Spring 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.
Grassroots Academy
Igniting the Passion
- Open to All(5 & 6 Years)
- 1 Session / Week (Sat AM)
- Fun Training + Small Sided Games
- Professional Oversight
U8 Academy
Bridge to Competition
- Open to All(7 & 8 Years)
- 2 Trainings (Tue/Thu) + Wknd Match
- VUFC Staff Coaching
- Skill Mastery & Team Concepts
U10 Academy
Pre-Travel Development
- Assessment Required(9 & 10 Yrs)
- 2 Trainings (Mon/Wed) + Wknd Match
- Tactical Introduction & Technical Speed
- Professional Staff
Elite Academy
The Pinnacle
- Registration Closed
- 3 Trainings + Travel League
- High-Performance Standards
Weekend Match Day
See how the game environment scales with your child's age this Spring.
Universal Rules
Positive sideline culture • Sub on the fly • No Heading • Focus on development over score.
Why Small Sided?
- More touches on the ball per player.
- Simpler decisions to build confidence.
Program Specifics
| Feature | U6 Grassroots Open | U8 Academy Open | U10 Academy
Assess
Assessment Req.
|
U10 Elite Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ages | 5 & 6 Years | 7 & 8 Years | 9 & 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Training Schedule w/ VUFC Staff | Saturday AM only | Tue / Thu | Mon / Wed | M/T/Th |
| Weekend Match | Training + Games (Sat) | 1 Game (Sat) | 1 Game (Sat) | 1-2 Games |
| Game Format | 2v2 / 3v3 | 4v4 / 5v5 | 7v7 | 7v7 |
| Cost | $100 / season | $175 / season | $285 / season | $750 / year |
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 (2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 7v7), staff have the flexibility to create balanced teams upon arrival to maximize playing time, or roster teams a week or two in advance. This ensures competitive balance and appropriate numbers.
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 U4-U8, 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.