PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The SVU travel program provides a step up in training, competition, and expectations from the recreation level.  In this phase of club programming, all coaches are certified by either the US Soccer federation (USSF) or National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and players are asked to make an increased time commitment to learn the game. SVU travel players train at least twice per week, play weekend matches, and attend at least two out-of-town tournaments per season.  The goal of the travel program is to enhance skill development, competiveness, and team tactics through a higher level of play for players who are looking to take their game to the next level.

Team Formation: Tryouts

Teams are formed by a tryout process that takes place in May.  The selection target of teams is age pure (meaning a player plays with a team of players in his or her age group). In certain cases, an exceptional player may move up an age group.  In these cases, a player typically must be among the top 3 players on the older age group, not simply the best player in his or her own age group.  All players playing up an age group are recommended to do so by the Director of Coaching (DOC) and with the approval of a supervising Board member. 

Team Classification: Premier or Blue

Depending on the talent level of the players on a team and their past performance, SVU will label a travel team as Premier (highest level) or Blue (classic level). Premier teams will have higher expectations for training and competition than Blue teams.  These differences will be outlined below. 

League Play: Skyline League

Regardless of the team label, all SVU teams will compete in approximately 10 (5 home, 5 away) weekend matches in the Skyline League. The Skyline League is a collection of soccer clubs throughout Central and Western Virginia.  Most teams will be entered in a block schedule where each SVU team travels to the same location each weekend.  For league play matches, families should expect to travel Charlottesville, Staunton, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Blacksburg for away matches once per season.

For more information on our travel program and tryouts, please see the links to the left.  If you still have any questions or need to contact us for any reason, please email us at ShenandoahValleyUnited@gmail.com.