Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer Program - FAQ's | Arlington Soccer Association

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Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer Program - FAQ's

Arlington Soccer Travel Program Overview

The Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer Program offers one of the most competitive and development-focused environments in Northern Virginia. The club emphasizes long-term player growth through high-quality coaching, structured training, and strong league competition.

Players benefit from:

Professional coaching staff with extensive experience in youth development
Advanced training curriculum focused on technical, tactical, and physical development
Strong organizational support including facilities and administration

Arlington travel teams compete in top regional and national leagues, including:

Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)
Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Regional League
National Capital Soccer League (NCSL)

The program is designed for committed players seeking a high-level, competitive soccer experience with pathways for advancement.

Travel Soccer Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

👉 WHAT IS TRAVEL SOCCER AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?

The Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer Program is a competitive environment designed for players with above-average ability and a strong desire to develop their skills and passion for the game.

Travel soccer is ideal for boys and girls who are ready to:

Compete at a higher level
Learn and refine advanced soccer skills
Commit to a more rigorous training and game schedule
Be coached by professional, licensed staff

Players in the program benefit from a structured, development-focused environment that emphasizes long-term growth, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the game.

👉 WHAT IS THE TRYOUT PROCESS?

Tryouts for the Arlington Soccer Association Travel Program are held each spring for boys and girls, based on birth year, for placement on teams for the upcoming soccer year beginning in the fall season.

Current Travel players will be informed by the technical staff whether they are required to register and participate in tryouts each year. New players must complete the tryout registration process, and specific dates and details will be posted on the club’s website.

👉 WHO SHOULD ATTEND TRAVEL TRYOUTS?

Travel tryouts are intended for any NEW or RETURNING PLAYERS who wish to be considered for placement on a travel team with Arlington Soccer Association.

All new players must attend tryouts. Current players are continuously evaluated throughout the year by the technical staff; however, some may also be required to attend tryouts as part of the selection process.

Due to the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) age group changes taking effect in Fall 2026, the Spring 2026 travel tryout process may include additional considerations. Players and families should refer to club communications for specific guidance.

👉 WHAT IS THE TIMELINE/SCHEDULE FOR TRYOUTS?

For the travel soccer season beginning each fall, tryouts for Arlington Soccer are typically held in the spring. U9 Travel tryouts take place in April, while tryouts for all other age groups are held in April and May.

Specific dates, times, and locations will be announced on the club’s website in advance.

👉 HOW ARE THE TEAMS FORMED IN ARLINGTON SOCCER?

Team formation at Arlington Soccer is a collaborative process designed to ensure the best developmental placement for each player.

The following staff work together to evaluate players and determine team assignments:

Current Team Coach
Incoming Coach (if applicable)
ECNL Directors / Age Group Managers
Director of Coaching
Technical Director

This comprehensive approach ensures that each player is placed in an environment that supports their growth and long-term development.

👉 HOW DO NEW COACHES BECOME FAMILIAR WITH PLAYERS BEFORE TEAM PLACEMENT?

At Arlington Soccer, coach collaboration and ongoing evaluation ensure a smooth transition when new coaches take over teams.

Throughout the year, Directors, Age Group Managers, and coaches meet regularly to review player performance and team needs. Leading up to team selection, current coaches provide detailed feedback and evaluations of their players, which are shared with incoming coaches to ensure alignment.

In addition, coaching staff may attend training sessions and games prior to official team placement. This comprehensive approach allows all coaches to develop a strong understanding of players within each age group and place them in the environment best suited for their continued development.

👉 HOW DOES ARLINGTON SOCCER EVALUATE PLAYERS?

At Arlington Soccer Association, players are evaluated using a holistic approach that aligns with the club’s playing style and developmental philosophy.

Assessments are based on the following key areas:

Technical: Ability to execute skills effectively and consistently
Tactical: Game awareness, including perception and decision-making in different situations
Physical: Coordination, speed, strength, and overall athleticism
Psychosocial: Work ethic, focus, initiative, and competitive spirit

The Club follows a well-developed, age-appropriate curriculum, and coaches are trained to teach and reinforce key concepts at each stage of development. As players progress through the program, they build on these concepts year after year, gaining confidence and competence.

