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SOCA Travel Program

SOCA Travel Program

The mission of the SOCA travel program is to provide advanced development through a competitive game and team training environment. Player development takes place through elevated commitment and competition.

SOCA Travel teams represent the Charlottesville, Albemarle and broader communities within their league and at tournament and invitational events.  The Travel program is the pinnacle of SOCA’s local youth programming and seeks to prepare players to compete at all levels locally, as well as for further levels within the game.  Player participation requires commitment, dedication, and significant ability.

The SOCA Travel program is proudly sponsored by acac Fitness and Wellness Centers.

Please see the tabs below for more travel program information.

  • Team Formation
    • SOCA Travel teams are formed in the U11 through U19 age groups for both girls & boys. Teams participate in the Virginia Premier Soccer League (VPSL) at the ECNL-RL and NPL levels.
    • All players must tryout annually. SOCA staff will place players at the appropriate level within the program.
    • There are three tryouts per year: Annual/Open Tryouts (late April/May), Late Tryouts (August), and Mid-Year Tryouts (February).
    • Team availability is only guaranteed at the Annual/Open Tryouts. All interested candidates for the Late or Mid-Year Tryouts should contact the SOCA office prior to attending.
    • Team creation is based upon the quantity and quality of player candidates. Player placement is based upon ability. Teams are formed at the discretion of the SOCA Directors and Technical Staff.

    For more information please see our tryout page.

  • Team Commitment
    • Travel teams are selected in the late spring and begin training in late summer (August). Players commit to participate for the full length of the program.
    • U15 and older teams participate predominantly in the fall season to avoid conflicts with high school soccer programs.  <SOCA Elite teams will have some winter and early spring events for college showcase purposes.>
    • U11 through U14 teams will have full fall and spring seasons. Fall seasons typically are August to November. Spring seasons taking place February through May.
    • There are no refunds after the registration deadline in June. Players commit to participating for the full year at the time of registration. Exceptions are only made for medical reasons or family relocation.
  • SOCA Elite Program
    • SOCA Elite are top-level teams U13 through U19 girls & boys.
    • SOCA Elite competes in VPSL (ECNL Regional League) against the best clubs in the state of Virginia.
    • All SOCA Elite teams are eligible to qualify for postseason Regional and National events through league play.
    • All SOCA Elite teams compete in the Virginia State Cup.
    • U13 & U14 SOCA Elite teams participate in additional tournament events throughout the year.
    • U15 through U19 SOCA Elite teams compete in multiple college showcase events (in addition to standard tournaments) through early spring. U15 events are introductory. U16 through U19 showcase events are expansive to maximize player exposure.
    • U15 through U19 SOCA Elite teams include a comprehensive winter training program in order to prepare for college showcase events and local high school team play.
    • U15 through U19 SOCA Elite players have access to a comprehensive college recruitment program & platform.
    • All SOCA Elite players have a dedicated mental performance program through Soccer Resilience.
    • All SOCA Elite teams utilize Hudl Sports for match and performance analysis.
  • SOCA Blue, White, Red and Gold Teams
    • Teams compete in VPSL National Premier League – Western Division. <U11 & U12 SOCA Blue teams participate in the VPSL Pre-ECNL Regional league>
    • Opponent clubs are from West Central and Southwestern Virginia, including areas such as Roanoke, Lynchburg, Augusta County, Orange County and Harrisonburg.
    • NPL league play consists of 8 to 10 matches per season, champion teams may qualify for post season play to participate in NPL national competitions.
    • U11-14 teams participate in 4 tournaments per year.
    • U15-19 teams compete solely in the fall season to avoid High School play conflicts.  Teams compete in 2 tournaments during the fall season.
    • All teams participate in the local Blue Ridge Cup based in Charlottesville area on Labor Day Weekend.  Blue Ridge Cup
    • Access to Techne training app included for all SOCA Travel players. Techne Futbol App.
    • Additional friendly matches and scrimmages to be arranged seasonally by SOCA staff.
  • Training Sessions

    SOCA Elite Teams
    U13 through U19

    • Teams train 3 times per week at South Fork Soccer Park, SOCA Field House or local high school turf facilities.
    • Pool training opportunities are a formal part of the curriculum and are implemented throughout the year.
    • U15 to U19 teams will train in late winter/early spring period before high school season begins in order to prepare for college showcase events.

    Blue Teams
    U11 through U14

    • Teams train 2 times per week at South Fork Soccer Park or SOCA Field House.
    • Weekly pool training sessions on Wednesday nights at South Fork Soccer Park.

    U15 through U18/19

    • Teams train 2 times per week at local area fields, South Fork Soccer Park & SOCA Field House when possible
    • Guest training opportunities with SOCA Elite teams over the course of the season.

