Competing with high-level teams closer to Clarke County, NCSL provides an environment and structure designed to enhance player development at all levels. “Our CCSL travel program has boomed over the course of just a few years, thanks in large part to a renewed, laser focus on player and coach development,” said Ray Steen, CCSL President. “Competing at a high level with teams closer in proximity makes the move to NCSL a perfect progression for our players and community.” 

CCSL’s travel program begins at the futures/pre-travel stage at U9 and runs to competitively through U19. Over the last six years, the program has fielded teams who have succeeded in winning divisions in both SCSL and VPSL, as well as competing and in various competitive tournaments throughout the state. 

“Player development comes first,” said Joshua Dispenza, CCSL Director of Travel. “Our focus on community, competition and camaraderie drives our approach to the game, every day. Our coaches care about the long-term outcome of the players and the teams. They care about each other. They collaborate and there’s no financial incentive behind anything. The focus is on the player and the person – and that will always be the focus.”
 
The number of CCSL travel club teams have grown from one U14 team six years ago to 12 teams today. The growth of the travel program has come in large part to heightened dedication to coach training and development, as well as the pre-travel prep program that begins as early as U9. CCSL has also forged strategic partnerships with neighboring leagues committed to developing players through competitive friendlies.

Clarke County’s travel teams are holding tryouts beginning May 8 at Chet Hobert Park in Berryville, Va. Tryout registration is free and required at www.clarkesoccer.org. 

About Clarke County Soccer League (CCSL)

Clarke County Soccer League (CCSL) is a nonprofit (501c3), all-volunteer-led sports organization in Berryville, Virginia, whose mission is to improve the quality of soccer, promote sportsmanship and camaraderie among youth athletes, and play an active role in the Clarke County community. 

Established in 1981, CCSL is a member Virginia Youth Soccer Association. CCSL provides recreational soccer opportunities for players ages 4 through 16 and travel soccer programs for ages 7 through 19. CCSL proudly operates and invests in both coach and game officials programs. 

To learn more, visit www.clarkesoccer.org.