Travel

WHY JOIN TRAVEL?

Travel soccer is extremely rewarding to players who are eager for the “next level of play.” Some children simply outgrow house soccer, while others are committed to learning and playing at a faster pace. Travel soccer is the best way to prepare for high school and collegiate soccer.

AT WHAT AGE DOES TRAVEL BEGIN?

Players can begin playing pre-travel soccer as young as 8 1/2 years old then forming full travel teams at the by their U11 year. Many individuals/teams join the travel division at U11 and play through until they are 18 or 19 years old. The most important development years for all soccer players is from 5 years old to 12 years old: These are the years of physical, emotional and intellectual development, critical to motor skill development skill set mastering and decision making. By age 14 players know which athletic event if any is more suited to them. If soccer is no longer their passion they will be prepared to play it just as a past time or move on to other athletic opportunities.

HOW DOES MY CHILD TRYOUT FOR A TRAVEL TEAM?

At Team America the tryout process is considered unique. Instead of the player trying out for the team we have the team and coach tryout for the player. We do this by inviting the player to attend a series of training sessions, After 3 or 4 sessions, if the player likes the training, likes the other players and the coach, and if the payer thinks this is a place he or she can play then we determine if there is a place for the player. Our tryout policy can be found below at the bottom of this page.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PLAY TRAVEL SOCCER?

The cost varies from team to team but it does require a greater financial and time commitment than recreational programs. Some teams have trainers, while others have volunteer coaches. Some teams rent indoor field training space and some attend more tournaments that others. Teams may have corporate sponsors to help keep the cost down or do extra fund raising to cover the cost of year around soccer opportunities. County, Club and team Scholarships are often available to players whose families cannot afford the fees. In travel soccer there are costs for league play, tournaments, uniforms, state association fees, county fees, special field use fees and sometimes training or coaching fees. Most travel teams cost, on average, run from $500 to $2500 depending on the level of the team, the commitment and the number of activities in which they may participate. Team America has one of the most affordable travel programs in the area and has developed many high level players.

Our Academy Program team costs after club registration $110 per month for 9 months.

WHEN AND WHERE DO TEAMS PRACTICE?

Most teams practice 2 times a week, 1.5 hours per practice, on the same fields as our recreation teams such as Falls Church HS, Pine Ridge Park, Ossian Park, Annandale HS, Rolling Valley Park, Mason District Park, Plum Center, TJHS and others.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE GAMES HELD?

Games are generally held on Sundays, with occasional Saturday games. Travel teams play other travel teams within the Washington DC metropolitan area. For the younger teams (U11 & U12) the games are mostly in Northern Virginia or around the beltway. Each team generally has four or five home games and four or five away games each season. There are some exceptions as the sport grows in our country and the number of clubs increase over the years. Some drives can exceed 90 minutes on the worst of days; it can be a tough commitment, but it is worth it to provide the necessary challenge for players of that level.

HOW CAN I BECOME A COACH?

Do you want to coach your own child or team? We strongly believe in the value of parent coaches and Team America is the place to do it. Those parents or non-parents who are interested in becoming coaches, assistant coaches or trainers or if you have an interest in having your team participate in the Team America program are encouraged to contact the Larry Dunn, Club Director via email at Larry.Dunn@TeamAmericfaFC.com or call at 703-307-4213.

We welcome both parent volunteers and paid professional coaches.

WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?

Contact Larry Dunn, Club Director, at larry.dunn@teamamericafc.com or call at 703-307-4213. Larry will be happy to answer any questions. Interested players are welcome to sample an age-appropriate travel practice.

TEAM AMERICA FC - TRYOUT POLICY

Team America Football Club (TAFC) has a unique tryout policy. The TAFC training creates an environment where, in real game situations, the players are urged to use their individual ball skills and experiment with creativity. As players advance, the level will be moved to activities and training that are increasingly more challenging.

For age groups U-8 to U-12 TAFC does not conduct official tryouts as a club policy. TAFC teams open practices to those interested in developing soccer skills and understanding of the game. The program is designed to allow players to practice the skills learned at their individual pace in an atmosphere without pressure, constant instruction, or fear of making mistakes.

After participating in an Open House Training session, players are welcome to discuss participating in future TAFC training and/or joining the club or a specific team. TAFC coaches will work with parents to find the appropriate team, level of competition and training to maximize successful development.

For age groups U-13 and above, TAFC will often have a formal try-out and placement program. TAFC teams make every effort to conduct efficient and focused try-outs on a scheduled basis and during training sessions. Please email our Club Director at Larry.Dunn@TeamAmericaFC.com to obtain specific teams or age group schedules for tryouts. try-out schedule.