Competitive travel teams at Culpeper Soccer Club (CSC) recently completed the fall soccer season in leagues that span Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Following the summer preseason, which featured professional speed and agility training as well as soccer conditioning camps, Culpeper teams entered league play and performed exceptionally well across all age groups and divisions. Boasting over 250 players in the Travel and Academy programs, CSC teams earned three League Division Championships, two Second Place finishes, and three Third Place finishes.
In tournament play this fall, CSC Travel teams won a total of 8 Tournament Championships and earned 3 Tournament Finalist trophies at events held in VA and MD. At the Capital Fall Classic in Richmond VA, the U14 Boys, U12 Boys Red, U12 Boys Silver, and U10 Boys were champions in their divisions, followed closely by the U19 Boys and U11 Girls who earned finalist trophies.
During the fall season, almost $40,000 in scholarships was extended to Culpeper youth participating in the Travel or Academy programs. It remains the highest priority of CSC that all youth players in Culpeper can participate in the sport of soccer regardless of financial resources. Furthermore, the growth of competitive programs at CSC has allowed more resources to be allocated to the recreation program, which currently serves over 1000 players annually. Recreation players can now attend free summer clinics and in-season training sessions led by professional staff, upholding the CSC mission of, “One Club, One Culture.”
Additionally, the CSC U13 Girls’ Travel Team participated in the “Girls Can” mentorship program at the University of Virginia and spent the fall season learning from player mentors on the UVA Women’s Team. The team even met and trained with USWNT Captain, Becky Sauerbrunn! Next year, CSC hopes that all girls’ teams can participate in this empowering program!
To increase coaching education opportunities, CSC Coaches attended classroom and field education sessions led by the Virginia Soccer Association in Haymarket VA. Coaches observed advanced training sessions and interacted with elite US Soccer Development Academy teams and coaches. Also in 2017, Technical Staff at CSC have pursued professional development courses, earning the United States Soccer Federation National C License, United States Youth Soccer National Youth License, United Soccer Coaches Director of Coaching Diploma, and United Soccer Coaches Futsal Level I Diploma.
CSC Technical Director, Dan Bales, is excited at the increasing level of competitive play and opportunity for CSC Travel teams. “Although we don’t measure the success of our youth players simply by league or tournament results, it’s very rewarding to see these players compete at such high-levels across Virginia and Maryland. Culpeper Soccer Club reflects a community committed to growing the game, and the recent successes are due in large part to that commitment from coaches, players, and parents. It is amazing how hard these players work to become better in-season and in the off-season. It’s also extremely fulfilling to be part of an organization where the Board truly cares about making the sport possible for all youth in the community. I’m very proud of what we’re continuing to build at Culpeper Soccer Club.”