Travel Program Vision
The goal of the travel soccer program is to develop a player’s skill set and passion for the game. Our curriculum, led by professional soccer coaches and a high level of competitive play, will develop complete soccer players, who are technically and tactically proficient, while nurturing the growth of the player through an emphasis on excellence, integrity, commitment and community
What is Travel Soccer?
The PASC travel soccer program is a 10-month program designed to develop players technically, tactically, physically, and psychosocially through instruction and competition. The 10 month commitment is divided into three seasons including fall, winter, and spring in which programming is varied.
- Fall Soccer: This season begins in August and runs through mid-November. For u8-u14 teams, programming includes training 2x per week as well as league and tournament competitions. u15+ teams are scaled back in the fall to accommodate high school soccer but programming still includes training sessions and tournaments, especially in the late fall.
- Winter Soccer: The winter season begins in January and typically continues for 8 weeks. Programming includes a mix of indoor and outdoor (weather permitting u11+) training sessions. u8-u14 teams compete in an in-house futsal league and u15+ teams participate in outdoor showcase competitions.
- Spring Soccer: The spring season begins in early March and extends until approximately Memorial Day weekend. All teams will train outdoor 2x per week and participate in a mix of league and tournament competitions. The top u11+ teams at each age group will also compete in the EPYSA State Cup competition.
How are tryouts conducted?
Travel tryouts typically occur in April/May. Players must attend a minimum of 1 of the 2 available tryout time sessions to be considered for a position (2 is optimal). Players must attend the tryout for their birth year. Coaches evaluate players in short sided games and full sided match play.
How are players selected?
Players are assessed on their technical ability, tactical application, and the player’s disposition. Based on our coaches’ evaluations, players may be offered a position on the roster of a travel team. The ongoing assessment of current players is also considered during the evaluation and selection process during the tryout period. At many age groups, more than one team is formed with players placed based on ability (1st - black; 2nd - white; 3rd - yellow). This is to ensure that players compete in an environment of similar players to maximize their development and enjoyment. Players are re-evaluated every year to ensure players have an opportunity to move up or down based on their stage of growth and their developmental needs.
Are there cuts?
The philosophy of PASC is to provide as many opportunities for players to develop and enjoy soccer as possible. As previously noted, multiple teams are often formed at as many age groups as possible to provide maximum playing opportunities. That being said, there are roster size limitations imposed by the league and tournament competitions. In addition, as our chief objective is development and enjoyment, players may not be offered a roster position if they are assessed to be too far off the team standard from a skill/athleticism or behavioral/attitude perspective. As such, PASC will provide as many opportunities as possible but will have cuts for players that cannot fit within the scope of the roster size, ability, or culture.
Is the program year round?
Yes & No. Programming begins in August and runs through the end of May. However, we strongly value multi-sport participation and will seek to provide flexibility that enhances the holistic development of the player. In addition, PASC has intentionally built in time off (December & summer) as well as utilizes varied programming to ensure players continue to enjoy participation and develop, rather than experience burn-out or overuse injuries.
Who are the coaches?
PASC employs a paid coaching staff of former high school and college players with coaching backgrounds in club soccer, High School Soccer, and College Soccer. All PASC Coaches are
licensed through USSF and/or USC.
What is the cost?
Player registration fees and schedule will be reviewed prior to tryouts with parents based on age group and schedule of events. Families can expect to pay between $1,500-$2,000. This figure includes all expenses (field rentals, salaries, equipment, league/tournament registrations, referee fees, insurance, etc.) except for the uniform (noted below). Scholarships are available to ensure that cost is not prohibitive. In addition, a monthly payment plan is also available to split up costs on a monthly basis.
Where are training sessions typically held?
Training for the travel teams largely occurs at the Technical College High School located in Phoenixville, PA. Other venues include the University of Valley Forge (indoor turf), Phoenixville Area High School (outdoor turf), Manavon Elementary School (outdoor turf), and the Phoenixville YMCA.
Where are games typically played?
The home fields for the PASC travel teams are at Charlestown Township Park. Most u8-u14 teams participate in a regional league called Central League that places a priority on minimizing travel time and maximizing matches in competitive level to enhance development. CLS teams travel an average of 20-30 minutes to away matches. Older or more competitive teams will travel further regionally but still will average 45-60 minutes for away games.
Where are most tournaments held?
Travel teams typically participate in two tournaments in the fall and again in the spring. Tournament selections are re-evaluated every year to ensure the correct competitive level and experience for the players. Most tournaments occur within an hour drive in one direction and include 3-4 games occurring in one weekend. Older or more competitive teams may participate in 1-2 tournaments per year that require an overnight stay but are within driving distance.
What are the tournament/league schedules?
A “save the date” is sent regarding the tournament names and weekend dates. However, the actual time of tournament games are generally not available until a week or two prior. Similarly, league games do not occur at a consistent time each week as club administrators must collaborate with opponents to mitigate logistical issues. League games are scheduled and communicated 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the season.
What type of equipment or uniform do I need?
A PASC uniform (game jerseys - white and black, practice jerseys, shorts and socks) is required and must be purchased separately. Links to purchase jerseys will be sent a few weeks prior to the start of the season to ensure items arrive prior to the first game. Please reach out to your coach or team manager if you need any help in the ordering process.
How can I get involved?
Parent involvement is critical to the success for various programs at PASC. Each travel team has a parent volunteer that functions as the team manager to assist in game scheduling, communication, and general assistance to team members. In addition, PASC is governed by a volunteer board of directors who each oversee a specific committee including fundraising/sponsorship, community involvement, facilities, and development/grant writing. Unlike the recreational program, travel teams are coached by non-parent professional coaches.
If you have time to give and can support PASC in any of the content areas mentioned above, please reach out to [email protected].