CHALLENGE PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The SVU Challenge program is offered in the Fall and Spring and provides the opportunity for young players to develop their soccer skills and teamwork in a professional environment.  SVU is a long-time advocate of small-sided games, which promote player development across all age groups.

Teams in our Challenge program are formed in Birth Years. CLICK HERE to see our Age group chart.

SPRING 2024 NEW CHALLENGE FORMAT:
This Spring 2024 will begin our NEW challenge program format. Please ensure you ready below for all the new details.

u7-u8 "Futures" Challenge: One (1) training night per week - *supplemental to our recreation program
u9-u10 Challenge Teams: Two (2) training nights + matches on Saturdays in NEW "Valley Challenge League". Players will be allocated to teams that will train and compete together throughout the season.

*We strongly encourage our u7-u8 challenge participants to register for our u7-u8 recreation program. This will give players an opportunity to play consistent matches and throughout the season in preparation for u9-10 challenge.  

Challenge Philosophy:
1. Individual Technical Development:- Ball Mastery (Attacking Moves & Change of Direction Moves),  Passing & Receiving and Finishing Techniques
2. Introduction to Individual/Small-Group Tactics:- Principles of Attacking & Defending
3. Introduction to Physical Movement

Who is the Challenge Program for?: If your child is searching for professionally led coaching in an organized and competitive environment, excels in their current program, or is interested in playing travel soccer in the future; Challenge program is perfect for them.

Is there any Tryouts?: 
u7-u8 "Futures" Challenge: No.With no tryouts, parents/players are free to determine whether Challenge is right for them based on player athleticism, soccer experience, and potential interest in further soccer development. 

u9-u10 Challenge: Yes.Participation is through a tryout selection only. Players are selected to a pool and placed on balance teams to participant in league play. 

What Challenge Match Days look like? 
u7-u8 "Futures" Challenge: u7-u8 players are encouraged to play in our recreation program for additional training session and match play. 

u9-u10 Challenge: u9-u10 players will play in our NEW Valley Challenge League that will consist of teams from SVU, Augusta FC and Rockbridge United (Lexington). Each team will play one (1) match each Saturday for 8 matches over the course of the season. 
 
Challenge Matches Format:
u7-u8 "Futures" Challenge: format is 4v4
u9-u10 Challenge: format is 7v7