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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS TRAVEL SOCCER? 

Travel Soccer is a more competitive alternative to Recreation Soccer. Travel Soccer requires a higher level of commitment from players and parents. The level of play is more advanced and traveling out-of-town to play more competitive teams is required. Players are expected to take training seriously and parents are strongly encouraged to have their child make as many games and training sessions as possible.

Travel soccer is a full-year commitment and includes:

- Fall League Play and Outdoor Training
- Winter Indoor Training
- Spring League Play and Outdoor Training


HOW ARE TRYOUTS CONDUCTED? 

Tryouts are conducted in groups based on calendar year age and gender. Players are placed in a smaller game-like environment to allow for increased ball contact to better assess each player individually in a game-like scenario.

Player evaluations are performed exclusively by New York Red Bull trainers and each player will be evaluated separately by multiple trainers in order to get a more comprehensive look at each player. All evaluations are then used to make a final recommendation list for team make-up. RSA volunteer staff are not involved in player evaluations.

Supplemental tryouts may be offered throughout the year for teams looking to add players seeking additional players.


WHEN ARE TRYOUTS CONDUCTED?

Tryouts are conducted in early spring, and two dates will be conducted. If a player cannot make either tryout date, please contact RSA via email at [email protected] to schedule a make-up evaluation. Players are encouraged to attend both but must attend at least one (either scheduled or make-up). 

 

HOW DO THE AGE CUT OFFS WORK? 

Teams are established based on gender and birth year according to the United States Soccer Federation birth year model for teams.


CAN MY CHILD PLAY UP?

Players may request to play up, but this request must be approved in advance by our NY Red Bulls professional coaches. Playing up is not encouraged for most players and is typically reserved for more technically skilled players who can evaluate at the upper end of the older age bracket that they are trying out for. 


WHEN AND HOW WILL I FIND OUT IF MY PLAYER HAS MADE A TEAM? 

We try to notify all players about a spot within 72 hours of their final tryout. However, in some instances more time may be required. The primary means of notification is email so please make sure the email address you listed when you pre-registered is both valid and appropriate. If you have not received notification by within 72 hours of the final tryout, or have a question about this process, please email the RSA at [email protected].


WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT MAKE THE TEAM? 

Players who are not rostered to a team are encouraged to continue with the Recreation Program and are also offered to participate in our Development Academy, which will be once-a-week training with the New York Red Bulls in an effort to bring your player up to “travel” level ability. 


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