Why did CSC feel that it needed to align with VSA?
VSA brings a professional structure that promotes stability and emphasizes the role of local Technical Staff leading each club with the support of the larger organization. We are stronger by working together with like minded clubs.
Will there be a cost increase?
No. Costs will remain the same as previously planned and published.
What does this mean for my rec child? Are game days changing? Do we have to travel to games now? Will rec become competitive now or still be “rec” where the child can learn and have fun without the competitiveness?
The CSC Recreational Program will continue with no logistical changes and the same priorities as before. Games days, locations, price and program culture and mission will remain the same. The focus is on local games in Culpeper, having fun and learning the game of soccer in a relaxed environment where the focus is not on winning. As part of the VSA, a renewed focus will be placed on coach training and mentorship, helping to promote the most positive environment possible.
Who is in charge now?
Day to day operations are run by Culpeper staff based in Culpeper. Betsy Fry will continue to manage the Recreational Program. Paula Stafford will serve as Administrator. Jeff Stafford and Scott Allen will continue their involvement with the Academy and Travel Program and a new Director of Coaching will be hired soon to lead the Travel program moving forward.
Everyone is supported by the VSA Executive Staff of Executive Director Matt Wilson, Technical Director Jimmy Tharpe and Program Director Andy Wilson. As a 501c3 organization, a Board of Directors provides oversight with representation from all VSA member clubs including Culpeper Soccer Club.
Will the seasons stay the same? Fall and Spring?
Yes, the seasons will stay the same. The primary seasons are Fall and Spring.
Will there still be winter futsal? Summer camps?
Yes, will continue to offer winter futsal and summer camps. Keep an eye out of our Summer 2026 offerings coming soon!
Will communication change? Do we as parents communicate with VSA or with Culpeper reps?
Communication for parents will be with Culpeper staff and coaches.
How many tournaments a year for travel?
U11-U14 Travel teams will attend 4 tournaments per year, two in the fall and two in the spring. U15 and older teams will attend 3 tournaments as they do not play in the spring season. All teams will play in the Blue Ridge Cup on Labor Day weekend which is hosted by Culpeper Soccer Club and the VSA.
Will I have the same travel coach?
Coaches are assigned by Culpeper Soccer Club staff each year. Assignments are reviewed annually and typically coaches are rotated on a 2-3 year cycle which allows players to experience different coaching and enhances player development.
How far do travel teams have to travel for games? Will games be on both Saturday and Sunday?
Culpeper Soccer Club travel teams play in the Virginia Club Soccer League. In a typical 8 game season half of the games will be in Culpeper and the other half on the road. The league comprises the central and western portions of the state and Culpeper is in the northern half of the league. Frequent opponents are Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Lynchburg, Orange County, Shenandoah County, Fluvanna, etc. Higher level Culpeper teams may have a game in the Roanoke area which would be the longest trip. Tournaments are in the state of Virginia. Travel Games can be on either Saturday or Sunday although Saturday is the more frequent date.
Will there still be an academy?
Yes. We are excited that Culpeper’s Academy Program will be joining the Virginia Soccer Alliance’s Challenge League. This league matches our U10 and U9 teams vs teams from Charlottesville and Harrisonburg both home and away and provides a year-end tournament.
What more does VSA have to offer my player that they were not already getting from CSC?
VSA provides the structure, stability and commitment to professionalism that helps clubs like Culpeper Soccer Club deliver the highest quality soccer programs and experiences possible for its players. VSA will hire a full time Director of Coaching dedicated to Culpeper Soccer Club’s players and create access to competition platforms such as the local Challenge League that players will enjoy. The integrated player development platform begins with the youngest players and the recreational program and progresses into national competitions. Players may advance as far as their interest and talent take them.
How does Culpeper Alliance Sports Club differ from Virginia Soccer Alliance?
Culpeper Alliance Sports Club is an entirely separate entity from the Virginia Soccer Alliance. They are two different organizations. Virginia Soccer Alliance is an organization of soccer clubs from throughout the region working together to provide greater opportunities for local players. Culpeper Soccer Club is a part of the Virginia Soccer Alliance. By combining resources, Virginia Soccer Alliance clubs have access to integrated competition platforms, strategic partnerships with vendors, coaching education opportunities and enhanced player development pathways.
Why stay with CSC when there are other options?
Culpeper Soccer Club has decades of history in Culpeper and a fully integrated developmental pyramid for players of all ages and abilities. Our paid staff are local Culpeper residents and have years of experience in youth soccer. CSC travel teams compete in the Virginia Club Soccer League where we compete against the best soccer clubs from our neighboring communities and keep travel times to a minimum.
Will Little Comets still exist?
Yes. All current programs will still exist.
Will the TOPS program still exist?
Yes. All current programs will still exist.
What will VSA do to help CSC with coaching education?
VSA’s technical staff is led by a full time Technical Director who oversees the Directors of Coaching at each of the member clubs. Together, they develop the club’s curriculum including a coach education plan. Each year, all Travel Coaches attend the preseason VSA Coach Workshop, a full day of coaching education with sessions presented by Directors of Coaching from around the organization. Throughout the year, VSA annually hosts US Soccer licensing courses put on by the organization’s certified coach instructors which supplements ongoing coach education and mentorship provided by the local Director of Coaching.
Will there be supplemental activities to help with the technical side of the game outside of practices?
Yes. The club will be offering both in-season and out of season technical programs, camps, clinics and academies.
Will there still be a CSC Board?
No. The Virginia Soccer Alliance has a Board of Directors and Culpeper will have representation on it. The local Boosters club will continue with its great work in support of the organization. The day to day operations will be run by professional Culpeper staff.
Will we still be at the Culpeper Soccer Complex?
Yes. Culpeper Soccer Club will still be based out of the Culpeper Soccer Complex.
Will there be more referee courses and referee education to help bring in new referees and maintain the ones we have?
Yes. The VSA Director of Referees will bring the same training programs that have been successful in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and elsewhere to Culpeper now that CSC is part of the Virginia Soccer Alliance.
What league(s) will CSC play in?
CSC Travel Teams will play in the Virginia Club Soccer League providing great competition vs communities such as Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Harrisonburg.
Is there a path to college prep?
Yes. The CSC Travel program attends college showcases and tournaments to promote college exposure for our players. The full time Director of Coaching assists with development of players and the recruitment process as well. Membership in the VSA also provides a direct pathway to national levels of competition via the Skyline Elite Soccer Club should the player choose to pursue that.
