Youth Programs
Primary Youth Programs
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Primary Youth Soccer Programs
SOCA SELECT / Lightning & Storm / Express / Metro / Challenge / Recreational / Hot Shots
SOCA SELECT
Director of Coaching: Brian Earl Kuk
Mission: the pinnacle of SOCA's player developmental system. SELECT teams are the very best elite players from across multiple age groups (i.e., SOCA Select U18 will be the top players across the U17 and U18 age groups). SOCA will create SELECT teams based on the comprehensive evaluation and assessment of players over the course of a calendar year and at the annual tryouts. SOCA SELECT teams are available for boys and girls.
- For the very best boys and girls soccer players in the area.
- SELECT teams are coached by SOCA Full-Time Coaching Staff.
- Players participate in additional training and games.
- Players participate in College Showcase events across the country.
- Division I, II and III College Coaches attend a variety of training sessions.
- Full commitment is expected from any player offered a SELECT spot.
- SELECT is in addition to the Elite (Lightning, Storm or Express) program.
Questions about SELECT? Email: Brian.Kuk@SOCAspot.org
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Lightning & Storm (Elite Travel - Under 19/18-Under 15)
Director of Coaching: Brian Earl Kuk
Mission: provide advanced player development in the most competitive environment, with the highest level of available coaching, to prepare players for high-level play beyond youth soccer.
- For the most gifted, passionate, and competitive players. Boys and girls, U18 thru U15. SOCA’s highest level of youth soccer.
- Selection through tryout process only. Players must tryout each year.
- Play in VCCL and the ASL.
- Includes fall league play, three fall tournaments, and the Virginia State Cup competition. Early spring tournament and some college friendlies. Players are required to attend all matches.
- Two-three training sessions per week. Players are required to attend all sessions.
- Teams formed in late spring for the period of summer through early spring.
- Emphasis on technical, tactical, physical and psychological development and preparation for the collegiate level.
Questions about Lightning & Storm? Email: Brian.Kuk@SOCAspot.org
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Express (Elite Travel - Under 14-Under 11)
Director of Coaching: Brian Earl Kuk
Mission: provide accelerated player development through an age-appropriate hierarchy of high-level competition.
- For the talented and committed player seeking a highly competitive soccer experience. Boys and girls. U14-U11.
- Player development occurs through competition with and against the best players from other clubs in league and tournament play.
- Selection through tryout process only. Players must tryout each year.
- Teams play in the VCCL. U14 teams also play in the ASL.
- League play (10+/- games/season) and minimum of two travel tournament per season (varies by age group). Virginia State Cup for U12 an older. One tournament per season for U11.
- Training twice per week plus optional Wednesday technical session. Players are expected to attend all training sessions and matches.
- Teams are selected in the late spring, begin training in late summer, and compete in both the fall and spring season. Players commit to participate for the entire year.
- Heavy emphasis on the technical development (skills/fundamentals) of each player.
Questions about Express? Email: Brian.Kuk@SOCAspot.org
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Metro (Premier Travel - Under 18 - Under 11)
Premier Coordinator: Jason Fargo
Mission: provide a developmental setting preparing players for advancement to Express, Lightning and Storm programs.
- Player development takes place through elevated commitment and competition.
- U18-U11 age groups, where talent and coaching resources exist.
- Selection through tryout process only. All players must tryout for top level of travel age group.
- Teams formed at the discretion of the Coaching Director.
- Teams play in the Skyline Club Soccer League.
- League play of 8-9 matches per season. Two tournaments per season.
- Training twice per week, plus optional Wednesday technical sessions for U11-U14.
- Players commit to participate for the entire year at U11-U14. Fall only for U18-U15.
- U18-U15; Emphasis on the technical, tactical, physical and psychological components of the game and preparing players for possible collegiate opportunities but more importantly, preparing for a successful high school season.
- U14-U11; Heavy emphasis on the technical development (skills/fundamentals) of each player.
Questions about Metro? Email: Jason.Fargo@SOCAspot.org
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Challenge (Advanced Recreational - Under 14, 12 & 10)
Coordinator: Bill Mueller
Challenge Program proudly sponsored by VOLVO of Charlottesville
Mission: provide a safe, enjoyable soccer experience with a primary focus on player development.
