For general questions about travel and premier programs, please email or call:
Genevieve Smail - [email protected] (203) 274-2889 – Boys Travel.
Barry Wahren - [email protected] (845) 494-9037 – Girls Travel.
Fergus Smail - [email protected] (203) 524 1843 - Premier
Q How do I get on a travel team?
A You may request a tryout for a travel team by checking off the appropriate box on your registration form. Tryouts are conducted throughout the year although official tryouts are generally held prior to the spring and fall seasons. When you check off the box your name will be forwarded to the appropriate coach who will contact you.
Q What is "travel soccer"?
A Travel Soccer is very competitive. Teams are organized in each age group for both boys and girls. Players must be selected each season through a "tryout " process. It is similar to having an "all-star team" year round. The intent in organizing teams is to put the best team possible on the field. Therefore, there are no guaranteed amounts of playing time as there are in the recreation (house) league. Players must earn playing time.
Q What kind of travel?
A Travel Teams play as part of the Southwest District of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. The Southwest District is roughly contiguous with Fairfield County. Therefore the league games are in towns like Greenwich, Norwalk, Westport, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Wilton etc. In an eight game season about four games are at home and four are away. Travel Teams which are 11 years and older often enter state tournaments which are single elimination tournaments and can be played anywhere in Connecticut. Many teams also enter one weekend tournament per season which can be local or out of state: typically New York
Q What is the difference between "A" and "B" Teams?
A The U9 and U10 teams are considered a “developmental” league and while game scores are recorded within the league, no official standings are kept. If there is more than one team at an age group, SYSL will break the teams into playing levels of “A” – White team, and “B” – Gold team within the league. This will be determined through tryouts and placement of players. Similar to the breakout in high school play with a “varsity team” and a “JV team”. Some players may be moved from one team or another based on ability and the need for playing time. The “A” team coach has first right of refusal to any players trying out. That coach will determine the placement of the player for the A team. If the “A” team coach does not take the player, that player then can be seen by the “B” team coach for consideration. Additionally, the coach of the "A" team may select players from the "B" team to move up to the "A" team. Roster size and placement differs for each age group and will be determined by the coaching staff and travel commissioner. The “A” team will play other “A” teams within the SWD which will differ from the “B” team schedule who will compete against other “B” teams in the SWD.