Faqs

When is registration? – registration opens the end of May and runs through mid-August.  Teams are formed late July, however if you register late there may not be open spots on teams thus register early if possible along with avoiding the late fee on registering.

When is Fall Recreation Soccer start? – Typically the first day of practices will be on August 1st and the season is typically over by November 1st.

When are the first games? – Valley United holds an Opening Day, which is the weekend (Saturday) before the Labor Day Weekend. 

Player Equipment Needed – the player must have/wear shin guards and soccer cleats are highly recommended. A soccer ball is recommended for all players. 

Soccer Ball Size – U8 = Size 3, U12/U10 = Size 4, U19/U17/U14 = Size 5

Player Equipment Provided – Valley United provides a Home (White) and Away (Green) jersey, shorts and pair of socks to all players.  The uniform is included as part of the registration fee.

Who coaches teams? – Valley United Recreational is a volunteer run program and coaches are typically parents of players.  We ask that parents get involved to help make the experience the best it can be.  Professional staff will assist new coaches with practice plans and help with practice sessions. 

How teams are formed – The Valley United Recreational Director in conjunction with Division Coordinators select the teams.  Player placement requests are allowed however they are the sole discretion of the Recreational Director as he/she must be able to balance out teams with appropriate player numbers and skill sets.  Typically the younger age (U8/U10) requests will be honored as these age groups are developmental compared to the older age groups which are more competitive.  Late registrations make it harder for player requests especially if teams are already formed.

Age Cut Off Dates – Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) and U.S Youth Soccer utilize the year of birth (January 1 – December 31). 

County Age Groups – U8, U10, U12, U14, U17, U19

Practices - Usually 1 - 3 practices a week (including Saturdays).  After Opening Day practices may be less because of games.  Each team’s practice schedule is at the discretion of the coach.

Games – U8 is an in house league with most games on Saturday morning, on occasion games will be played on weeknights.  U10 and above divisions are played on weeknights and weekends as part of the Roanoke County Parks/Recreation program. 

Practice Locations – Merriman Soccer Complex, Starkey Park North/South, Back Creek Elementary, and Clearbrook Elementary. 

Game Locations – U8 Division played at Starkey South (formerly Merriman Soccer Field #4), U10 and above played through-out County/City/Botetourt depending on age group.  Home games played at Valley United practice locations.  U10 Divisions typically play most of their games at Starkey Park North (Baseball Field #4) or Clearbrook as Valley United usually have a large number of U10 teams.