Valley Soccer Club, Inc.

Traveling Soccer Program
 

 Contact a Club Representative today! 

Valley's Traveling Soccer Program is designed for the player who is serious about playing soccer and willing to make the time available to learn and improve his/her skills. All teams travel to compete against teams representing from over 60 other clubs in the Capital District area.   

Rules of play are administered by the Capital District Youth Soccer League  (CDYSL) which in turn, is part or a worldwide organization administered in this country by the United States Youth Soccer Federation (USYSF).

FAQ's about Traveling Soccer


Why Traveling Soccer?

The best way to improve your soccer skills is simply to play as often as you can.   To step your level of play you need to compete with and against other quality players who love the game like you do.

Traveling soccer provides the opportunity to play outside your school or recreational season to learn, practice and improve your skills. 

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What are the Goals and Objectives of this program?

Teams are divided by age and level of ability. To determine what age range your child is eligible for go to Age Matrix at the CDYSL website - http://cdysl.org/agematrix.asp

While Valley does its best to provide a team for all players wishing to participate in the Traveling program, the number of available coaches and/or number of players signed up for a particular age group may make it necessary to combine age groups or not sponsor one at all.

Unlike our Summer and Fall Recreational programs, Valley's Traveling program is competitive and generally considered a multi-season commitment. Most teams begin practicing after the High School Varsity season is over and continue through the end of the Spring Travel League season at the end of June.   The emphasis is on learning the game within a competitive context as teams Under 12 and above vie for league championships and tournament titles within the Capital District
.  Depending upon the commitment level of the group some teams may even compete nationally and/or internationally. USYSA mandates "Small sided" and "Non-result oriented" play for U8 and U10 players, refer to CDYSL's website for more information

Teams are divided by age and level of ability. While the club does its best to provide a team for all players wishing to participate in the Traveling program, the number of available coaches and/or skill level of players signed up for a particular age group may make it necessary to hold tryouts for placement on some teams.

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Why Valley Soccer Club?

Valley Soccer is one of the most respected soccer clubs in Capital District Youth Soccer League.  We have been providing a quality soccer experience for area youth since 1982.  Over the years we feel Valley has helped to bring soccer to a whole new level of excellence in our local high schools. Why?

It's Fun:    Talk to some of the players who’ve played with Valley over the years.  Many have been playing soccer since they were 6 and 7 years old and are still enjoy it.  Most will tell you they’ve developed lasting friendships in and outside their immediate communities with kids who love the game of soccer as much as they do. 

We Attract Quality Players:   Valley is proud to say that most of the top players representing Schoharie County high schools in Section II for past several years have been associated with one of our traveling teams. 

We Support Quality Teams:   Our league and tournament schedules allow us to compete against some of best soccer programs in the Capital District region and beyond.  Each year many of the teams from Valley Soccer Club return home with 1st and 2nd place league championships and tournament titles in their divisions.

We Provide Quality Facilities:  Built with the help of local businesses, community service groups and the sweat of our parents, coaches and players’ brows, the Valley Soccer Complex on Route 30 south of Middleburgh is the envy of those who come to compete here.  Take a trip through the scenic Schoharie Valley to get there and see for yourself.  

We’re a Family of Volunteers:  Unlike many of the teams we compete against, all of Valley’s coaches and officers are volunteers.  The parents and friends of Valley are there to support their kids both as fans and as examples of what hard work, volunteerism and imagination can do for your community.

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What about Coaching?

Coaches are Experienced Volunteers: Valley is committed to providing a quality experience for players at all skill levels. Unlike many of the larger clubs we compete against, all of Valley's coaches are volunteers.  Most of our coaches also have several years of experience working with youth soccer.

Valley will mentor inexperienced coaches and pay for training: Our younger coaches generally start out as assistant coaches under the mentorship of an experienced coach. All CSYSL travel coaches must have at least the lowest level league or state coaching license within one year. Valley coaches are not only encouraged to participate in training activities designed to improve their coaching expertise but reimburse active coaches for any participation fees .

All Coaches must submit to a background check: As with many other youth organizations, the safety of your child while under the supervision of one of our coaches is a paramont. In coordination with the USSF Kid Safe program all coaches participating in CDYSL/Valley must also submit to a background check. Again any expenses related to the cost of this process will be reembursed for active coaches.

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Will I be able to play other sports?

Almost everyone plays at least one other sport for their schools and a number of them are three sport athletes.  Valley soccer practices and games are typically scheduled at times that avoid conflict with school sports.  Keep in mind that unlike school sports, Valley Soccer teams only get together a couple of times a week.

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Will my grades suffer?

Maybe you are reluctant to sign-up with Valley because you are concerned that your grades will suffer.  Valley is proud to say that many of it’s most recognized players are also frequently found among those listed on their school’s honor and high honor rolls.

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What kind of commitment will my parents need to make?

The time commitment is as much as you wish it to be. Games are played throughout the Capital District. Tournaments can be played anywhere. Some teams elect to play in the indoor leagues during the winter months. Coaches and parents work together to decide when and where their teams will play except for the outdoor spring league games. Watching your children play is a great way to spend time with them, and if you cannot go because of other commitments, many parents are willing to provide rides for players who need them.

Because we are a volunteer organization, parental support and participation in club activities is critical to our success.  All teams are expected to provide parent and player volunteers for all fund raising activities.

Although the length of the season varies depending upon the level of commitment and time available for the coach, players and parents; practices usually begin indoors starting in December or whenever gym time becomes available through the local school districts.

Practices move outdoors in April depending on the weather and field conditions in preparation for the CDYSL Spring League season.

All teams play a twelve game schedule.  To make sure all games can be played, the League schedule begins in late April and continues through the first week in July.  Teams should plan to play twice a week.  Each age group has their own traditional play days. This information is distributed to coaches during the Team Commitment period in January.   All but Under 8 and 10 year olds play one game a week on Sundays.  In addition, some teams may also participate in outdoor tournaments held on the weekends and/or into the summer months. 

 

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What about the expense?

Valley makes an attempt to keep its operating costs to a minimum. Registration costs are currently $150 for single players.  Family discounts: $75 for each additional player.  Registration fees cover costs for players and team registration, insurance, league participation fees, coaches training & licensing fees, referee fees, equipment and field maintenance, facility fees for indoor practices and additional administrative operating expenses.

Additional costs may include a uniform, indoor league fees,  tournament costs and travel expenses.

Each family will be required to either contribute at least 3 hours per year at some club activity (they can choose from the list of jobs at registration),
OR solicit club sponsors or pay an opt out fee of $50. Proceeds from the club sponsorships and opt out fees will determine how much we will be able to set aside for team incentives.

If your family cannot afford the club registration  fees, we will waive it.  The club’s policy is simple… No one should be prevented from playing soccer because they cannot afford to.  If you are willing to commit the time, we are willing to sponsor your participation. 

To be considered for a waiver, talk to your coach or parent rep. You will be asked to send a written request to the Exec Committee for review.  Families granted waivers are strongly encouraged to become active in team and/or club administrative activities. Please note that waivers do not cover the cost for uniforms, tournaments, or indoor sessions.

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How do I sign up?

 All Players and Coaches must Register ON-LINE  Click here to begin  

NOTE:  Family discounts will apply only if all children are registered BEFORE you check out.  If children are signed up at different times, be sure to contact the Club Registrar at valleysc@midtel.net to request that discounts be applied manually.

Contact a coach about attending a practice before you commit
-  Send us an email message to valleysc@midtel.net and we'll get back to you.

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Revised: 11/23/09.