GENERAL INFORMATION
Purpose:
  • To provide a competitive environment for youth in the Byron-Bergen area so
    they can demonstrate and improve their soccer skills at a level above recreation
    soccer leagues.
  • The mission of the club is to raise the skill level of dedicated players which will
    also help prepare them for competitive play at higher levels
  • The emphasis is on teaching the complete game, teamwork, discipline and most
    important, a well-rounded individual who puts effort ahead of winning and losing.
  • The goal is to put the better players from their age groups on the same team
    and compete with other travel teams from the Rochester area. The club
    believes that because Rochester area teams are more competitive they provide
    a challenge for the players in our area to raise their skills and game speed to a
    higher level.
  • Often we see recreation league games were the play is dominated by a couple
    of kids from each team. They are involved in most of the action while leaving
    other team members on the field with few touches on the ball.
  • By providing a Travel program we can put these "dominating players" on a team
    with others at their skill level and provide competition that will challenge them to
    learn more and become skilled soccer players.
  • The other children at the recreation level will benefit by being able to touch the
    ball more and become involved with the game thus improving their skills. Soccer
    is a game that should be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.

Time and Cost:
  • We play eleven to twelve league games and two to three tournaments a season.
  • The season runs from the middle of May to the end of July. Half of the games
    are at home on the Byron-Bergen Central School fields. The away games are in
    Monroe and the surrounding counties.
  • The younger teams play in tournaments around the Rochester area. Car
    pooling arrangements have worked well in the past.
  • Practices will start around January in an indoor facility until mid - March, then
    practices will be held outside 2 -3 times a week during the evenings or on
    weekends. The scheduling of practice for next year will depend on the
    availability of the facilities.
  • The cost will be approximately $150 - $175 for the season. The fee includes a
    uniform, two tournaments or clinics, referee fees, league fees, insurance, game
    balls, and cost to line the fields.
  • Fundraisers are available to each player to help reduce their out-of-pocket
    cost.  The average player last year earned 22% with four teams averaging
    above 30% and some players covering their entire cost


Commitment:
  • Because Travel Soccer is more competitive, attendance at practices and
    games is very important.
  • The players at this level are more serious about the game and depend on total
    teamwork, each player is an intricate part of the team.
  • If all members are at practice they learn to play as a team and their skills
    progress equally.
  • By missing practices and games the team doesn't improve as a whole unit, the
    other members of the team feel let down.
  • There is some flexibility in the schedule when it comes to school functions,
    family matters and vacations. In the past, before schedules are finalized, game
    dates have been changed because of conflicts.
  • Travel soccer program requires more time, will cost more money and a stronger
    commitment to make practices, games and tournaments then the recreational
    program.

Playing Time:
  • The club does not have a rule requiring equal playing time for each player.
  • The coach makes the decision around the amount of time each player will play
    based on the player’s ability, practice attendance, attitude and conduct.
  • The more skilled and committed players will see more playing time.
  • A guideline the club does use for the coaches is; if they cannot guarantee a
    player will see some playing time for every game then do not put that player on
    the roster.
  • It is better for the player to play on a recreation team were he/she will get more
    playing time.

Playing “up” to an older age group:
  • Players can move up to an older team if they are extremely skilled and
    approved by the Board of Directors or there is no team at their age.
  • The player must make a formal request to the club’s board of directors.
  • The player will be added to the roster after approval from the coaches and the
    board.
  • The board will consider the coaches’ recommendation, development of the
    player and the impact of the teams involved.