TRAVEL

2026-2027
TRAVEL SOCCER TRYOUTS

BOYS & GIRLS U9-U19

Gunston soccer will provide two tryout opportunities per player for each age category. It is highly encouraged to attend both sessions.


Dates: April 26th May 1st

BIRTH YEARS 2018-2008

Gunston Soccer Club’s Travel Program is designed for talented players interested in pursuing high levels of youth soccer. If you want to increase your training frequency, have a professional coach, and surround yourself with like-minded players from the community, then Gunston travel soccer is for you!


The travel program is a year-round program designed to foster high development levels and push players to reach their athletic potential while also competing with top youth soccer clubs. More information about the Gunston Travel Soccer Program can be found below.

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 TRYOUT SCHEDULE


TRAVEL FAQS

  • At what age does travel soccer start?

    Travel soccer begins at U9, for the 2026-2027 season, U9s will be born in 2018. There are some exceptions to the rule allowing younger players to participate at the discretion of the Director of Coaching.

  • Can you participate in other sports if you play travel soccer?

    Yes you can. At times it can be a challenge but it is possible to participate in multiple sports.

  • How long is the travel season?

    The travel season is approximately 10 months long. It begins in Mid-August and concludes by Mid-June, with a month and a half break from the middle of November through the new year. Teams will practice 2-3 times a week from mid-August to mid-November, 1-2 times a week during January and February, and then start 2-3 times a week again in March through the end of the spring season.

  • Where do travel teams practice?

    In the fall our travel teams typically practice at Sandburg MS, Mount Vernon HS, or Bryant HS. Over the winter our younger teams normally have 1 practice a week indoors at a local elementary school.


    Older teams practice outdoor during the winter, weather permitting. In the spring our teams will normally practice at Mount Vernon HS or Bryant HS.

  • Is overnight travel required in the travel soccer program?

    Teams will not have any overnight travel for league games.


    Upon request, a team may attend a tournament in Richmond, Virginia Beach, etc. with most families staying at the same hotel. This is a great bonding experience for the players, and something the parents usually really enjoy as well.

  • Who is responsible for the costs associated with overnight stays?

    Individual families are responsible for their overnight travel.  A team manager generally assists in reserving a block of rooms.

  • How much travel is generally involved with the travel program?

    In most cases away matches are thirty minutes to an hour away. There are only 4-5 away games in the fall and 4-5 in the spring. The remaining 4-5 games each season will be at one of our home fields, Grist Mill Park, Mount Vernon HS, Bryant HS, and Carl Sandburg MS.

  • Can I play on both a recreation team and a travel team?

    Yes — players may participate in both recreation and travel for one season at the U9 and U10 levels only. After that, families must choose either recreation or travel.


    The exception is for teams participating in NCSL-Rec, which has specific roster rules that prohibit crossover participation.

  • I was my child's coach in recreation. Is it possible for me to coach at the travel level?

    We are looking for positive, motivated, capable coaches, who have a passion for developing players (boys and girls) both on and off the field U9-U19. Applicants must have the desire to be a part of a hard-working team dedicated to continual improvement.

    • Playing experience is preferred. Soccer passion is a MUST. Soccer skills as a coach are highly preferred, but not required.
    • Minimum coaching License is preferred
    • Enthusiastic

    If you are interested in continuing to coach at the travel level please contact Dave Sanford to have that discussion. dsanford@gunstonsoccer.com

  • What credentials do the travel coaches have?

    Continuing education of our professional coaches is critical. All coaches have grassroots licenses or are on the way to achieving them. We do provide support to our coaches to attend courses to promote their development as coaches.

  • How much does it cost to participate in travel soccer?

    Travel soccer fees are set each May. For 2026–2027, the fee is approximately $2,000, plus a tournament fee. Please refer to the chart on our website for age-specific pricing, as fees vary by age group.


    Payment may be made in a lump sum or in installments. Scholarships and financial aid are also available if needed.

  • Are there any other expenses in addition to the player fee?

    Gunston's “club fee and team fee” is inclusive of most items but does not cover the uniform package for matches and training.

  • What does a year look like as a travel player?

    Please view our annual plan here:

TRAVEL PROGRAM FEES

WHAT FEES COVER

Coaching Salaries (Payroll & Taxes): All GSC-qualified and professional coaching staff fees are included.


Operational and Administrative Support: Includes club operations and administrative staff support.


Coaching Education: GSC prioritizes coaching education for all travel coaches and covers the cost of required licensing and coursework.


Training Schedule:

  • Fall & Spring: 3 sessions per week
  • Winter: 1 session per week


Administrative Fees: TeamSnap, operations, registrations, field usage and maintenance, and club management.


Background Checks & SafeSport Compliance: All GSC staff and team managers undergo background checks and are required to complete SafeSport training annually.


League Fees: Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA), United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer), National Capital Soccer League (NCSL), Elite Development Program (EDP), and referee fees.


Fairfax County Fees & Permits: Player fees and required county permits.


Equipment: Field, training, and game-day equipment.


Uniform Fees (Gunston Soccer Club): All players for the 2026–2027 season must purchase the current GSC uniform package. This package is valid for two years.


Team Fees (Tournament Participation): Covers additional team-specific programming, including tournament competitions (2 fall and 2 spring).

Invites / Payment will be made in the Playmetrics application/website.

Travel Program Fee Overview

QUESTIONS?

Contact our Executive Director Dave Sanford via e-mail: dsanford@gunstonsoccer.com

Age Group Change

Wondering which age group your player will be in for Fall 2026? You can find all the details about our age group changes on our landing page. Just click the link in the top right corner of our website.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Please contact Dave Sanford at dsanford@gunstonsoccer.com to start the application process.