our control (weather, facility closures) are not refunded individually.
- We may change a coach, venue or session time when needed. We'll give as much notice as possible.
6.Health, medical & emergencies
- You confirm the player is fit to take part in physical activity and you've told us about any medical conditions, allergies, medications or injuries that may affect them.
- MDS coaches are first aid and CPR certified. In an emergency we'll contact you straight away. If we can't reach you, you authorize MDS to arrange emergency medical treatment for the player, at your cost.
- We follow a concussion protocol: when in doubt, a player sits out. A player with a suspected concussion won't return to activity that day and needs medical clearance before returning.
- Players should bring water, shin guards and the footwear listed for their program, and should not attend while ill.
7.Assumption of risk & release
Soccer and futsal are physical sports with inherent risks, including the risk of injury. You understand and accept these risks on behalf of the player.
To the fullest extent permitted by New Jersey law, you release MDS Academy, its coaches, staff and volunteers, and the owners of the facilities we use, from liability for injury, loss or damage arising from participation, except where caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. Some programs ask for a separate signed liability waiver, which applies in addition to these terms.
8.Code of conduct
Players are expected to listen to coaches, give their best effort, treat teammates, opponents and staff with respect, and look after equipment and facilities. Bullying, discrimination, foul language and violence aren't tolerated.
Parents and guardians are expected to support players positively, leave the coaching to MDS staff during sessions, and treat coaches, officials, other families and facility staff with respect.
MDS may remove a player or ask a parent to leave for serious or repeated breaches of this code. Removal for conduct is not refunded.
9.Supervision, drop-off & pick-up
- Players are supervised by MDS staff during scheduled session times only. Please arrive no more than 10 minutes early and collect players promptly at the end.
- Players will only be released to a parent/guardian or an adult you've authorized. Please tell us in writing about any changes to who collects the player.
10.Safeguarding
Every MDS coach who works with players is background-checked and SafeSport trained, and all MDS programs are covered by liability insurance.
If you have a concern about a player's safety or a coach's conduct, contact info@mdssoccer.com straight away. You can also report concerns directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport at uscenterforsafesport.org.
11.Photos & video
MDS may photograph or film sessions and events and use that content on our website, social media and promotional materials. We never publish a player's full name or personal details alongside their image without your permission. If you'd prefer your player not to appear, email info@mdssoccer.com and we'll respect that.
12.Communication & your information
By registering you agree that MDS may contact you by email, phone or text about the program, schedule changes and safety matters. Marketing emails always include an unsubscribe link.
How we collect and use personal information is explained in our Privacy Policy.
13.General
- We may update these terms from time to time. The version in force when you register applies to that registration.
- These terms are governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
- Questions? Email info@mdssoccer.com.