Travel Q&A

Here are the costs of Travel soccer from some other local clubs:   RHAMYS- $210+ / Tolland- $200+ / South Windsor- $220+ / QVSA- $120 / Killingly- $120 / Vernon- $120 / Coventry- $100 / Stafford- $80 

Q:  Does my son or daughter need to attend both tryout sessions?

A:  No, prospective travel players must attend only one tryout session.

 
Q:  What if my child cannot attend scheduled tryouts?

A:  We understand that conflicts may arise during the week of tryouts. If a player cannot make one of the scheduled tryouts for his/her age group, the parent must contact the VSC Travel Director prior to the tryouts.  Arrangements may be made for further evaluation of the prospective player at a future practice session. 

Q:  What if my child is injured and cannot attend tryouts?

A:  We understand injuries do occur and we will do our best to accommodate players who are hurt. Please make SURE you contact the VSC Travel Director and TELL us about your situation. In many cases being hurt during the tryout period will NOT impact their chance of selection. VSC has reserved the right to expand the definition of tryouts to include the following situations when extenuating circumstances exist:

• Current team players who wish to be chosen may have their most recent season performance used as the basis for their selection.  VSC selection criteria will apply.

• New players who are known to the coaches via observation of club or other matches or participation in VSC training may have that performance used as the basis for their selection.

• New players who have been evaluated by others whose experience and judgment we respect and we have found to be consistently accurate when evaluating players performance may have that performance used as the basis for their selection.

If their injury will impact their performance for a long period of time – into Fall league season for example – they may be offered a reserve position. This option would give them a place on the team but not eliminate opportunity for other players. The key to injuries and tryout is COMMUNICATION. Please tell us early and in detail about any restrictions you may have due to injury.  If we know, we can help.

Q:  Who should tryout for Travel Soccer?

A:  Travel soccer is for children looking for more of a challenge and/or further development as a soccer player. Travel soccer involves a time commitment from both players and parents throughout the soccer season. You should be willing to commit to 2 practices per week and 1-2 games on the weekend. Practices are typically 90 minutes in duration.


Q:  What Age Group does my child tryout for?

A:  The Connecticut Junior Soccer association determines the age requirements for each League Division as shown below. Players are only considered for their age appropriate team. Occasionally,  players will be asked to play up to assist in filling out team roster spots. 

Q:  What is the procedure for tryouts?

A: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED in order tryout. NO EXCEPTIONS. ONLINE Travel registration will open prior to tryouts. When registering please be sure to use the same name that appears on the birth certificate. In addition, the travel program fee must be paid at the time of registration (in the event a player is not selected for a travel team, fee refunds will be processed within 30-days of team selections).  If your child is new to the travel program, the player’s birth certificate (copy) and a 1”x1” photo of child are required at the tryout with the first and last name on the back of the photo. On tryout days, please arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled tryout time, wear cleats & shin guards, and bring a soccer ball & water bottle. Please do not wear a uniform jersey or shirt or shorts with number on it or indicating a premier team name. The child will be given a number at tryouts which MUST be worn at both tryouts. If you have any questions or concerns you may contact the VSC Registrar.  If an account has an outstanding balance this must be addressed prior to tryouts. 

1. Why does the travel program cost more than the recreational program?

 
A.  The Club has seperate registration fees for both its Travel and Recreation programs.  The travel program fees are higher as we continue providing a valuable and rewarding soccer experience to our players, their parents and our coaches.  To continually improve this experience, we invest the majority of our annual travel revenue on the following items:

• Equipment – To ensure our players and coaches have an appropriate environment, the Club conducts an annual review of its equipment needs.  This review resulted in two sets of brand-new 18ft goals in 2015 and 2021 as well as new goals for our Micro and U8 rec programs in 2015 and 2021.  We also purchased a new soccer shed at VCMS in 2015. We anticipate continuing our new goal campaign over the next few years in addition to maintaining/updating balls, cones, pinnies, corner flags, etc. With the new U.S. Soccer rules starting in the Fall of 2016, the VSC will need an additional 4 to 6 new goals to remain compliant. In 2017 the VSC worked with the Town of Vernon to secure two new 18ft goals at VCMS.

• Player Insurance – The CJSA has increased the cost per player that it charges the VSC. Travel player insurance increased substantially and costs the most.

