Towsontowne Travel Soccer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q - What is travel soccer and how is it different from recreation or in-house soccer?
A -The TTRC travel soccer program is designed for players whose skills and inclinations suggest participation in a more competitive environment and with a greater level of competition. Players must try out and make a travel team, whereas, subject to space limitations, all players who sign up for recreation soccer participate.

Q - Does TTRC require their players to play recreation soccer to participate in the travel soccer program?
A - No, however, each child has the option of continuing to play in-house soccer.

Q - If our child makes a travel team, when do we have to decide if he or she is playing in-house soccer?
A - Parents must notify their travel coach whether they are playing in-house soccer at the conclusion of the travel tryouts.

Q - Does my child have to register for recreation soccer if they just plan to play travel soccer?
A- Yes. All travel soccer candidates must be registered through TTRC soccer in order to participate in the tryouts. If your child makes a travel team and does not choose to participate in the recreation league, a portion of the registration fee is credited towards their travel soccer costs.

Q - Are the age groups any different than recreation soccer?
A- The date for determination of a players age (August 1st) is the same as in recreation soccer. Because travel teams play in sanctioned leagues with the same August 1st age determination date, players may not play down in age, and, generally, may not play up in age.

Q - How many travel teams does TTRC field?
A - If sufficient registration and talent permit, TTRC will field boys and girls teams in Under 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 leagues.

Q - When do tryouts occur?
A- Team tryouts generally start in late May or early June. Teams endeavor to complete all tryouts by the end of the public school year

Q - Does my child have to attend all the tryout sessions to be eligible for the team?
A – Although we understand that many players are involved in other activities during tryout season, attendance at one half or more of the scheduled tryouts is required. Any exceptions to this rule must be approved by both the travel coordinator and the program coordinator. The more tryout sessions attended, the better the chance that the player has to be evaluated.

Q - How many players are kept on each team?
A - Depending on registration and talent levels, the Under 12 and below teams (playing 7v7 soccer on a small field) will generally keep 11-13 players. The Under 13 and above teams (playing 11v11 soccer on a regular field) will generally keep 15-18 players.

Q - Who picks the teams? What skills are evaluated by the coaches?
A- The coaches for a particular age group are responsible for evaluating the players and choosing the team. Players are not only evaluated on their soccer skills, but also on fitness, agility, team play, cooperation and attentiveness.

Q - Do the coaches keep only the kids who made the team in prior years?
A – Coaches evaluate all players, both new and returning players. There are usually openings on teams due to kids moving, changing sports or other reasons.

Q - When are team determinations made?
A – Typically, team determinations are made on or before the end of June.

Q - How often do the travel teams practice and when do practices start?
A - Practice frequency is left to the discretion of the coaches. Most teams begin some kind of practicing over the summer, with the frequency picking up in August. Teams who play in both Saturday and Sunday leagues in the fall generally practice two nights a week. Teams who play only in Sunday leagues generally practice once per week.

Q - When does the season start?
A - Most teams play in weekend tournaments in late August. Weekend league games typically start the weekend after Labor Day.

Q - How much travel is involved?
A – Coaches for particular teams select the leagues and tournaments that their teams enter. Most teams play in one of two Baltimore metro area leagues. Most travel for away games is within a 20-40 minute drive. Many older age group teams will enter one or two out of town tournaments where weekend travel is required.

Q - How much does it cost to play travel soccer?
A - In addition to the fee of $70 paid at registration, players must buy uniforms (approximately $60-$90). Additional costs per team depend on the leagues entered and the number and location of tournaments played and will range from $100-$250, excluding any out of town travel expenses.

Q - Is my child guaranteed to play at least a half of a game like they are in recreational soccer?
A - We encourage all travel coaches to be sensitive to the mission and program constitution of TTRC soccer. Each coach is given suggested guidelines, however, the amount of playing time for travel players is not guaranteed.

Q - My child is an accomplished player, and is good enough to make a team in an older age group. Are they allowed to play up for an older TTRC age group?
A - While we recognize that some kids could make an older age group team, TTRC does not generally allow players to play out of their designated age group.

Q - How soon after registration will we be called about travel tryouts?
A - Registration is usually completed early in mid-May. Travel coaches will contact prospective players by phone or e-mail as soon as registrations are processed. We will make every effort to post the tryout dates and times on our website at www.ttrec.org.

Q - I’ve heard that my child will need a picture identification card. How do I get one?
A - All players who participate in travel soccer need a laminated ID card that can be obtained at various locations prior to the season (see your coach) or from the Motor Vehicle Administration. If a team participates in an out of state tournament, a second ID card from a national soccer association will generally be required for each player. Travel team coaches will provide information concerning required identification cards.

Q - What if I move into the area after the travel teams are selected?
A - All team rosters are finalized at the end of tryouts. The travel coordinator and program coordinator must approve any exceptions to this rule.

Q - What if I have other questions?
A - You can e-mail questions to the program coordinator at jbward@fgow.com, or contact the travel coordinator listed under Board Members on the website.

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