Carbon United - What Is Travel Soccer?

WHAT IS TRAVEL SOCCER?

Travel soccer is recreation soccer, kicked up a notch.

Carbon United’s travel program allows the local elite players to improve their soccer skills by playing
in a high-quality and competitive soccer league. Those participating in travel soccer have the
opportunity to play both with and against the best soccer players in this area, and beyond.

Carbon United hosts girls and boys teams at a variety of different age groups,starting with
U-9 (under 9). Our travel program allows participants to play on gender-specific teams,
instead of the coed teams associated with our rec leagues.

Playing on a Carbon United team is a great way to experience the next level of youth soccer.

I’M NOT SURE I’M READY FOR THE COMMITMENT.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?

Playing on a Travel Team does require a commitment from both the participant and his/her parents.
Players are expected to attend all practices and games.
Travel teams generally practice twice per week with games being played on the weekends.

Most practices and home games are held at either Beltzville State Park or Franklin Elementary School.
Away games can take place anywhere between the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.
The average away game requires a 35- to 45-minute commute.

A travel season is usually comprised of 8-10 games.
Mandatory tryouts are held in May to select players for the upcoming fall and spring seasons.
Players who sign up are making a commitment for both seasons.

WHAT IMPACT WILL TRAVEL SOCCER HAVE
ON MY WALLET?

There is a $75, non-refundable registration fee due when a child registers.
If/when a player returns for the spring season, there will be an additional $25-$35 fee.
This results in a total yearly cost of $100-$110.

The cost for a child playing on an older team (U-15 and above) may be more
due to increased uniform costs.

OK, I’M INTERESTED. HOW DOES MY CHILD SIGN UP?

The first step in registering for a Carbon United team is to complete the registration form and submit the
$75, non-refundable registration fee. The individual recreation clubs will announce dates and times
registrations will be accepted. Registrations will also be accepted at the tryouts.

Next, you will need to submit the following prior to the tryouts
(preferably with the registration form):

- 2 copies of your child’s birth certificate
- a small, 1” picture of your child (this picture will not be returned)
- your child’s signed signature stickers (provided by the Carbon United representative)

Once all of the above items are received, your child is eligible to try out
for one of the Carbon United travel teams.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE TRYOUTS?
HOW ARE TEAMS DETERMINED?

Currently, the tryouts for Carbon United are held in May.
(Check with your local recreation league for dates)

There will be three separate tryouts of which participants must attend at least two.
Although it is only required that participants attend two, it is STRONGLY recommended
that they attend all three.

Current and past coaches, soccer board members, and others will evaluate participants.
The tryouts will consist of drills and scrimmages according to age groups and gender.
The evaluations will be based on your child’s soccer skills, athletic ability,
attitude, and ability to listen and follow directions.
The main focus will be on performance in game/scrimmage settings.

While the evaluations will be a main part of the data used to determine team placement,
the coach will also use assessments of past performance and any particular needs
of the team to arrive at the ultimate roster. In short, the coach has the ultimate
say in who makes or does not make the team, regardless of all other factors.

Notification of selection will be made in June.
Once notified, it is expected that your child will join the team.
This acceptance will indicate participants’ and parents’ willingness to fulfill
the commitments required.

Parents and players should understand that a large number of children may tryout
for a limited number of roster spots. This may result in some children
not being selected for a team.

The Lehigh Valley Youth Soccer League sets roster size so we do not have the option to
exceed a certain number of players per team.

Also, the traveling soccer program may not be appropriate for every child.
If, for whatever reason, a child is not considered travel-ready, he/she will not make
the team, regardless of the number of children trying out.

Please be mindful of these facts before the tryout process.

Remember, the local recreation programs are wonderful alternatives that will
continue to build your child’s skills.

Should a player not be selected for a travel team, his/her registration fee will be refunded to the local
recreation club in which the player participates. It is up to the individual clubs to determine
how the Carbon United refund will be handled.

Contact your local recreation league representatives for information regarding their
club’s policies on refunds and rec registration.

Soccer Club