    White, Red & Gold Teams
    U11 through U14

    • Teams train 2 times per week at local area fields, South Fork Soccer Park & SOCA Field House when possible
    • Weekly pool praining session at South Fork Soccer Park <optional session for players>

    U15 through U19

    • Teams train 2 times per week at local area fields, South Fork Soccer Park & SOCA Field House when possible
    • Guest training opportunities with Blue teams over the course of the season

    Players are expected to attend and participate in all team training sessions whenever reasonably possible.

  • Guest Playing Opportunities

    Opportunities exist for SOCA players to further their development by guest playing in matches or participating in training sessions with other travel teams at different levels or age groups when appropriate.  This is a unique opportunity for SOCA travel players.  The size and scope of the program provide many more of these opportunities for players than other local programs.

    All guest playing and training is scheduled and approved by the SOCA technical staff.

  • Registration Fees

    2023-24 Registration Fees

    U15-U19 SOCA Elite Teams – $1345
    $795 upon registration     $550 due 9/1

    U13-14 SOCA Elite Teams – $1545
    $795 upon registration    $750 due 9/1

     

    U15-U19 SOCA Blue Teams – $779
    $779 due upon registration

    U13-U14 SOCA Blue Teams – $1339
    $779 due upon registration    $560 due 9/1

    U11-U12 SOCA Blue Teams – $1495
    $795 due upon registration    $700 due 9/1

     

    U15-U19 White & Red Teams – $779
    $779 due upon registration

    U11-U14 White, Red, & Gold Teams – $1339
    $779 due upon registration    $560  due 9/1

    There are no refunds after the registration deadline. Registration is a commitment to participate fully with your team.

    Monthly Installment plans are available for all families that request.  Please inquire with the SOCA office to establish a payment plan.  SOCA@socaspot.org

    Financial assistance with registration fees is also available for families that qualify.  Please inquire with the SOCA office.  Follow this link for more information:  Financial Assistance

    Fees do not include uniforms.  Uniforms must be purchased separately via an online ordering system.  Uniform ordering information will be provided to each selected player.  Uniforms may be purchased on a 2 year cycle.

  • League Participation

    SOCA Elite Teams compete in the VPSL – ECNL Regional League.  U11 and U12 SOCA Blue teams also compete in the Pre-ECNL Regional League through the VPSL.  This league features the top clubs in the state of Virginia and is widely considered the highest regional level of play within the state.  SOCA competes in the South division and features matches with clubs from Richmond, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, and other southern Virginia localities.

    U13 through U19 SOCA Blue teams, along with all SOCA White, Red, and Gold teams, compete in the VPSL-NPL Western Division.  This league services clubs in the central to western localities in Virginia.  Top NPL divisions are scheduled on club to club block schedule while NPL-Classic divisions operate on a team to team basis.  Opportunities exist for high achieving teams to qualify for post season competitions and events.

  • Team Formation
  • Team Commitment
  • SOCA Elite Program
  • SOCA Blue, White, Red and Gold Teams
  • Training Sessions
  • Guest Playing Opportunities
  • Registration Fees
  • League Participation

Team Formation

  • SOCA Travel teams are formed in the U11 through U19 age groups for both girls & boys. Teams participate in the Virginia Premier Soccer League (VPSL) at the ECNL-RL and NPL levels.
  • All players must tryout annually. SOCA staff will place players at the appropriate level within the program.
  • There are three tryouts per year: Annual/Open Tryouts (late April/May), Late Tryouts (August), and Mid-Year Tryouts (February).
  • Team availability is only guaranteed at the Annual/Open Tryouts. All interested candidates for the Late or Mid-Year Tryouts should contact the SOCA office prior to attending.
  • Team creation is based upon the quantity and quality of player candidates. Player placement is based upon ability. Teams are formed at the discretion of the SOCA Directors and Technical Staff.

For more information please see our tryout page.

Team Commitment

  • Travel teams are selected in the late spring and begin training in late summer (August). Players commit to participate for the full length of the program.
  • U15 and older teams participate predominantly in the fall season to avoid conflicts with high school soccer programs.  <SOCA Elite teams will have some winter and early spring events for college showcase purposes.>
  • U11 through U14 teams will have full fall and spring seasons. Fall seasons typically are August to November. Spring seasons taking place February through May.
  • There are no refunds after the registration deadline in June. Players commit to participating for the full year at the time of registration. Exceptions are only made for medical reasons or family relocation.

SOCA Elite Program

  • SOCA Elite are top-level teams U13 through U19 girls & boys.
  • SOCA Elite competes in VPSL (ECNL Regional League) against the best clubs in the state of Virginia.
  • All SOCA Elite teams are eligible to qualify for postseason Regional and National events through league play.
  • All SOCA Elite teams compete in the Virginia State Cup.
  • U13 & U14 SOCA Elite teams participate in additional tournament events throughout the year.
  • U15 through U19 SOCA Elite teams compete in multiple college showcase events (in addition to standard tournaments) through early spring. U15 events are introductory. U16 through U19 showcase events are expansive to maximize player exposure.
  • U15 through U19 SOCA Elite teams include a comprehensive winter training program in order to prepare for college showcase events and local high school team play.
  • U15 through U19 SOCA Elite players have access to a comprehensive college recruitment program & platform.
  • All SOCA Elite players have a dedicated mental performance program through Soccer Resilience.
  • All SOCA Elite teams utilize Hudl Sports for match and performance analysis.

