CUSC Soccer Programs

CUSC PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Chesapeake United Soccer Club offers three programs with descriptions as follows:

Travel:

The Travel Program at Chesapeake United is the highest level of play for ages U-9 to U-19. Teams participate in the Virginia Soccer League (VSLi) and typically play 8-10 games per season against other club travel teams. In addition, teams participate in 2 to 4 tournaments a season. VSLi league play is generally against teams in the Hampton Roads area with occasional games in Richmond. Tournaments will typically be in the State of Virginia but are determined after tryouts by the Chesapeake United Technical staff, coaches and team members. Players participating in open tryouts each spring are assigned to teams based on age and skill level. Tryouts for all new and returning players and online registration are required for the new soccer year.

If you still have questions about the Travel Program, please contact Kristin Carden at KC@ChesapeakeUnited.org.

Advanced:

Level of play is below Travel but more competitive than Recreational programs. Play is for ages U-9 to U-19. Teams participating in the Advanced Program typically play 8 to 10 games a season against other Advanced teams with an end of season league tournament. League play is generally against teams in the South Hampton Roads area. Player assessments are held at the end of the spring season for new and advancing players to facilitate placement on teams requiring players for the upcoming fall season. Assessments at tryouts and online registration is required for all new and returning players for Fall season.
For additional information about the Advanced Program, please contact cuscdocadv@chesapeakeunited.org.

Academy:

Chesapeake United Soccer Club’s “Academy” is an in-house program which provides professional coaching for player development before entering Travel or Advanced.  The players in the Academy and Academy First Start are divided into two groups based on age: U4, U5, U6 (First Start) and U7/U8 (Academy).

The Academy program (U7/U8) has adopted U.S. Youth Soccer’s Development model for this age group. This model creates an environment where players can be mixed and play with and against different players, while using non-results oriented play. Players will train as a group for training, which will be coached by professional Academy coaches.  Game days will be on Saturday. During the week leading up to the game, players will be assigned to “play groups”.  These play groups will change each week, allowing players the chance to play with their other peers in the program and be coached by different coaches.  This method has been proven to be the best in youth soccer for player development.  This method of development has been supported by research from sports & child psychologists. The “scrambled” model has been adopted by clubs across the United States, as well as the local clubs here in Virginia.

Academy First Start: This program will be an in-house introductory soccer program for ages U-4 to U-6. The program is focused on providing a fun, friendly environment for younger players to participate in soccer through the small-sided game concept. Early technical skill will be introduced in age appropriate games and activities. Teams play three players a side at a time, allowing them to get many “touches” on the ball as they develop the basic soccer techniques and a fondness for the game in a family oriented environment. Coaches are parent volunteers who participate in the program with their children. There will be one training/practice session a week on either Tuesday or Thursday with a game on Saturday. Once registered, players are placed on coed teams that remain the same for the soccer year (fall and spring seasons).  The First Start program is the “grass roots” of youth soccer and strives to provide a fun environment where players can learn very basic skill and begin to love the game. For additional information about the Academy First Start Program, please contact Kristin Carden, CUSC Academy Director of Coaching at academydoc@chesapeakeunited.org.

Academy: In house developmental program for players ages U-7 to U-8. The program is focused on the technical skills i.e.: dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting, and development of the player in small sided games to prepare for promotion into either the Advanced or Travel programs. Groups will be formed and train together as a group for the entire year. Each group will be coached by professional staff, hired by the Director of Coaching. Training/Practice sessions are Tuesday and Thursday nights with each group and their coach, focusing on technical skill and understanding of the game as a team. Tryouts are not held for this program. The U7 and U8 groups will play Intra-Academy games on Saturdays. For additional information about the Academy Program, please contact academydoc@chesapeakeunited.org.

U9 players will no longer be in the Academy Program but will be part of our Advanced or Travel Programs. For more information on our Advanced Program, Travel Program, or to register your U-9 player see our Program Menu. U9 teams will play in games on weekends in TASL (Saturday) or VSLI (Sunday). Each team will have a coach who will be contacting you directly about team practices.

For administrative questions and help with registration, contact clubadmin@chespeakeunited.org.

For soccer specific questions, contact KC@chesapeakeunited.org