"Soccer should be a sport of opportunity, not one of privilege..."

-- a good friend of the VSC

PROGRAM PURPOSE

Vernon Soccer Club (VSC) strives to provide an affordable sports experience for all participants. VSC aims to offer some financial aid to players who demonstrate need. There is a finite amount of aid available each season, based on VSC's annual budget. This policy includes information on how the program works as well as what financial aid covers. For questions about the club's financial aid program, you can email: [email protected].

FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES

Families requesting financial aid must complete the VSC Financial Aid Form either through the online option available on the VSC website (www.vernonsoccerclub.org/financialaidapplication), or by submitting a hard copy form. Families are required to complete one form for each player for whom they are requesting aid. Financial Aid Form due dates are listed below:

• Spring soccer- Feb 15^th / Fall Soccer -August 15^th

Those unable to complete the online form should mail completed forms to: VSC Financial Aid, P.O. Box 2295 Vernon, CT 06066

FINANCIAL AID AWARD LEVELS

Award levels vary according to need and are granted in increments of 50% or 100% financial aid. In the case of similar need, applications will be processed according to the date they were received.

Families will be notified of their acceptance or denial of financial aid by mail or email by;

• Spring Soccer- March 15^th / Fall Soccer -August 31^st

PROOF OF NEED

VSC no longer uses free or reduced school lunch as the primary determining factor in granting financial aid as most schools in Vernon provide lunch regardless of need. There is an area on the application form to explain extenuating circumstances for requesting aid. A family should be prepared to share a copy of the family's most recent tax filing or copied of current pay stubs and all requests for financial aid must be received via the online application process.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All financial aid applications completed online are done so on a secured web server and hard copy forms submitted will only be reviewed by the VSC President, Registrar & Treasurer.

Financial aid is not paid directly to any applicant but will be used to reduce registration fee.

Q: How Do I Apply For Financial Aid?

A: The preferred method is the online application available within the registration platform here at www.vernonsoccerclub.org

Q: How Much Aid Is Available, Am I Guaranteed Aid?

A: VSC budgets a set amount of financial aid each year, so not everyone applying will automatically receive it.

Q: What Does Financial Aid Cover?

A: Financial aid covers a portion of a player's registration fee. Financial Aid does not cover required shin guards or socks for soccer season or any required uniforms for travel. Please note: financial assistance will only be available for our core Recreational and Travel programs in the Fall and Spring seasons.

Q: What Factors Go Into Awarding Financial Aid?

A: VSC no longer uses free or reduced school lunch as the primary determining factor in granting financial aid as most schools in Vernon provide lunch regardless of need. There is an area on the application form to explain extenuating circumstances for requesting aid.

Q: When Will I Know If I Qualify For Aid And Amount Of Award?

A: Families will be notified by mail or email of program acceptance or denial and the amount of award based before the beginning of each season. If awarded aid, the letter will include an agreement outlining the commitment required to receive aid and the amount granted. Those being offered financial aid will have one week to return a signed copy of the agreement.

Q: If I Have More Than One Player In My Family, Do I Need To Complete A Financial Aid Application For Each One?

A: Yes, VSC requires a separate form for each member of the family.

Q: Do I Need To Complete A Financial Aid Form Each Year I Need Aid?

A: Yes, VSC requires each family to complete a new application each season.

Q: Where Do I Go If I Have More Questions About Financial Aid?

A: You can email the registrar at: [email protected]

Q: Who Knows I Applied For Financial Aid?

A: The application process for financial assistance is strictly confidential. All requests will be handled with the utmost confidence by the President, Treasurer, and Registrar. Supporting documentation will be reviewed by the VSC Board on a case by case basis.