Travel
Soccer is a program designed to develop youth players beyond what is typically learned in recreational leagues. Westlake teams are formed at seven different age levels and play against teams from other communities in Northeast Ohio. In Westlake, the program is run by the Board of the Westlake Soccer Association, the same board which oversees the in-house league. Teams play one game per week and practice twice weekly during the season.
What age do children start playing travel soccer?
Children usually start in second grade depending on their date of birth. However, the program is always looking for interested players at almost every age group. Teams play together through their eighth grade year and new players are always welcome.
How much travel is involved?
The travel season is run very much like the in-house league. Teams play eight games in the fall and eight games in the spring. Each session, four of the games will be in Westlake. Of the four away games, usually there will be two games involving less than a half-hour travel (ie. Bay or North Olmsted) and two involving travel of about 30 to 45 minutes away (ie. Strongsville or Medina). Games are usually played on Sunday afternoons.
Who Coaches the teams?
Coaches are selected by the Westlake Soccer Association under the guidance of the Director of Coaching Travel. Coaches are usually parents with prior coaching experience at the in-house and travel level. All coaches must possess a coaching license from the United States Youth Soccer Association which is issued only after the candidate completes the mandated hours of classroom and on-the-field training. All coaches must complete a background check by OYSAN. In addition to the volunteer parent coach the WSA offers professional coaches to assist teams with player devleopment.
What is professional coaching?
The travel program has several professional coaches to work with the players and teams. The coaches include high school coaches with advanced coaching licenses, current and former professional players. The professional coaches offer weekly clinics for each age group focusing on foot skills, techniques and a special session for goalkeeper training.
How are teams selected?
Each spring, open tryouts are held for any child between the ages of 8 and 13 living or attending school in Westlake. The try-out schedule is delivered to all of the schools in Westlake, mailed to all travel and in-house players and announced in local newspapers. There are normally at least two teams at every age group and there is usually room on one of the teams
for all who try out.
