The WSA travel program is for players who are interested in playing soccer at a more competitive level than the In-town or Intercounty programs. Annually, more than 450 players on over thirty teams represent the WSA in several leagues, with the majority of teams competing in the Mid New Jersey Youth Soccer Association League. Travel teams play in the fall and spring against teams from central New Jersey and in addition, many teams also participate in “holiday” tournaments several times a season. Travel players practice a minimum of three days a week and compete on Sundays.

The travel program constantly challenges players to realize their highest potential through intensive training and competition. The goal of the travel program is to:

• Enhance the player’s technical and tactical skills through a competitive team environment so they can effectively compete at an advanced level.
• Foster a winning attitude based on sportsmanship.
• Have fun and make the experience positive and memorable.
• Develop a life long love for the game.

Players are selected and placed on teams based on assessments from independent evaluators during “tryouts” and from their coach and trainer evaluations. Tryouts for an upcoming season are conducted in mid-May and early June. Any player wanting to be considered for a team must tryout and returning players are not guaranteed a spot on a team. Every player of proper age is permitted to tryout for a travel team. Selection to a team invokes a commitment on the part of the player to attend all practices and games and to participate in both the fall and spring seasons.

Teams are established based on gender at the U-9, U-10, U-11, U-12, U-13, and U-14 level (U=Under) and are based upon the player’s age as of August 1^st of the given year. For example, a player who does not turn 10 before August 1^st, will be U-10, or a player who does not turn 11 before August 1^st will be U-11, and so on. Typically, U-9 is for players in 3^rd grade: U-10 for 4^th grade; and so on. However, sometimes the player’s grade in school does not match to their age as of August 1^st and they can be placed in a younger group from their classmates.

In the spring the WSA offers a U-8 program designed to bridge the gap between fall second grade in-town soccer and the U-9 fall travel program. This program helps young players prepare for competitive soccer by focusing on fundamental skill development while introducing participants to critical elements of competitive soccer – basic tactics, good sportsmanship and working with coaches and teammates.

If you are interested in the travel program or have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact a Travel Vice President.