SOCA Blue, White, Red and Gold Teams

  • Teams compete in VPSL National Premier League – Western Division. <U11 & U12 SOCA Blue teams participate in the VPSL Pre-ECNL Regional league>
  • Opponent clubs are from West Central and Southwestern Virginia, including areas such as Roanoke, Lynchburg, Augusta County, Orange County and Harrisonburg.
  • NPL league play consists of 8 to 10 matches per season, champion teams may qualify for post season play to participate in NPL national competitions.
  • U11-14 teams participate in 4 tournaments per year.
  • U15-19 teams compete solely in the fall season to avoid High School play conflicts.  Teams compete in 2 tournaments during the fall season.
  • All teams participate in the local Blue Ridge Cup based in Charlottesville area on Labor Day Weekend.  Blue Ridge Cup
  • Access to Techne training app included for all SOCA Travel players. Techne Futbol App.
  • Additional friendly matches and scrimmages to be arranged seasonally by SOCA staff.

Training Sessions

SOCA Elite Teams
U13 through U19

  • Teams train 3 times per week at South Fork Soccer Park, SOCA Field House or local high school turf facilities.
  • Pool training opportunities are a formal part of the curriculum and are implemented throughout the year.
  • U15 to U19 teams will train in late winter/early spring period before high school season begins in order to prepare for college showcase events.

Blue Teams
U11 through U14

  • Teams train 2 times per week at South Fork Soccer Park or SOCA Field House.
  • Weekly pool training sessions on Wednesday nights at South Fork Soccer Park.

U15 through U18/19

  • Teams train 2 times per week at local area fields, South Fork Soccer Park & SOCA Field House when possible
  • Guest training opportunities with SOCA Elite teams over the course of the season.

White, Red & Gold Teams
U11 through U14

  • Teams train 2 times per week at local area fields, South Fork Soccer Park & SOCA Field House when possible
  • Weekly pool praining session at South Fork Soccer Park <optional session for players>

U15 through U19

  • Teams train 2 times per week at local area fields, South Fork Soccer Park & SOCA Field House when possible
  • Guest training opportunities with Blue teams over the course of the season

Players are expected to attend and participate in all team training sessions whenever reasonably possible.

Guest Playing Opportunities

Opportunities exist for SOCA players to further their development by guest playing in matches or participating in training sessions with other travel teams at different levels or age groups when appropriate.  This is a unique opportunity for SOCA travel players.  The size and scope of the program provide many more of these opportunities for players than other local programs.

All guest playing and training is scheduled and approved by the SOCA technical staff.

Registration Fees

2023-24 Registration Fees

U15-U19 SOCA Elite Teams – $1345
$795 upon registration     $550 due 9/1

U13-14 SOCA Elite Teams – $1545
$795 upon registration    $750 due 9/1

 

U15-U19 SOCA Blue Teams – $779
$779 due upon registration

U13-U14 SOCA Blue Teams – $1339
$779 due upon registration    $560 due 9/1

U11-U12 SOCA Blue Teams – $1495
$795 due upon registration    $700 due 9/1

 

U15-U19 White & Red Teams – $779
$779 due upon registration

U11-U14 White, Red, & Gold Teams – $1339
$779 due upon registration    $560  due 9/1

There are no refunds after the registration deadline. Registration is a commitment to participate fully with your team.

Monthly Installment plans are available for all families that request.  Please inquire with the SOCA office to establish a payment plan.  SOCA@socaspot.org

Financial assistance with registration fees is also available for families that qualify.  Please inquire with the SOCA office.  Follow this link for more information:  Financial Assistance

Fees do not include uniforms.  Uniforms must be purchased separately via an online ordering system.  Uniform ordering information will be provided to each selected player.  Uniforms may be purchased on a 2 year cycle.

League Participation

SOCA Elite Teams compete in the VPSL – ECNL Regional League.  U11 and U12 SOCA Blue teams also compete in the Pre-ECNL Regional League through the VPSL.  This league features the top clubs in the state of Virginia and is widely considered the highest regional level of play within the state.  SOCA competes in the South division and features matches with clubs from Richmond, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, and other southern Virginia localities.

U13 through U19 SOCA Blue teams, along with all SOCA White, Red, and Gold teams, compete in the VPSL-NPL Western Division.  This league services clubs in the central to western localities in Virginia.  Top NPL divisions are scheduled on club to club block schedule while NPL-Classic divisions operate on a team to team basis.  Opportunities exist for high achieving teams to qualify for post season competitions and events.