1. At what age does travel soccer begin? The travel program begins at the "Under 9" (U-9) level. Eight year olds are our youngest travel soccer players. Age groups follow the USSF guidelines based on birth date, with the groupings being from August 1 to July 31. Example: For the 2009/2010 soccer year, players born on August 1, 2000 through July 31, 2001 will play as U-9s.
2. Is Travel more competitive than House? Yes. Travel leagues are organized into "divisions" with approximately 10 teams in each division. Division 1 is the most competitive or skilled, with the highernumbered divisions (4-6) being composed of developing teams. Under 11 (U-11) and older teams enter league play at the lowest division and progress upward according to their win/loss/tie record per season. The youngest travel soccer teams (U-9 and U-10) are randomly assigned to color-coded divisions (Red, Blue, etc.) and are allowed to develop before their w/l/t records produce rank at U-11.
3. What is the commitment level for Travel? Every player is expected to attend all practices, games, and tournaments. Assuring attendance is vital! (The parent/player commitment is widely agreed to be the most important characteristic each family can bring to the team.)
4. How much does it cost for my child to play travel soccer? The cost varies from season to season and from team to team. Variables include the number of tournaments entered; if a trainer is used; if the coach is paid rather than a volunteer. In addition, each player has to register with VYS (currently $120 per season) and each team has to pay the fees for the respective leagues and their insurance. Teams may
off set these costs with fundraising in various forms, although these should be pre-approved by VYS.
5. How many players are on a team? Under 9 and Under 10 teams have a roster maximum of 12 players to play 7 v 7. Under 11 and Under 12 teams have a roster maximum of 14 players. Under 13 through Under 15 teams have a roster maximum of 18 players. Under 16 through Under 19 teams can roster up to 22 players and play 11 v 11, but only 18 players are permiteed to play in a game. Many teams do not have the maximum number of players on their roster – more players equates to less playing time for each individual.
6. When does the Travel year begin? The Travel year begins in August with the Fall league season beginning after Labor Day and the Spring league season beginning in late March or early April. Each season is about 10 weeks long during which eight or nine games are played. At least one weekend each playing season is held open for make-up games. Practices typically start in August as many teams enter
“pre-season” tournaments. It should be noted that Travel teams form for a complete year (August through July) and players must be committed to playing in both the Fall and the Spring.
7. How many times a week is practice held? Most teams practice 2 times a week for up to an hour and a half each. Some teams practice throughout the year; some only during the regular Fall and Spring soccer seasons.
8. Do all children get equal playing time? As these are competitive teams, it is common for the participation level of individuals to vary within a team. Soccer is a team sport and coaches work on developing both team and individual skills.
9. When do travel teams play their games? Travel teams usually play on Sundays between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. A Saturday game is not uncommon, especially if make-up games are required.
10. How far away are games played? Most games are played in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, but there are occasional exceptions outside the area.
11. How does my child tryout for a travel team? Tryouts are held at the end of each Spring season. These are advertised on the VYS website (under “Travel”). Some teams may also allow individuals to tryout during the course of the year – contact the individual teams for details of any openings.
12. What is my involvement as a parent? Great question! Other than ensuring that your player attends all practices, games and tournaments, your main role is to support the team!
Coaches coach, referees officiate, parents CHEER.