- For those players seeking a more competitive environment than Recreational soccer and increased player development opportunity. Train with and play against like-minded players, within the confines of Charlottesville-Albemarle.
- Participation by tryout selection only. Players are selected to a pool and placed on teams considering their residence location, school attended, and ability. No special requests considered.
- Teams offered at U14, U12, and U10 boys and girls.
- A league is formed with a minimum of four teams at each age group. All matches are local.
- League play of 10 games, one travel tournament per year.
- Training twice per week.
- Players commit for a full year. Commitments considered in team formation.
Questions about Challenge? Email: Bill.Mueller@SOCAspot.org
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Recreational (House Program - Under 18 - Under 8)
Coordinator: Don Dolinger
Mission: provide a safe, enjoyable, educational, recreational soccer experience with an emphasis on enthusiastic participation, regardless of ability.
Current Fees: $96.00 Per Player for on time registrations
SOCA’s Recreation Program is a fun way to play and enjoy soccer. The program is inclusive and not based on results. Parents can register their players for a girls only division or in the boys division. Girls can choose to join a team in the boys division if they would like. Teams are formed around schools and neighborhoods so that friends can play together. Each team practices once a week at a nearby field. The volunteer coach in coordination with SOCA selects the practice time and location. Games are played at a variety of times and fields in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Games are sized age appropriately to promote active involvement and skill development.
- Development occurs through participation.
- No selection process. Players register and are assigned to teams based upon residence location and school.
- Teams offered at U8-U18.
- League play (9 games) with no standings or records.
- Optional in-house tournaments for U10 and older teams.
- Training once per week for 1 hour.
- Players register and teams are formed twice a year, for fall and spring seasons.
Time line details
• The On Time Registration Deadline for the Spring Recreation Season is January 31, 2012.
• Team Assignment notification will be posted on your Family account at www.SOCAspot.org on February 24, 2012.
• The Coach, Practice Information and Game Schedule is scheduled to be posted on your Family account at www.SOCAspot.org on February 24, 2012.
• The first game of the Spring Recreation Season is March 17, 2012. Games are played at a variety of times and at a variety of fields in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
• The final game of the Spring Recreation Season is May 19, 2012. This spring season, no games will be played on April 7, the Saturday before Easter.
• If needed, we will use June 2, 2012 to make up the first full day cancellation of the Recreation Season.
Cost - $96.00 per player for registrations received by January 31, 2012.
An additional $15.00 late registration fee will be added to the $96.00 registration fee after the January 31, 2012 registration deadline. Registrations received after January 31, 2012 will be placed on teams with space still available. SOCA will notify late registrations of team placement by March 16, 2012 or earlier. Fees are returned in full for unplaced late registration.
If you would like to play up one age group you may do so by clicking on “edit” located next to your player’s name in your Family account at www.SOCAspot..org and changing the "no" to "yes" on the question of playing up.
U08 8/1/03 – 7/31/05
U10 8/1/01 – 7/31/03
U12 8/1/99 – 7/31/01
U14 8/1/97 – 7/31/99
U16/18 8/1/93 – 7/31/97
Hot Shot aged players may play up to U08 only if they are born between 8/1/05 – 7/31/06 and they have participated in a minimum of one season of the Hot Shot program.
Special Requests may be made to play for a particular coach or with a particular player (ONLY 1 REQUEST WILL BE CONSIDERED). To make a special request, select the program. On the next page of the registration process labeled "Registration Details", click on the red "SPECIAL REQUEST” located UNDER YOUR PLAYERS NAME and a box for your request will appear. All requests are considered and a majority are able to be met. Unfortunately no special request can be guaranteed.
- Appropriate size soccer ball
- U8's size 3 soccer ball - U10 & U12's size 4 soccer ball - U14 and Up size 5 soccer ball
- Clothing appropriate for the weather and safety
- Water
- Safe footwear for playing soccer
- (soccer cleats are not required but recommended)
Requests for a refund and to withdraw from the Recreation or Hot Shot program must be made through an e-mail or written notice prior to the first game of the season. Refunds will be issued less a $20.00 processing fee. Refunds will be sent in the form of a check and will take about 3 weeks to process.