• New Soccer Complex – Most VSC competitive players will be playing in our new complex in 2022/3. There are substantial costs associated with moving into a new complex. New goals, player equipment, field equipment, field and turf maintenance equipment and costs, new concessions, concessions equipment, and more.  When our new complex comes online the VSC will be able to host tournaments, with our competition teams included as part of their seasonal fees.

• Referee Fees – Central to our ability to provide rewarding match-day experiences for our players, coaches and parents is quality referees.  To remain competitive with other districts and to incent our referees to serve in Vernon, we increased our referee fees beginning in fall 2020. In addition, as our program expands, we play more games which costs more money. The Northeast District league which requires the Club to supply 3 referees per game vs recreational games which only have 1. This makes every game cost Two Thirds more money. The VSC does not limit the amount of friendly matches it’s teams play which can be very expensive.

• Professional Training- The VSC has been able to provide professional clinics at the start of each season over the past few years. Starting in 2016 the VSC has been able to offer professional training to our travel players all season long (this costs significant money). The VSC also pays for its travel coaches to obtain expensive coaching liscences, background checks and insurance should they with to participate . 

• Field Maintenance – The Club is not proud of the conditions of some of our town owned fields. Our club goal is to invest significant money in field overhauls and ongoing maintenance (fertilizer, irrigation, expense-sharing with the Town).  In addition, we anticipate starting a significant overhaul to many of our fields in the near future and have already invested substantially in the upkeep of our legion complex, which now has some of the finest playing turf in the NED.

The Vernon Soccer Club has enjoyed tremendous growth and success.  Upholding the Club’s commitment to delivering a valuable and rewarding experience to all of our constituents is critical to this success.  This fee increase will ensure that the Club is positioned properly for future growth and success.

Q:  Can I register my child who is not a proper Birth year but wants to play travel?

A:  U9 Birth Year teams are typically comprised of 3rd graders.  However, we will allow those entering 2nd grade to be evaluated for our U9 program.  Given the growth of the VSC travel program over the past few years, we have enjoyed the luxury of selecting up to 24 players for our(formerly) U9 program and entering two teams in Northeast District league play.  Selection of players is conducted by independent evaluators and is based solely on performance at scheduled tryouts.  The number of prospective players at a tryout does not mandate the number of players selected. 

Q:  My child is already on a travel soccer team. Is it necessary for him to tryout again?

A:  Yes. All players must try out regardless of playing status in the previous seasonal year.

Q:  When and how will we be notified about what team my child has been assigned to?

A:  Players will be notified via email of the tryout results by July 15th.  Please verify the email address entered during the on-line registration process as this will be the primary means of communicating team selection.

Q:  What are my options if my child is not selected to participate in the travel program? 

A:  VSC offers an extensive recreation program for all age groups during the fall. For U9 and older, this program consists of 1-2 training session during the week and in-house matches on weekends. More information is available on our website.  

Q:  How many teams will there be in each age group? How many on a team?

A:  Our program has grown significantly over the past few years allowing us to field multiple teams at the former U9, U10 and U11 age groups.  Given the small-sided (7v7, 8v8), developmental approach at these age groups, we aim to roster teams of 12.  Our ability to incorporate teams at these age groups depends largely on the number of kids trying out and their relative skill level.  Our goal is not to cut players at the former U9 age group and roster accommodations may be made to ensure appropriate development and playing time in the program.  For our former U12-U14 age groups, teams will generally play 8v8 to 11v11 with roster sizes targeted at 14-18 players.

Q:  Who will be coaching each team?

A:  Coach selection for our travel programs will occur after team selections.  Coach selection for travel coaches will occur by the VSC travel committee prior to July 1st.

Q:  How much will my player play during games?

A:  There is no minimum guarantee of playing time with competitive travel teams. Players will see the field at the coach's sole discretion. Playing time is traditionally awarded to the players that best help the team win along with other factors. 

Q:  What if my player does not play much?

A:  If your player is not playing much (depending on player age) you or your player should have a civil conversation around how your player can earn more time on the field. Many times additional practice effort at home and on the field help your cause. A conversation will also allow you to understand if there are other causes that are preventing your player from seeing the field ie: conditioning, attitude, etc. Many times the VSC can arrange for struggling travel players to get extra playing time on a recreational team. You can discuss opportunities with your coach or the VSC Travel director. You should not confront coaches before or after games/practices, but simply ask to schedule time to discuss your questions &/or concerns. You may also do this via phone, email or text. 

