What is Travel Soccer?

Why is it called “travel” soccer?

Reston Soccer has Developmental teams for ages 9-10 and 25-30 “select” or “travel” soccer teams for ages 11-18.  The teams are all competitively selected (therefore "select") and travel to games throughout the metro region (therefore “travel”).

Who can tryout for a Reston Soccer travel team?

Reston Soccer’s travel teams are not limited to Reston Soccer “open” or “recreational” league players.  Players from throughout the Metro region are eligible to tryout and play for Reston Soccer.

Who do these teams play against?

Most of Reston Soccer’s travel teams compete against area and regional teams sponsored by other local soccer clubs: The National Capital Soccer League (NCSL) and The Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS).  NCSL is open to teams comprised of both boys and girls, while WAGS is open to girls only.  As a practical matter very few girls play in NCSL.  NCSL play commences for players in the U9 age group (9 or under on Aug. 1 of any year).  WAGS commences in the U11 year (11 or under on Aug. 1 of any year). Girls travel teams, however, also start at U9 and are given training and more competitive play before they reach WAGS at U11.  Certain RSA travel teams that are not in NCSL or WAGS usually play in the Old Dominion Soccer League (ODSL).

In some instances, the less skilled team in an age group may remain in Reston Soccer’s “rec” division and “play up” a year against older players.  Being flexible about where to play each team is a reflection of Reston Soccer’s commitment to individual player development and putting players into the most competitive play that they are then ready for.

What sort of commitment is required for parents and players of the travel team?

Everyone involved in travel soccer recognizes that serious commitment for young players is difficult.  However, being on a travel team requires both the child AND THE PARENT understand that this activity is a commitment.   Neither the player nor the team can develop to full potential without that commitment.

For most travel players, only religious commitments, school and school athletics take precedence over travel team practices and games.  Parents are involved weekly in field preparation in advance of and immediately after the Sunday games.

Typically, younger players (U10 and below) especially want to continue with their “rec” teams.  No Reston Soccer rule prohibits this.  The league and the travel teams simply ask that in the case of a conflict, the travel team takes precedence.

How much soccer are we talking about?

Beginning two weeks prior to the season and continuing throughout the season, travel players attend a minimum of twice-weekly practices.  There are approximately 10 weekend games during the fall and spring.  The travel games are typically played on Sunday, but re-scheduled games (due to rain, snipers, locusts, etc.) may not be on a Sunday.

In addition, teams compete in one or two local and regional tournaments each fall and spring. 

During the summer, teams may practice, and players are strongly encouraged to attend RSA clinics and a soccer camp of their preference.

In the winter, teams will practice indoors in a gym (probably only once a week) and may participate in indoor soccer leagues.

As teams mature, players may participate in regional tournaments on several weekends a year.

This sounds like too much soccer.

Travel soccer is not for every child or every family.  But, what players and families who make the commitment find is that their skills (and confidence) improve by leaps and bounds; they make new friends; and the travel environment is really a lot of fun.  Winning is not the ultimate goal of Reston Soccer’s program (player development is), but players and families alike love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from the success that flows from dedication to the sport.

Parents need to think about whether their child is ready for the experience.  But, if so, the child will learn that success doesn’t come easy; hard work pays off; and winning isn’t everything.  These are life lessons that we all must learn and travel soccer is a good way to learn them.

How far do we have to travel?

Travel teams will play in games arranged by the respective league (NCSL, WAGS or ODSL) on fields throughout the Metro region.  A significant amount of regional travel may be anticipated.  However, the leagues make every effort to minimize travel times for the younger age groups.

Four or five games will normally be on Reston Soccer authorized “home” fields in Reston.  Since NCSL, WAGS and ODSL member clubs are located as far away as Baltimore, Winchester, Severna Park and north of Richmond, you could have to travel to one or more of those locations.  At the same time there are many, many clubs and fields that are close to DC in Maryland and Virginia.

As teams move up into the more competitive divisions within each league, more travel will be necessary.

Who runs the travel teams?

Reston Soccer assists the team in its formation and sets up the administrative structure necessary for play in NCSL, WAGS and ODSL.   Reston Soccer will select a highly qualified coach to teach skills, run practices, and coach games.

Parents must select a volunteer manager to handle the administrative aspects of the team.  The manager is responsible for (or delegates responsibility for):  managing finances, uniforms, coordinating field preparations weekly, registering the team with the travel league, and doing other administrative activities.

The coach, with the assistance of the manger, will then run the team on a day-to-day basis within the guidelines of Reston Soccer and the travel league the team is playing in.

The coach reports to their respective Reston Soccer Club Rep and to the Director of Coaching, who are collectively responsible for directing the club travel program.

Once players have been selected there will be a mandatory parent’s organizational meeting in mid-June to discuss the formation and administration of the teams.

What will a Travel Team position cost?

Travel soccer teams are coached by soccer professionals.  Costs for these high quality coaches and other expenses are significant.  Coaching and administration fees are handled by each team.  A completed registration and the first payment (approximately half) will be due shortly after the player is notified that he/she has been selected for the team in June.  The second payment will be due in late fall for the spring season.

Partial scholarships are available for those who would not be able to participate without a scholarship.  Information regarding the scholarship program is available through the travel commissioner or on www.restonsoccer.org

Fees for the uniforms (only U9 or new player to U10; others have additional fees), goalkeeper clinics, and Reston Soccer based tournaments are included, as are fees for the team playing in either the NCSL, the WAGS, or the ODSL.

Because each team decides its needs independently, fees to cover various other expenses such as additional tournaments, winter indoor practice facilities, and additional scheduled coaching sessions will be billed and collected separately by the team manager.  These additional costs could be $80 to $300 per player.