The Recreation League teams are lead by volunteer Coaches. Please consider volunteering to be a coach of a SOCA recreation team. The coach's role is to guide the players through a 1 hour practice per week and coordinate the match each week. SOCA will provide coach training and resources to help you succeed. For additional information contact Don Dolinger, SOCA Recreation Program Coordinator at Don.Dolinger@SOCAspot.org.
Complete your online registration at www.SOCAspot.org in your Family Account today to join the fun this spring on a SOCA recreational soccer team!
Questions about Recreational? Email: Don.Dolinger@SOCAspot.org
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Hot Shots (Entry Level Program - Under 6)
Coordinator: Don Dolinger
Mission: provide an enjoyable initiation to organized soccer through training in fundamental technique in a shared player/parent educational environment.
Current Fees: $59.00 Per Player for on-time registrations.
Registration can be done on-line at www.SOCAspot.org through your Family account.
Hot Shots is a fun way to play and learn soccer. Join the SOCA staff for this great introductory program for beginning soccer players. Hot Shots meets Saturday mornings at Darden Towe Park & Crozet Elementary School for one hour starting at 9:00am. The SOCA Hot Shots Program introduces children to the sport of soccer in a kid-friendly, non-competitive environment. Each session includes fun, skill building games and ends with small sided games to goals. Teams are formed around schools and neighborhoods so that friends can play together.
The On Time Registration Deadline for the Spring Hot Shot Season is February 14, 2012.
Team Assignment notification is scheduled to be posted at www.SOCAspot.org on your Family account on March 15, 2012.
The first session of the Spring Season is March 24, 2012.
The final session of the Spring Season is May 19, 2012. We will not have a Hot Shots session this year on April 7, the Saturday before Easter.
If needed, we will use June 2, 2012 to make up the first cancellation of the Hot Shot Season.
Children born between 8/1/2005 through 7/31/2007
• Available to all interested players. Offered to Under-6 age group. Parent participation optional.
• Introduction to soccer fundamentals by volunteer facilitators guided by SOCA Staff.
• Sessions held at same time and place, once each week. Eight-week program.
• Group training.
• Small, facilitated games.
• Registration twice per year, independent fall and spring seasons.
Registrations received after February 14, 2012 will be placed on a space-available basis. Late registrations are not guaranteed. Late registrants who are placed will be notified by the SOCA office. Fees are returned in full for late registrations not placed.
Cost - $59.00 per player; a $15.00 late registration additional fee will be assessed after the February 14, 2012 deadline.
Special Requests may be made to play either for a particular facilitator or with a particular player (ONLY 1 REQUEST WILL BE CONSIDERED). To make a special request, select the program. On the next page of the registration process labeled "Registration Details", click on the red “SPECIAL REQUEST” located under your players name and a box for your request will appear. All requests are considered and the majority are able to be met. Unfortunately no special request can be guaranteed.
What you player will need:
• All players must have shin guards
• Size 3 soccer ball
• Clothing appropriate for the weather and safety
• Water
• Safe footwear for playing soccer (soccer cleats are not required but recommended)
Hot Shots aged players may play up to U8 in the Recreational Program only if they are born between 8/1/05 - 7/31/06 and they have participated in a minimum of one season of Hot Shots. If you would like to play up one age group you may do so by clicking on “edit” located next to your player’s name and changing the "no" to "yes" on the question of playing up. The on time registration deadline for the U8 Recreation Program is January 31, 2012.
Requests to receive a refund and withdraw from the Hot Shot program must be made through an e-mail or written notice prior to the first session of the season. Refunds will be issued less a $20.00 processing fee. Refunds will be sent in the form of a check and will take about 3 weeks to process.
The Hot Shot teams are lead by volunteer Facilitators. Please consider volunteering to be a Hot Shot Facilitator. The facilitator's role each week will be to guide the players through the skill games and coordinate the match at the end of each session. SOCA will provide your weekly session of skill games. For additional information please contact Don Dolinger, SOCA Hot Shot Coordinator at Don.Dolinger@SOCAspot.org.
Complete your online registration today to join the fun this spring in Hot Shots! Online registration can be done at www.SOCAspot.org through your Family Account.
Questions about Hot Shots? Email: Don.Dolinger@SOCAspot.org