What is the difference between travel and rec soccer?
Travel soccer is for players ready to accelerate their skill development and compete at a higher level. League games are played against clubs from the surrounding area, half at home and half away. Teams are selected through tryouts. If there are enough kids at an age group, two teams will be created based on skill level so all kids can compete at the appropriate level.
The emphasis of the program is competitive fun and exercise through quality coaching and training.
How are teams chosen? When are tryouts?
Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association holds tryouts for its Travel Soccer Teams in the Spring and the schedule is posted in March. Interested, Travel-level soccer players looking for more competition and higher-level training are encouraged to attend Travel Team Tryouts.
How are the age groups determined?
The age groups are designated U9, U10, U11, etc., meaning under 9, under 10, under 11, etc. Starting with the 2026/27 season, GCVSA will be moving to the “school year” age banding guidelines provided by US Youth Soccer (Aug 1 – July 31) attempting to better align players with their school peers for a better developmental fit.
Here’s a breakdown of the new age groupings:
| U8: 8/1/2018 – 7/31/2019 | U13: 8/1/2013 – 7/31/2014 |
| U9: 8/1/2017 – 7/31/2018 | U14: 8/1/2012 – 7/31/2013 |
| U10: 8/1/2016 – 7/31/2017 | U15: 8/1/2011 – 7/31/2012 |
| U11: 8/1/2015 – 7/31/2016 | U16: 8/1/2010 – 7/31/2011 |
| U12: 8/1/2014 – 7/31/2015 | U17: 8/1/2009 – 7/31/2010 |
How often do teams practice?
Teams typically train 2x weekly from August to September and again March to May. Some teams will continue to practice during the Winter or play in an indoor league.
Where do the teams play?
GCVSA travel teams participate in local leagues that have multiple divisions based on competition level for each age group. Travel Teams will participate in Central League games during weekends in September to November. Spring weekend games are March to May. Half the league games are played at the GCVSA Complex and the away games are generally within 30-60 minutes.
Do the teams play in tournaments?
Most teams choose to play in tournaments during the year. Tournaments are chosen for a variety of reasons, including skill level or location. Participation in a tournament is not mandatory but it does give a player a chance to play several games in a couple days as well as to “bond” with his or her team.
- Columbus Day Weekend – Possible ‘local’ tournament (~1 hour drive/not a “hotel stay”)
- Spring tournament (~1 hour drive/not a “hotel stay”)
- Spring State Cup matches (~1 hour drive/not a “hotel stay”)
What are the costs?
GCVSA Club Fee is $1,400 for the 2026-27 year. $150 is collected at registration, with the balance paid in installments in the fall. The Club Fee covers the coach’s pay, EPYS registration fee, the team’s fall league fee, use of the GCVSA fields for practices & games, and insurance.
Additional Team fees vary from $300-$400. These could include tournaments, spring registration, indoor rental time and referee fees. Winter fees vary depending on team commitments. Parents that volunteer to act as team manager do not pay the team fees!
The approximate total cost is $1,800 and depends on the number of players, number of tournaments played, etc. Fees are broken up into several payments throughout the year
Uniforms
Uniforms are an additional cost – under $100. Players will purchase new uniform kits when they join a team. Replacement uniforms will be ordered as necessary for the team and player(s).
Who coaches?
GCVSA is always looking for coaches, team managers and parent assistants. GCVSA uses a combination of paid trainers and parent coaches. The ideal coach knows soccer, is committed to their team, relates well to children, is well organized, completely fair, and totally unflappable. If you are interested or have a suggestion, please contact Peter Luzak at luzakpeter@gmail.com.
Commitment
Travel soccer is an almost year-long commitment from August until May. Players and their parents are bound to the payment plan and playing schedule. No refunds or discounts are available.