| Q: What is Travel Soccer? |
A: Travel Soccer is a competitive program run by the Valley Soccer Club that provides players, who are seeking a more competitive soccer environment, a place to play. Teams are separated into age and gender divisions and player development and competition are geared towards age specific expectations.
All travel teams are coached by experienced, licensed coaches and games are played with licensed referees per FIFA rules. |
| Q: Is Travel Soccer open to all players? |
| A: Travel soccer is open to all players, boys and girls, in age groups from U-9 (under 9 years old) to U-16 (under 16 years old). Players must "try-out" to make the squad but competition for player spots are open to all. Tryouts are typically held during mid summer on 3 different days. Players trying out are requested to attend all 3 sessions as it gives a better assessment of a players skill level. |
| Q: How much "travelling" is involved? |
| A: Typically travel soccer games are played within a one hour distance with most games being considerably closer than that. Approximately half of the games are played at the clubs home fields and therefore do not require any travelling. |
| Q: What is the time commitment for travel teams? |
| A: Most Travel teams play in leagues through the fall (Sept-mid November) with games on weekends and practice twice a week in the early evening Some teams decide to play in "indoor travel" leagues in the winter months but that is at the discretion of the coach and team and players are not required to participate. |
| Q: What are the costs associated with playing Travel Soccer? |
| A: The annual registration fees are $95 per player for U-9 through U-13 and $115 per player for U-14 and above (due to an increase in the number of referees required). New players must purchase uniforms (socks, shorts and jerseys) at a cost of ~$77 (returning players can use their uniforms until they need to be replaced due to growth or wear). Other costs include participation in tournaments at the discretion of the coach. The typical cost to a player for a single tournament is ~$40/player. Some teams may play in as many as 3 tournaments per season; however participation is recommended but not mandatory. |
| Q: What League does the Valley Soccer Club participate in? |
| A: Currently Valley Soccer belongs to the Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League (LVYSL). |
| Q: What options are available if my child prefers to play soccer as year round sport? |
A: Many of the teams play in competitive winter leagues that are not part of the LVYSL. These leagues typically do not require travel as they are usually held at the same place for each game. Some of the leagues play indoor soccer "off of the wall" and some are touchline "Futsal" leagues.
Teams also have the option of participating in 8 game season Spring Travel leagues through LVYSL that run May-June. The spring travel is optional and registration costs are reduced for teams that participated in LVYSL leagues in the fall. Fees are currently $30 per player for U-9 through U-13 and $45 per player for U-14 and above. |
| Q: What are the benefits of Travel Soccer? |
| A: Players get an opportunity to participate in one of the truly beautiful games that sports has to offer. Players are taught skills, sportsmanship and develop a sense of personal accomplishment through participation. Another benefit is the camaraderie and friendships that are developed between teammates over years of playing together with some teams being together from U-9 through U-16. Many of our Travel players go on to be the core of their Middle and High School soccer teams. |
| Q: Is there financial assistance for families and players who have the interest and the talent but cannot afford the costs? |
| A: Families demonstrating a financial need may be able to receive financial aid from the Valley Soccer club upon request and approval. There is also a registration cost discount available for families that have multiple children involved in the program (first child full price, second child $10 discount, third child receives 25% discount and fourth sibling and beyond are free). |
