Travel Soccer
Southside Soccer Club – Travel Program Overview
At Southside Soccer Club, we are proud to offer a variety of player development pathways designed to meet players where they are and provide opportunities to grow within the game—without needing to leave our community.
Our programming is built to offer the right level of challenge based on each player’s age, experience, and readiness.
Junior Academy (U9–U10) – Rec-Plus
Our Junior Academy program is designed for younger players who are ready for more development while still participating in rec soccer.
Players will:
- Continue playing recreational soccer
- Train and compete as part of a Junior Academy team
- Participate in local tournaments
- Attend festival-style events through the Virginia Club Soccer League (VCSL)
ARL (Advanced Recreational League) – Rec-Plus
This program is for players who want a more competitive experience while still playing rec.
Players will:
- Play a full recreational season
- Compete in the NC Fusion Advanced Recreational League (ARL)
- Play approximately 6 league games
- Participate in 2 tournaments
Travel Soccer (VCSL) – U11 and Up
Our highest level of competition is through the Virginia Club Soccer League (VCSL).
Players will:
- Compete in a full schedule of home and away league matches
- Participate in tournaments
- Train in a more competitive environment
- Not participate in recreational soccer
This level is designed for players ready for a greater commitment and challenge.
How Are Teams Formed?
Team placement is determined through a collaborative process between our coaches and staff.
We evaluate:
- Number of players in each age group
- Overall skill level
- Development needs of the group
Our goal is to place each team in the environment that best supports long-term development and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which program my child will be placed in?
Players are evaluated during tryouts, and placement is based on what is best for their development. All details will be included in your child’s team invitation.
Can my child play both travel and recreational soccer?
Players in VCSL Travel Soccer do not participate in rec due to the higher level of commitment.
Players in Junior Academy and ARL (Rec-Plus) will continue to play recreational soccer.
What is the difference between ARL and VCSL?
- ARL (Rec-Plus): Players do both rec and additional competitive play
- VCSL (Travel): Players compete at a higher level and do not play rec
What happened to NC Fusion?
We continue to partner with NC Fusion through ARL programming.
For administrative purposes, players now register and are rostered through Southside, and we enter teams into ARL competitions.
How are players registered and insured?
All players are registered, carded, and insured through Virginia Youth Soccer (VYSA), regardless of competition format.
Who will coach my child’s team?
Coaching assignments are finalized at or shortly after tryouts. Coaches (when assigned) will be included in team invitations.
Our Commitment
We are proud to offer a range of programming that provides development opportunities not typically available at a club our size.
We understand this structure can feel like a lot at first, and we are committed to continuing to improve clarity and communication as our program grows.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@southsidesoccer.club.
