Hot Shots in Charlottesville and Albemarle

The Hot Shots program seeks to provide an enjoyable introduction to organized soccer, through training in fundamental technique in a shared player/parent educational environment. Hots Shots is offered at three different locations in this region: Henley Middle School in Crozet, Hollymead Elementary School and Darden Towe Park. The location is selected by the family as part of each individual registration.

Hot Shots Program:  Darden Towe Park

Mission
Provide an enjoyable introduction to organized soccer through training in fundamental technique, in a shared player/parent educational environment.

General Description
Hot Shots is a fun way to learn and play soccer.  Join the SOCA staff for this great introductory program for beginning soccer players.  Hot Shots meet Saturday mornings for eight weeks at Darden Towe Park for one hour, starting at 9:00 am.  The SOCA Hot Shots program introduces children to the sport in a kid-friendly, non-competitive environment.  Each session includes player coordination and fun skill-building soccer activities, and a small-sided game.  Players are placed on teams based on the school they attend or the neighborhood in which they live.

Program Specifics
Available to all interested players in the Under-6 age group. Parent participation is permitted but not required. An introduction to soccer fundamentals by volunteer facilitators guided by SOCA Staff. Sessions are held at Darden Towe Park from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Saturday mornings.  The program runs for an eight week season. Each session ends with a small-sided, facilitated game versus another Hot Shots team (no referees are involved). Registration is twice per year, with independent fall and spring seasons.

Fall 2026 Calendar
·         August 24, 2026 – On Time Registration Deadline.
·         September 14, 2026 – Team Assignment Notifications will be posted to your family’s SOCA account at www.SOCAspot.org. 
·         September 26, 2026 – first session of the Hot Shots Season.
.         November 14, 2026 – final session of the Hot Shots Season.
·         If needed, November 23, 2026 will be used as a make-up for the first Hot Shots session that has been cancelled.  This will be the only make-up day.

Registration, Fees & Refund Policy
Registration payments can be made online via your family’s SOCA account at www.SOCAspot.org or at the SOCA office.  The SOCA office is located at 1685 Polo Grounds Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911.  The office is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Fridays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Program fees for registrations received by August 24, 2026 = $69.00.
Program fees for registrations received after August 24, 2026 = $84.00 (Late Registrations).  Late registrants will be placed on teams which still have space available.  SOCA will notify late registrants of team placement by March 12 or earlier.  Unplaced Late Registrants will have their fees returned in full.

Request for a refund and to withdraw from the Hot Shots Program must be made by e-mail or written notice on or prior to August 24, 2026.  Refunds will be issued less a $20.00 processing fee.  Refunds will be sent in the form of a check and will take about three weeks to be processed.

Hot Shots Age Group for the Spring 2026 Season
Hot Shots = Children born between 8/1/2020 through 7/31/2022

SOCA Recreation & Hot Shots Program Unique Options
Hot Shots players may play up into the U8 Recreation Program if they are born between 8/1/2020 through 7/31/2021.  To activate the option to register for the U8 Rec Program click on “Edit” located next to your player’s name in your family SOCA account at www.SOCAspot.org and change the “No” to “Yes” on the question of “Allow to play up”.  The Recreation On-Time Registration Deadline is August 24, 2026.  After this date an additional $20.00 late fee will be added.

Special Requests may be made to play for a particular facilitator or with a particular player (ONLY ONE REQUEST WILL BE CONSIDERED).  Select the Hot Shots program in your account. On the next page of the registration process labeled “Registration Details”, click on the red “Add Special Request” link located under your player’s name at the top of the page. This will open a text box for your request. Enter your request and then submit payment for the program.  All requests will be considered and most are met.  Unfortunately no special request can be guaranteed.

Uniforms
Hot Shots include a team shirt provided by SOCA.  Players may wear any socks, shorts or sweat pants they choose that are safe for themselves, teammates and opponents.

Volunteers Needed
Each team is led by a volunteer facilitator under the guidance of a SOCA Staff member.  SOCA will provide a written plan for each session.  Please consider being a volunteer Hot Shots Facilitator.  To volunteer please add yourself as an adult participant in your family SOCA account at www.SOCAspot.org.  Once you have added yourself as a volunteer you will be able to register to “Coach a Youth Team” and then follow the remaining instructions.

Required Items
Shin guards
Soccer ball (Size 3)
Water
Soccer shoes are not required but are recommend

Items Not Permitted
Jewelry: earrings and all jewelry may not be worn

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