The Foundation Phase
From first kicks to elite foundations. Where joy meets development.
Rooted in access and community, we create age-appropriate, professional learning environments where imagination, movement, and the ball shape opportunity for every player’s journey.
U6 Grassroots Academy
The Entry Point
- Open to All
- Saturday Mornings Only
- Small Groups (2v2/3v3)
- Fun & Movement Focus
U8 Academy
Technical Foundation
- Open to All
- 2 Trainings (Tues/Thurs)
- 1 Match Day (Weekends)
- VUFC Staff Coaching
U10 Academy
Advanced Development
- Assessment Required
- 2 Trainings (Mon/Wed)
- 1 Match Day (Weekends)
- Accelerated Game IQ
U10 Elite Academy
Team Full
- Travel Soccer Intro
- Rosters Set for Spring
- 3x Weekly Training
The Pathway
A clear progression plan designed to nurture players from their first touch to elite competition.
U4 Grassroots
*Coming this Fall*U6 Grassroots
Intro to SoccerU8 Academy
Technical BaseU10 Academy
AdvancedU10 Elite
Pre-TravelMatch Day & Focus
Explore how the game environment and coaching focus evolve with your child's age.
The Weekend
Curriculum Focus
Program Specifics
| Feature | U6 Grassroots Open | U8 Academy Open | U10 Academy
Assess
Select
|
U10 Elite Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Eligibility | U5 - U6 | U7 - U8 | U9 - U10 | U10 Only |
| Weekday Practice with VUFC Staff | - | Tue & Thu | Mon & Wed | 3x Week (Closed) |
| Weekend Environment | Saturday (Training & SSG) | 1 Match Day | 1 Match Day | Match Day / Trnmts |
| Match Type | Small Sided Games | Intrasquad & External | Intrasquad & External | League Play |
| Cost | $100 / season | $225 / season | $300 / season | TBA |
Expectations & Conduct
Master Coach
Orchestrates the session, manages pool movement for parity, and directs park-wide tempo via a centralized horn. Provides professional demos.
Staff Coaches
Leads Academy/Elite squads with technical expertise. Focuses on seasonal progression and individualized feedback within the team model.
Facilitators
Mirrors demos in individual grids. Manages "on-the-fly" subs and ensures the "Magic Ball" stays in motion to maximize touches.
Players
Arrive ready with proper gear. Focus during demos, give maximum effort in matches, and respect teammates, coaches, and officials.
Parents
Ensure punctuality. Encourage effort rather than results. Trust the developmental process and maintain professional silence during play.
Spectators
Remain in the supportive perimeter zones. Cheer for both teams' efforts and foster a joyful, non-critical environment.
Family FAQ
What is Pool Play?
We use standard "Player Pools" rather than fixed teams. This allows our coaching staff to group players by ability and developmental needs for each specific session, ensuring every player is challenged appropriately.
How are teams formed?
For all formats, staff have the flexibility to create balanced teams to maximize playing time. This ensures competitive balance and appropriate numbers for matches.
What does the club provide?
Every player receives a VA United FC Training Top. This top should be worn to every session to foster club identity.
What equipment do we need?
Shin guards (under socks), water, and proper ball size (Size 3 for ages 2.5-8, Size 4 for ages 9-10). Flat athletic shoes are preferred for discovery players on the turf.
Important Program Dates
| M - Dev. Acad + Acad | T - U10 Elite Only | W - Academy + Elite | Th - U10 Elite Only | F | Sat. Match Day | Sun. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WK 1 | March 2 | March 3 | March 4 | March 5 | - | March 7 | - |
| WK 2 | March 9 | March 10 | March 11 | March 12 | - | March 14 | - |
| WK 3 | March 16 | March 17 | March 18 | March 19 | - | March 21 | - |
| WK 4 | March 23 | March 24 | March 25 | March 26 | - | March 28 | - |
| WK 5 | March 30 | March 31 | April 1 | April 2 | - | April 4 | - |
| WK 6 | April 6 | April 7 | April 8 | April 9 | - | April 11 | - |
| WK 7 | April 13 | April 14 | April 15 | April 16 | - | April 18 | - |
| WK 8 | April 20 | April 21 | April 22 | April 23 | - | April 25 | - |
| Make Up | April 27 | April 28 | April 29 | April 30 | - | May 2 | - |
| Make Up | May 4 | May 5 | May 6 | May 7 | - | May 9 | - |
| - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - |
| Match Time Slots | Saturdays | ||||||
| U3-U4 | 9AM-10AM | KSP 2 | ||||||
| U5-U6 | 10AM-11AM | KSP 2 | ||||||
| U7-U8 | 11:30AM-12:30PM | KSP 2 | ||||||
| U9-U10 | 1:15PM-2:15PM | KSP 2 | ||||||
| - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - | - - - - |
| Training Time / Location | M - Dev. Acad + Acad | T - U10 Elite Only | W - Acad. + U10 Elite | Th - U10 Elite Only | F | Sat. | |
| U5-U6 | 5PM - 6PM | KSP 2 | - | - | ||||
| U7-U8 | 5PM - 6PM | KSP 2 | - | 5PM - 6PM | KSP 2 | ||||
| U9-U10 | 6PM - 7PM | KSP 2 | 6PM - 7PM | KSP 2 | 6PM - 7PM | KSP 2 | 6PM - 7PM | KSP 2 |
Player Checklist
- VA United FC Training Top (Provided)
- Shin Guards (Required)
- Size 3 Soccer Ball - U4 - U8
- Size 4 Soccer Ball - U9 - U10
- Water Bottle
- Shorts & Socks
- Cleats (optional for Age 2.5-4)
We Need You!
Our Grassroots & Development Academy programs are powered by parent volunteers.
No experience? No problem! We provide everything you need to succeed.
- Weekly session plans & curriculum
- Balls, cones, and pinnies provided
- Ongoing support by our Grassroots Director & Master Coach
Financial Assistance
VA United FC provides need-based aid to help offset program registration fees.
- How to Apply: Submit your application through PlayMetrics.
- Pro Tip: Submit early so your financial aid package is ready when tryout offers go out.
- Confidentiality: Your privacy is our priority; all data is kept strictly secure.