What is travel soccer?

Travel soccer is a sponsored program of the West Deptford Soccer Club. The travel soccer program is organized by age and gender and provides a more competitive training and playing environment compared to our in-house recreation league.

Our teams play in the South Jersey Soccer League (boys) and the South Jersey Girls Soccer League (girls).

What can I do to help my child while playing?

Positive encouragement for your player, your player’s team, and even acknowledging a good play by an opponent team will help make the experience a fun one for your child. Remember these kids are learning to play as a team, developing skills and looking to have fun.

We are competitive and the coaches are providing direction to help them. Please refrain from coaching your child in the game, coaching other children, or directing the coaching staff. This may create confusion or stress for the players and reduce the enjoyment for everyone on the field.

Please refrain from making derogatory remarks toward opponents. We do have a code of conduct, and any fine incurred by a spectator must be paid by the offending spectator.

Please review our Code of Conduct: http://wdsoccer.net/code-of-conduct/

What ages can participate in Travel Soccer?

Travel soccer is for children in the U8 to U15 age groups. Teams are formed at each age level, and our program includes players from ages 7 through 14.

The “U” means “under.” For example, U8 means players under 8 years old.

Do I need to register for both seasons (Travel)?

Yes. Travel players are committing to play both the Fall and Spring seasons per New Jersey Youth Soccer rules. Registration fees are collected separately for each season.

When is the travel fee due?

Fall fees are due by June 30. Spring fees are due by January 31. Players may not participate if there is a balance due. Pre-payment is available by contacting the registrar and does not impact team selection.

Does my child need to try out for Travel?

Yes. Travel leagues are competitive and require a tryout. Tryouts for the upcoming season take place in the spring and are announced on the club website. Players must be registered prior to trying out.

Why must my child try out at their birth year?

WDSC policy requires all players to try out at their birth year to ensure appropriate placement and roster flexibility. Selection to a “play up” team is not guaranteed year to year.

Can my child play up (Travel)?

Players entering Travel at U8 may only try out at their birth year. From U9 and up, WDSC follows a Birth Year +1 policy. If selected for both teams, the player will be placed with the older age group.

Where/when do I pick up my child’s uniform?

Uniforms are purchased through a club vendor at an additional cost. A new uniform kit is required every two years and must be purchased in a timely manner. Players without proper uniforms may not be permitted to play.

What do I need to provide for my child to play?

Players must have shin guards, cleats, and a soccer ball. U8–U12 use a size 4 ball; U12–U15 use a size 5 ball. Jewelry and hoodies are not permitted during games.

Why do we have a tournament?

Tournaments raise funds for the club to help offset participation costs. Funds generated support training, equipment, and club development.

If the club relies on volunteers, why charge to participate?

Registration fees help cover insurance, league fees, equipment, field maintenance, tournaments, and training costs.

If you have a question not answered here, please contact the registrar at [email protected] or a WDSC board member.