Q:  When are practices?

A:  There are typically two practices per week during the fall season.  Teams typically practice once per week in the spring.  All
practice dates & times will be determined by the coaches or the VSC.

Q:  How many games are played during the weekend?

A:  In the fall, there are typically one to two games per weekend.  During the spring, teams often play a lighter schedule (one game per weekend) to accommodate other activities (i.e. baseball, softball, lacrosse).

Q:  I know there is a Fall season. Is there a Spring season?

A:  Yes. Additionally there is a seperate Spring registration fee.

Q:  Does my child have to play both Fall and Spring season?

A:  The VSC travel soccer program encompasses two separate fall & spring seasons. However, playing in both seasons gives children the best opportunity to develop as players.  However, we do encourage children to experience a variety of sports and recognize the occurrence of conflicts, especially in the spring.  This is the reason for less practice and games during the spring season.

Q:  What happens if not all team members return for Spring season?

A:  The VSC travel committee, with assistance from affected coaches, will assess how best to formulate spring teams. This may involve bringing on new spring players or combining teams within an age group. In some cases teams will not be formed for teh spring season if there are not enough returning players.

Q:  Will there be separate tryouts for Spring season?

A:  Generally no.  Rosters created after tryouts will cover the fall and spring seasons.  However, since it may be necessary to add players for the spring season, supplemental tryouts for specific age groups may occur.  The VSC will provide notice of any supplemental tryouts via email, our website and general town communication vehicles.

Q:  Do Vernon Soccer Club teams play indoor during the Winter season?

A:  Like all of our surrounding soccer clubs... The VSC does not have the ability to regulate or oversee who plays indoor over the winter and as such do not attempt to place VSC sanctioned teams into play. Like most surrounding clubs... The VSC does have many of our players that play over the winter at these facilities and we encourage them to do so. Many of our coaches take fall travel teams indoors to keep sharp for spring outdoor play. These coaches do this on their own and without VSC direction or oversight. Some coaches will limit which players are asked to join these independent indoor teams for a variety of reasons. Some parents who are not travel coaches also create their own independent teams. It is requested that teams that exclude fall VSC players from a travel team not use Vernon Soccer Club uniforms. Teams that are including all players that want to play are encouraged to wear their Vernon gear. Winter indoor fees are independent of your VSC registration fees and charged directly by the indoor facilities. 

Q:  What if my player is not asked to join a Winter season team or the coach is not coaching over the Winter?

A:  There are "house" teams at most indoor facilities that individual players can join. If your coach is not coaching... consider coaching the team over the Winter for them. 

Q:  What do the travel registration fees cover?

A:  Vernon travel player registration fees cover CJSA team fees, CJSA player/manager/coaches insurance, CT Cup fees (if
applicable), various certification/training, equipment needs/updates, field maintenance, referee fees for every home game.
 
Q:  Are uniforms provided?

A:  No. Uniforms for players are an additional cost. New players will need to order uniform package consisting of home jersey, shorts and socks. Cost varies and it is yours to keep.  Other items such as backpack, jackets and pants are optional.

Q:  Where do Travel teams play?

A:  The Vernon Soccer Club is a registered member of the CJSA Northeast District.  All teams play games against other Northeast District teams.  If there are two teams within the same Birth Year age group, one team will play in the Northeast District while the other will play in the North Central District to avoid competition within the Club.  Driving distance to all away games is generally less than 1-hour.  If a team is entered in the CT Cup , these games may require travel outside our district regions.

Q:  What is the Connecticut Cup?

A:  The Connecticut Cup (CT Cup) is a statewide, single-elimination tournament typically played on Saturdays over the course of
a season for U11 and older teams, in both the fall and spring.  Entry into the CT Cup is at the discretion of each coach.

Q: If my child is selected to a travel team, and they decide not to play, can I get a refund?

A:  You many not receive a refund if a roster position on a travel team has been posted.  This is to avoid a travel team being short a player after selections are made and to be fair to those that could have taken that spot if the child opted out before teams were posted.