Programs

U8 Developmental Travel Prep

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Program

05 Mar, 2026 - 31 May, 2027

U8 Developmental Travel Prep 2026-2027
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U8 Developmental Travel Preparation Signup for Fall 2026-Spring 2027

What does U8 Developmental look like right now? 

U8 Developmental currently practices on Thursday nights at Marlborough Elementary under coach Kristin Ott. There are two practice sessions one is from 5:30-6:30 and the other is from 6:30-7:30. This will continue through the winter until April when they will go back to practicing outside twice a week. During the Spring season we also take part in 3-4 “friendly” tournaments with area clubs. These “friendlies” are on the weekend and VSC hosts one of them on the turf field at the high school.

The U8 Development Program is focused on developing the skills of young soccer players (birth years 2018 and 2019) and prepare both them and their parents for the opportunity to play travel soccer. The program encourages individual player skill development and introduces the team concept in the format of multi-club festivals and friendly matches. This program is managed and coordinated by the participating clubs and is not affiliated with any higher body of governance. 

Principles

  • Focus on individual player skills development
  • No “try-out” and no “cuts” – all children who sign up, regardless of skill level will be accepted into the program.
    • Due to coaching constraints participation may be limited and children may be on a wait list.
  • Format progresses throughout the season to prepare players for the following travel try-out season.
  • Most importantly this is arranged to HAVE FUN!  Keeping children interested in soccer is the primary focus!

Schedule

Fall

  • Training sessions: Led by a professional trainer twice a week (Aug – Oct)
  • Festivals: Four Festival events with expectation of player participation.  Teams will consist of mixed abilities and will be separated by gender when able. Sample schedule is listed below (actual schedule is TBD).
    • Festival 1 (September): Format will be 4v4 with no goalies.
    • Festivals 2 & 3 (October): Format will be 4v4 with no goalies.
    • Festival 4 (November): Format will be 7v7 (6 field players and a goalie)

Winter

  • Depending on the level of interest and availability of volunteer coaches, winter training sessions will be offered at a small additional fee, typically less than $40.
  • Teams will participate in the one (1) Winter Festival.  Teams will consist of mixed abilities and will be separated by gender when available. Location and format TBD.

Spring

  • Training Sessions: Depending on level of interest and availability of volunteer coaches the team will practice at least once per week.
  • Festivals: There will be 1-2 Festival events for player participation.  In preparation for travel tryouts, teams will be selected based on player abilities and will be separated by gender when able. Location TBD.
    • Festival(s): Format will be 7v7 (6 field players and a goalie).
    • Select Festival: Format will be 7v7 (6 field players and a goalie). Competitive event hosted by VSC at Upper Perkiomen High School.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the U8 ADVANCE Program I've been hearing about?

Yes! The Program changed names in 2019. The program is now called the U8 Player Development and Travel Preparation Program and is set-up to teach your child individual and team soccer skills and introduce both the child and parents to travel soccer.  

Is my child good enough to sign up?

The Program was formed with one of the intentions being eliminating the tryout/cut process currently associated with youth soccer. We feel no child U8 or under should be told they can’t play or be cut from a team. Kids develop physically at different times, and the focus of our program is to develop their skills properly so when they are fully developed teenagers they will have the necessary skill set. No child should have their future soccer career ended before it even has the chance to begin.

What is the benefit of training mixed ability players?
Players will benefit from the challenge that is presented through training with players of mixed abilities. Stronger players will be challenged to improve the level of play for all involved and weaker players will be challenged to compete with the stronger players. Not all activities will be mixed-ability; there will also be ability-based competitions where players are grouped with similar skill level players.
 
How will I know if my child will benefit from this program?

If your child has a love of the game and wants to be further challenged, they will benefit from our development philosophy, quality training sessions, varied game formats and qualified trainers and coaches. This program is designed to give your child the best opportunity for immediate improvement and future success in soccer.

Will my child be able to participate in all of the festivals?

All of the Fall and Winter festivals will be open to all participants in the program and with the small team sizes, each player will receive extended playing time. At least one of the Spring Festivals will have teams selected by the coaches based on the abilities the child has at the time of the event and based on their observation of the other participating clubs’ participant’s abilities.  Participation in this festival is not guaranteed as part of the program.