Travel Soccer
Our premier competitive pathway for players ready to train, compete, and develop at the highest level.
Premier Competitive Soccer
The Arlington Soccer Travel Program is the club's premier competitive pathway for players ready to train, compete, and develop at a higher level. Serving as the next step beyond Recreational Soccer and the Arlington Development Program (ADP), Travel Soccer offers a structured, challenging environment focused on long-term player development and performance.
With more than 100 teams competing in top regional and national leagues, Arlington Soccer features one of the largest and most established travel programs in Northern Virginia. Led by Technical Director German Peri and Director of Coaching Mo Tayari, the program is built around a unified developmental philosophy and a commitment to excellence across all age groups.
- High-level training and competition
- Advanced technical and tactical development
- A structured, year-round environment
- Competition against top clubs in the region
- A clear pathway from local to regional and national competition
Developing the Whole Player
The Travel Program is focused on developing smart, confident, technically skilled soccer players — and well-rounded individuals — through a comprehensive player-development model that goes beyond the game.
Leagues & Pathways
Arlington travel teams compete across a range of leagues matched to each team's competitive level. Every player has a clear pathway with opportunities to advance.
Elite Clubs National League. National-level competition with 4 training sessions per week.
ECNL Regional League. Regional competition with 3 training sessions per week.
Development stage before full academy program. 3–4 training sessions per week.
National Capital Soccer League. Development and competitive game experience with 2–3 sessions per week.
Age Group Range & Teams
Travel teams are organized by birth year per US Soccer, USYS, and VYSA standards. Teams are available for both boys and girls from U9 through U19.
| Age Group | Birth Year Range |
|---|---|
| U9 | August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 |
| U10 | August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017 |
| U11 | August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016 |
| U12 | August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015 |
| U13 | August 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 |
| U14 | August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 |
| U15 | August 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 |
| U16 | August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 |
| U17 | August 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 |
| U18 | August 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009 |
| U19 | August 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008 |
The Spring 2026 tryout process may include additional considerations due to upcoming USYS age group changes. Players and families should refer to club communications for specific guidance.
Team Structure
Game formats and roster sizes are scaled by age group to ensure age-appropriate competition at every level.
| 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 |
| U16 – U19 | 11 v 11 | 16 – 22 players |
Training & Commitment
Travel soccer is a year-round commitment. All practices are run by professional club coaches on fields allocated by Arlington County Parks and Recreation. Session length is 1–1.5 hours.
League play with 2–4 practices per week. Columbus Day and Post-Season tournaments.
1–2 sessions/week from January. Futsal leagues and winter clinics may be offered.
ASIST pre-season tournament. League begins late March. Memorial Day Tournament.
Practice Schedule
Practice frequency varies by team level. All teams play 1 game per weekend during the season and compete within the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.
| Level | Sessions / Week | Tournaments / Season | Competition Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECNL | 4 sessions | 2–4 | National |
| ECNL Regional | 3 sessions | 2–4 | Regional |
| Pre-Academy (U10–U12) | 3–4 sessions | 2–3 | Regional |
| NCSL | 2–3 sessions | 2 | Local / Regional |
How Teams Are Built
Arlington Soccer Travel teams are formed through a collaborative evaluation process focused on long-term player development, team balance, and competitive readiness. Staff work together to place players in environments where they can best grow and succeed.
Provide player evaluations, training observations, and insight into team dynamics and developmental fit.
Coordinate player placement discussions and ensure consistency across each age group.
Oversee the overall team formation process and alignment with club standards and developmental goals.
Provides strategic oversight ensuring decisions reflect the club's long-term development philosophy.
How Players Join
Tryouts are held each spring for boys and girls, based on birth year, for placement on teams for the upcoming fall season. U9 tryouts take place in April; all other age groups in April and May.
Club Fees & Additional Costs
Team-specific fees cover costs that vary by team and season:
- Supplemental league fees
- Tournament entrance fees (estimated based on prior season and coach input)
- Travel expenses for coaches
- Winter indoor league fees (if applicable)
Financial aid applications can be completed through Playmetrics once a travel team offer has been made. Contact financialaid@arlingtonsoccer.com with questions.
For questions about tryouts, player placement, or team development opportunities.
mo@arlingtonsoccer.com