What is Travel Soccer? Travel is the competitive side of the Colonial Soccer Club. This means that the level of play is more advanced, and that the level of play and development of the players is expected to exceed that of the players who play intramural soccer. It, however, does not mean that our focus is on winning – the focus is still on player development and “FUN”.
Where do the Travel Teams play their games? This may sound strange – but, the Colonial Soccer teams actually play in a different League. In our case, Colonial SC teams play in the Inter-County Soccer League. Inter-County Soccer League includes teams from, primarily, Montgomery and Bucks County. This means that all of the away games will cause you and your parents to “travel” to your soccer games.
What Can You Expect? If you make the travel team, you can expect to have a much more intensive year of soccer play than you have experienced at the intramural level. Practices usually start during the summer and take place one to two times a week through the summer and the entire soccer season. The season itself will last from the weekend after Labor Day until the second week of December. You also will be competing in Tournament play, perhaps two to three times before, during and after the season. Games and Tournaments could entail travel. Specifically, you can anticipate at least ½ of your games to be “away”. This can mean driving up to one hour (in one direction) to a game for a regular season game and traveling one or two hours to a Tournament – which, most commonly will last an entire weekend (i.e. Friday through Sunday).
What Is Expected of You? If you make the travel team, your commitment is expected. That commitment will mean that you must attend each practice session, all games, participate in Soccer Camps and in Tournaments. It will be expected that your parent(s) will facilitate your participation and attend all events relating to games and tournaments with you. Conflicts, such as other sports or social commitments, are expected to be resolved in favor of travel team commitments.
In addition to a participation commitment there is also a financial commitment! While the season is paid as part of your membership dues to the Colonial Soccer Club, you could be expected to pay a pro rated share for attendance to tournament and any camps that your team might attend.
Club and Coaches Commitment: All of the foregoing is not intended to dissuade you from trying out for the travel team. You must realize that a commitment from our Club and coaches is being offered in return for your commitment. We will provide you with continuing education and training in this soccer and continue to facilitate the further education of your Coaches. We are committed to our travel teams and believe that our travel program offers you, as a player, the ability to develop and play at a higher level.
