Travel Soccer

CCYSA is committed to the continued development of soccer in our community. For many years, Clarke County Youth Soccer has sponsored travel teams in the Old Dominion Soccer League (ODSL) - a competitive soccer league that serves a large area throughout Northern Virginia. Currently, there are active travel teams representing boys and girls in a variety of age groups.  In past years, these travel teams have represented Clarke County very well, winning their ODSL divisions, as well as forming great teams that have grown into State Championship high school teams. The experience and competitive environment that is provided by a travel league is ideal for a player who wants to improve their skills & play soccer at a high level.

Why Consider Travel?

Travel provides several benefits that are not often available in our Recreational League:

1) Team Building:  The team is formed and the core stays together as one team with consistency in the coaching role.  This allows players to develop in their position, learning to know & trust their teammates. 

2) Greater Challenge: With nearly 50 clubs across Northern Virginia, teams participating in ODSL normally offer a higher caliber of competition than traditional Rec Programs. A travel team typically consists of the more dedicated and experienced players who are willing and eager to compete against other select teams, whereas recreational soccer accepts all registrants and guarantees them playtime, regardless of skill level.

3) Higher Level of Instruction:  Clarke County Travel teams tend to be led by our most experienced coaches, whereas many recreational teams are coached by parents, regardless of soccer background.

What are the Additional Considerations?

1) Commitment - Travel requires a bigger commitment from parents.  First, CCYSA only sponsors these teams, providing field space and referees.  It is the parent & coach responsibility to form and hold the team.  Additionally, the 4 'AWAY' games are not held at the Park and will require drive time (usually within an hour or so).  Also, the rules of ODSL are more strict than Recreational soccer and players/parents need to make themselves aware & adhere to these.  Lastly, travel players are not guaranteed a set amount of playing time. Players must earn their time on the field, through commitment & hard work.

2) Cost - The cost of joining a travel team is usually about 3 times our recreational league.  However, the higher fee does cover a full uniform (at least two jerseys, shorts, and socks) and may include team bags, individual practice balls, etc., depending on the team. Compared to travel soccer costs in surrounding areas, playing travel soccer here is much more affordable, since the Travel coaches for CCYSA are not paid from your fees.  

4) Day of the Week - Travel teams practice two weeknights, 1hr each (like rec), but games are usually on Sunday afternoons, not Saturday mornings.

Fall 2010 Travel Team Options

Looking to form a team?  Review these guidelines for sponsorship [.pdf]

* U9Girls (Insufficient turnout for Fall - but will form in Spring) Kurt Leta, kleta@comcast.net, 540-336-9652

* U10Boys Fusion (New!) Kevin Manahan, 540-877-8204, manahanL@yahoo.com or Karen Russell, krussell@projecthope.org

* U11Girls Vipers -Pika Hurtado, 540-837-9862, pika_hurtado@verizon.net or Karen Russell, krussell@projecthope.org

* U13Boys Predators -Kurt Leta, kleta@comcast.net, 540-336-9652 or Larry Braig, lawrence.braig@baesystems.com, 540-955-0568

* U14Girls Orange Crush -Kevin Reed, knlreed@verizon.net, 540-869-4898 or Ralph Ambrosio, ralphambrosio@verizon.net, 540-955-0199

* U19Girls Lightning -Betsy Munson, 540-335-2998 or Carlene Butterfass, 540-955-0967, carleneb57@msn.com

The way a team plays as a whole determines its success.

You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime.
-Babe Ruth