SHOULD MY CHILD PLAY TRAVEL???
The Alexandria Soccer Association Travel Soccer Division ("TSD") provides an opportunity for players who want a more competitive soccer experience and who are willing to make a commitment to improving their soccer skills and knowledge of the game. Frequently asked questions are listed below.
FAQ’s
1.
Should my child play travel?
Answer: The travel program seeks players who want a more competitive soccer environment and who will make a commitment to improve their skills and knowledge of tactics and strategy. Players are chosen on the basis of their current soccer skills, general athletic ability, and willingness to commit to a more demanding program. Players with good soccer skills or good general athletic ability – and with dedicated and supportive parents – are encouraged to try out for positions with ASA travel teams.
2.
Where do ASA teams play?
Answer: Boys compete in the National Capital Soccer League (NCSL). Girls play the first years in the Old Dominion Soccer League (ODSL) and then join the Washington Area Girls League (WAGS) for ages U-11 and older. Each age group is divided into divisions consisting of ten teams each; the strongest teams are in the first division, and the weakest are in the fifth. At the season’s end, teams with the best records move up to the next division, and teams with the poorest record move down. Teams finishing at the bottom of the lowest division may be eliminated to make room for new teams.
3.
How long is the season?
Answer: Practices for the fall season begin in early August. League games begin the week after Labor Day, and the season ends in early November. In the spring, practices begin in early March, and games run from April through early June. Most teams also attend one or two tournaments each season.
4.
What time commitment is involved?
Answer: Teams usually practice two times per week in the regular season. Players are expected to attend all practices and games. Many players sign up for individual skill training in addition to that provided by each team. The TSD Executive Committee would be happy to recommend personal trainers to interested parents.
5.
What about team tryouts?
Answer: Try-outs are held to select players for the new teams formed each year in entry-level age groups. Existing teams are required to hold tryouts each year in June to fill vacancies and allow new players to compete for positions on the team.
6.
What about playing time?
Answer: Playing time is not guaranteed, it depends on player ability and game situations. Parents should understand that the WAGS and NCSL are very competitive leagues. Non-competitive teams are dropped at the end of each season and must reapply for admittance.
7.
How far do you have to travel to play league games?
Answer: Half of the games are home games, and the rest will mostly be in the Washington metro area (e.g., Springfield, Reston, or Montgomery County). Some games could be as far away as Baltimore, but few require more than a 30 to 45-minute drive.
8.
How much does it cost?
Answer: The ASA registration fee for each player is approximately $50 per season ($100 per year). Players must buy their own uniforms (two jerseys, shorts, and socks), which may cost from $60 to $100. Players must also buy an equipment bag ($25 to $30) and soccer shoes ($50 and up). The registration fee for tournaments is typically from $250 to $350 per team. Travel, lodging, and meal costs must be added for tournaments played in other cities. Finally, some teams utilize paid trainers, who charge $50 per hour and up. Most teams also play indoor soccer during the winter, which can run $500-$600 per team for a two-month season. With the exception of uniforms, bags, and shoes, the total cost ultimately depends on the desires and ambitions of the parents and coaches. Most teams undertake fund-raising events to raise money, and some seek local corporate sponsors.
9.
Who chooses the coach(es)?
Answer: Coaches serve at the pleasure of the TSD Executive Committee. The Committee selects the head coach, who then chooses the assistant coaches and team manager. Parents may select paid trainers or coaches, subject to review by the Committee.
10.
Who chooses the players?
Answer: The head coach determines who will be on the team roster. When entry-level teamsare formed, other TSD coaches assist at the tryouts.
11.
Are there any age restrictions?
Answer: It is best for players to play on teams within their own age groups. In any event, older players cannot "play down" on a younger team under NCSL and WAGS rules. In exceptional cases, younger players may be allowed to "play up" on older teams, with the permission of the Executive Committee.
12.
How can I help the team?
Answer: Teams need more than coaches to survive and thrive. Every team needs a Manager, who is the team’s chief administrative officer. The Manager ensures that player passes, game cards, and referee evaluation forms are present at all games; retains medical release forms; prepares phone trees; prepares league and tournament registration materials; and ensures that information is disseminated to players and parents. Some teams split the manager’s job between two people. Theteam also needs a Treasurer toensure that fees are paid, to write checks, maintain the checking account, prepare a team financial report, and coordinate team funds.
13.
What do I do to register?
Answer: The team will provide you with a registration form. You will also need an original birth certificate, two small photos, a signed and notarized medical release, and the player’s social security number. Non-citizens may use passports, visas, or green cards instead of a birth certificate.
