This team aspires to compete at the highest level of league, state, regional and national play. This team will always seek the finest opponents to play so as to be measured against the best. Our reach will always exceed our grasp.
This is a professionally coached team. The coach decides all issues related to player selection and game play, starting assignments, playing time, substitutions and positions. The coach never has and will never promise wins or standing in league or tournament play. His focus at this age is to deliver the most knowledgeable, accomplished and spirited soccer players possible at maturity.
Parents are encouraged to discuss any issues pertaining to coaching and their player’s participation on the team with the coach, except on game days.
Parents are always encouraged to seek opportunities to raise the level of their player’s play and should seriously consider the coach’s suggestions for additional training or other activities that will improve their player’s performance and thus enhance the overall level of team play.
This team will play the year round. In addition to regular fall and spring league play, players are expected to participate in winter league play, winter clinics and summer camps. This team will seek the top local and regional tournaments to attend. Summer regional play is at this time an option many teammates will participate in. The Virginia State Cup and – we hope – a trip to the Region 1 and National Championships - will always be on our agenda.
Routine practices during season play will be a minimum of four to five hours each week, to be adjusted at the coach’s discretion or as circumstances warrant. Practices prior to the beginning of each season may be longer. Cancelled practices will be rescheduled with an attempt to accommodate the coach and a majority of players.
Financial commitment to this team will be significant and has been $1,800 in 03/04 and $2,000 in 04/05. This figure can fall significantly depending on the success of fundraising. These costs reflect league and ATSC fees, the coach’s salary, tournaments, technical skills clinics and camps, indoor soccer, costs incurred for scholarship players and other incidental expenses. The Venom will not turn away players based on financial need. Fees do not include expenses related to tournament accommodations and travel costs. There may be opportunities for players to participate in tournaments that are not covered in the fee structure.
Parental involvement in support of team objectives is necessary and will go beyond getting their children to games and practices. There are a great many duties requiring parents to plan and organize. We currently have a great parent mix. We will maintain that esprit de corps because our families sustain us.