This structured approach helps prepare players for long-term success, including opportunities to compete at higher levels as they advance.

👉 HOW DO I DETERMINE THE AGE GROUP FOR MY CHILD?

Age Group	Birth Year Range
U9	Born between August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10	Born between August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017
U11	Born between August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
U12	Born between August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015
U13	Born between August 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014
U14	Born between August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013
U15	Born between August 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012
U16	Born between August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011
U17	Born between August 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010
U19	Born between August 1, 2007 – July 31, 2009

For questions about the new age group ranges or playing in a different age group, please contact info@arlingtonsoccer.com.

👉 WHAT IS THE U9 TRAVEL SOCCER PROGRAM AT ARLINGTON SOCCER?

The U9 program is the youngest travel program offered by Arlington Soccer Association and is designed to introduce players to competitive soccer in a fun, development-focused environment.

Team Format:

Roster: Up to 12 players per team
Game Format: 7v7 (6 field players + 1 goalkeeper)
Game Duration: Typically two 30-minute halves
Ball Size: 4
Field Size: Approximately 50x70 yards
Goal Size: 6.5 x 18.5 feet
Teams: Typically 6 per age group – Red, White, Blue, Black, Silver, Gold
Coaching Staff: Each team has a head coach and assistant or co-coach
Club-Center / Club Pass: Players may be moved week-to-week to play with other teams for development

Team Calendar:

Mid-June to End of August: Off-season – order uniforms, summer camps, kickarounds
Fall Season:
- League play
- 2 practices + 1 skills session per week
- Tournaments: Columbus Day and Post-Season
- Player evaluations
Winter (Off-Season):
- Limited training 1–2 times per week starting in January
- Futsal league and winter clinics may be offered
Spring Season:
- Arlington Tournament (ASIST) in March
- League season begins late March
- 2 practices + 1 skills session per week
- Memorial Day tournament
- Tryouts for the next season at the end of the spring season

Commitment:

Year-round program with periodic breaks
Practice: Twice per week with your team/age group
Skills Training: Typically Mondays
Games: Usually 1 per weekend
Tournaments: Typically 2 per season
Travel: League games and tournaments are usually within the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area

This program provides a development-focused environment that balances skill-building, game experience, and fun for the youngest travel players.

👉 HOW DOES WEATHER EFFECT TRYOUTS?

Player safety is our top priority, however, if conditions become unsafe due to thunderstorms or field hazards, a session may be canceled, shortened, or temporarily suspended. Any changes or updates to tryout sessions will be communicated to families in advance whenever possible.

👉 WHAT SHOULD BE WORN AND BROUGHT TO TRYOUTS?

Players should arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in with the Arlington Soccer Staff. At check-in, each player will receive a number and safety pins, which should be worn on the front of your shorts and brought to all subsequent tryout sessions.

Recommended attire and items:

White t-shirt (no Arlington Soccer logos)
Athletic shorts
Shinguards
Cleats
Properly inflated soccer ball marked with your name
Water bottle

This ensures players are prepared, safe, and ready to perform at their best.

👉 DO I NEED TO ATTEND ALL TRYOUTS?

Players are encouraged to attend as many tryout sessions as possible for the teams they wish to be considered for. Multiple sessions allow coaches to better evaluate skills, development, and fit within the team.

👉 HOW MANY PLAYERS ARE SELECTED FOR EACH TEAM?

Rosters for Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer teams vary by age group and game format. This structure ensures players get meaningful game experience while aligning with standard formats for their age.

Age Group	Game Format	Roster Size
U9 - U10	7 v 7	10 - 12 Players
U11 - U12	9 v 9	12 - 16 Players
U13 - U15	11 v 11	16 - 18 Players
U14 - U19	11 v 11	16 - 22 Players

👉 WHO WILL BE MY CHILD'S COACH?

Coaching assignments for Arlington Soccer Travel Teams are posted on the club’s website prior to the start of tryouts.

👉 WHEN AND WHERE DO TRAVEL TEAMS PRACTICE?

Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer teams practice on fields allocated by the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Field assignments are based on team needs and coach preferences, so each team will have its own practice schedule.

Typically, travel teams practice a minimum of twice per week, with each session lasting 1 -1.5 hours. Additional player development programs are also available to enhance skills and support long-term growth.

👉 WHO DO TRAVEL TEAMS PLAY?

Arlington Soccer determines the appropriate league placement for each travel team. League participation and divisional standings are based on the team’s performance and results throughout the season.

👉 HOW MANY TEAMS ARE IN EACH AGE GROUP?

The number of travel teams formed for each age group depends on the number of tryout participants and their skill levels. Typically, Arlington Soccer forms:

U9 – U10: 6 teams per gender
U11 – U12: 5 teams per gender
U13 – U16: 2–3 teams per gender
U17 – U19: 1–2 teams per gender

Teams are tiered by ability, usually as an “A” team and a “B” team, to provide appropriate competition and development opportunities for all players.

👉 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "CLUB PASS"?

The “club pass” allows Arlington Soccer players to temporarily play with other teams within the club during league games or tournaments.

This option is used by the technical staff to support player development by providing opportunities to:

Gain experience with different teammates and coaches
Compete against players of similar skill and motivation
Enhance learning and overall soccer growth

Club passing helps ensure balanced competition while maximizing each player’s development opportunities within the Arlington Soccer program.

👉 HOW ARE THE COACHES SELECTED FOR EACH TEAM?

Arlington Soccer employs a licensed, professional coaching staff under the supervision of the club’s Directors of Travel Coaching (DOTC). All coaches are hired and paid by the club and are assigned to teams to maximize player development.

Coaches are evaluated annually by the Director of Coaching (DOC) and Age Group Directors (AGDs), and may be rotated among teams to provide the best developmental opportunities for players.

A complete list of the travel program coaching staff and their credentials is available on the Arlington Soccer website under the Travel section.

👉 WHAT TIME COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL SOCCER?

For most teams in the Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer Program:

Fall Season: Mid-August through mid-November
Spring Season: March through mid-June

Teams compete in the National Capital Soccer League (NCSL). The fall season typically runs from the last weekend in August to the first weekend in November, and the spring season from early April to the first weekend in June. Teams begin practicing 2–4 weeks before the season starts.

Practice and Game Expectations:

Practices: 1–2 hours per session (usually 1.5), at least twice a week
Games: Mostly Saturdays and/or Sundays
Additional: Pre-season scrimmages and 2–4 tournaments per season, depending on age group and competitive level

Players are expected to attend all team practices and games, and families should plan other sports and activities around the travel soccer schedule during these seasons.

👉 WHEN ARE TOURNAMENTS HELD?

Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer teams often participate in pre-season, mid-season, and post-season tournaments, typically consisting of 3–4 games over a 2- or 3-day weekend.

Popular tournament weekends include:

Pre- and post-season weekends
Holiday weekends when there are no league games, such as Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Memorial Day

Players are expected to be available for all tournaments to maximize development and team experience.

👉 WHAT ARE THE COST AND FEES OF TRAVEL SOCCER?

Each player in the Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer Program pays a Player Program Fee, which covers:

Coach salaries
League and referee fees
State and national registration fees
Player insurance
Player development programs
Administrative expenses and staff salaries
And other operational costs

The program is tiered by age and level, and in addition to the Player Program Fee, each team collects a Team Fee. This covers:

Team equipment
Tournament fees
Coach travel expenses for tournaments
Winter, indoor, and futsal league fees

For details on Team Fees, please visit the Team Fees page on our website.

Arlington Soccer is committed to making travel soccer accessible. Families in need may apply for financial aid, and many teams engage in fundraising to offset costs.

Because the club makes a yearlong commitment to players and coaches, we expect families to make the same full-year commitment and pay all fees, including team fees.

👉 HOW AND WHEN DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?

Financial aid applications for Arlington Soccer Association can be completed through Playmetrics once a travel team offer has been made.

For additional questions or guidance, please email info@arlingtonsoccer.com.