LASA TRAVEL SOCCER PROGRAM OVERVIEW

MISSION

The LASA travel program is for players (and families) who want to participate in a more competitive, region-wide league. Players have a greater level of commitment and are expected to be motivated to compete at a higher level. The LASA travel program strives to develop creative, confident players that will go on to be competent leaders both on and off the field.

SEASON

The travel year has two periods: the Fall season (August-November) and Spring season (March-June). When you sign up for travel, you are generally agreeing to both seasons. Individual circumstances may be worked out with your coach.

TRAVEL PLAYER ID SESSIONS

Tryouts will be held in May prior to the following Fall season. Players will be evaluated by the coaching staff. Team placement will be chosen and players will be notified as soon as possible. There is no guarantee a player will make the team the following year. It may be necessary to hold a supplemental tryout for the spring season.

PLAYER AGE MATRIX FOR THE 2023/2024 SEASON

U11 Born between January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013

U12 Born between January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

U13 Born between January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011

U14 Born between January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010

PLAYER AGE MATRIX FOR THE 2024/2025 SEASON

U11 Born between January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014

U12 Born between January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013

U13 Born between January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

U14 Born between January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011

U15 Born between January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010

U16 Born between January 1, 2009- December 31, 2009

FEES

We aim to make this an affordable experience for Louisa County Youth, with a focus on the essentials and an entirely volunteer-run organization. Yearly fees will be published before the tryout date. Upon acceptance to the team, season dues and all applicable paperwork will be expected by the first practice session. Yearly fees will include league fees, tournament fees, player registration and insurance, field rental and maintenance, referee pay, and equipment. Uniforms will be purchased separately by new players or when worn or outgrown and include two full kits (jerseys, shorts, and socks).

The cost for the 2023/2024 Travel program breaks down as follows:

Fall 2023 $350

Spring 2024 $350

Uniforms $150

*LASA reserves the right to change fees, and refunds will only be given in extreme circumstances (such as a move or injury preventing a player from finishing a season).

Cost for the 2024/2025 Season are TBD but will be similar to the previous season.

COACHES

All LASA coaches are volunteers. Head coaches will have earned a minimum of the USYS Grassroots Certification, with at least one season of coaching experience at the appropriate age level. Each team will be assigned one head coach and one assistant coach/manager per team by the LASA Board of directors. All adult volunteers will complete a yearly Safe Sport training as required by US Club Soccer and USYS. They will also be held accountable with a Coaches Code of Conduct set forth at the beginning of the year.

TRAINING SESSIONS

Practices are typically 2 days per week, and last approximately 1.5-2 hours long.

Practice location and times are determined by the coaches for each team. Practices will typically start in August for the fall season.

CURRICULUM

LASA follows the US Soccer Guidelines, Player Development Initiatives & Structure to ensure we are practicing the most up to date and current methods for player and team development. The travel team program has adopted a philosophy and methodology that is focused on developing creative, confident players. Through fast-paced and intensive practice sessions focused on one v. one, two v. two, and small-sided games, players will learn to master the most crucial aspects of the game while maximizing efficiency of training. Healthy competition during practice sessions will motivate players to give 100% effort. Coaches will encourage players to create space and opportunity on the field, and reward effort over results both in practice sessions and in games. We strive to build an environment that allows players to build a love of the game that motivates them to play.

VPSL WEST LEAGUE & GAMES

LASA travel teams play in the Western Division of the Virginia Premier Soccer League (VPSL). The teams are divided into brackets within the division and can change from year to year. The schedule consists of approximately 8 league games. Matches are held on the weekend, Saturday or Sunday at the playing locations discretion. The VPL West League tries to create a situation where a team does not need to travel more than 3 hours to an opposing team’s facility. During the season, we may also schedule friendlies with travel teams that live nearby.

TOURNAMENTS

Tournaments are part of the travel soccer experience. Travel teams will participate in at least one local tournament per season (Fall and Spring), the cost of which is covered by the fees. If a team wishes to participate in additional tournaments, they will be responsible for raising the funds to do so. LASA travel players will be expected to provide their own means of transportation and sleeping accommodations if necessary.

CONTACT INFO

For further information or any questions about the travel program, please reach out to our travel team coordinator at travel@lasasoccer.org.