A natural extension to our in-house program, Travel Soccer is an important part of soccer in Bethel Park. The primary goal of BPSA Travel Soccer is development of players from 9 to 14 years old in the game of soccer. 

Our program's objective is to provide all Bethel Park youth an opportunity to learn and compete in organized soccer, nurture and encourage their development in a fun and engaging environment, and provide and opportunity to play quality competitive soccer. The program provides talented and promising players enhanced exposure to the game, the opportunity for quality coaching and the chance to compete against teams of similar talent.

Bethel Park Soccer Association Travel teams are members of US Youth Soccer and PA West District 4 - South and follow the rules and regulations of PAWest, US Youth Soccer and its affiliated organizations.  

What to expect from Travel Soccer

• Age Groups - BPSA regularly fields teams in the Under 10 thru Under 13 age groups (see age chart below), with older teams depending on interest. Teams are typically made up of one birth year, and may also include players one year younger.
• Genders - Boys and girls are on separate teams and complete against their respective gender. Girls are allowed to play on boys teams in our league, so while BPSA doesn't form coed teams, our opponents sometimes do.
• Seasons - Travel soccer is played in two seasons of about 8 games. The fall season practice starts in August with games in September, October, and early November. The spring season practice starts in March with games in April, May, and early June. 
• Leagues - Teams will play in leagues based on ability with Division 4 being the highest caliber of travel play. Younger teams typically start out in Division 5 or 6. 
• Games - Games are held on Sunday afternoons. We typically have about  4 home and 4 away games each season.
• Away Game Locations - Teams in Divisions 5 & 6 will travel to other communities in SWPA. Typical travel time is 30-45 minutes. We travel to communities in south and west Allegheny County, Washington County, Greene County, Fayette County, Wheeling, WV, Steubenville, OH, and Morgantown, WV. Division 4 teams will likely travel greater distances to play against other select teams.
• Practice - Team training sessions are typically twice a week for 1.5 hours per session. Training days and times are set by the team's coach.
  
• Evaluations - All BPSA players in age groups U9 to U12 are required to evaluate in their birth year group. Travel teams are formed by the BPSA Travel Committee based on the results of evaluations and appropriate roster sizes at the different age groups.
• Team and Roster Creation - Rosters are created using several factors including the player's age, the number of players in their age group, their prior travel teams, coaching feedback, and player's assessed skills. A skill assessment is typically held in late spring. Roster sizes are determined for development purposes - the BPSA prefers to not 'max-out' rosters. 
• Uniforms - Players are required to purchase a uniform jersey, shorts and matching socks. The cost of the uniform is typically about $60.
• Fundraising - BPSA runs a Lottery Calendar fundraiser once per season.
• Free Flights - U9 & U10 travel players should continue to play with their Saturday Flight teams and are provided free registration to Flights.
• Time and Schedule Commitment - We understand that not all players can make a commitment to 100% of games and practices. We hope for at least 50% participation, with 75%+ being ideal. 
• Season Commitment - The BPSA Travel Program is a fall and spring commitment. Flexibility in making it possible for all Bethel Park youth to play soccer is also a priority. Please contact our Travel Soccer Coordinator if you have questions about this commitment.
• Spring Season Registration - Travel teams are formed before the previous Fall season. Additional players for the Spring season may be considered on a case by case basis. Players who wish to start in the Travel program during a spring season should contact the Travel Soccer Coordinator or the appropriate age group coach. Team rosters are limited based upon PA West guidelines.
• U13 and Older Players/Teams - Players U13 and over are not required to evaluate and teams will be formed based on availability, level of play, and coach discretion.

For more information about travel soccer please contact Travel Soccer Coordinator.

Please use this chart to see the age brackets mandated by US Youth Soccer.

 

Age Group Team Guide
Age	Max Roster	Sides	Ball Size
U13+	18	11 v 11	5
U12	16	9 v 9	4
U11	16	9 v 9	4
U10	12	7 v 7	4

Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments.

For registration questions or issues please email [email protected].

The mission of the Bethel Park Soccer Association is to provide a quality soccer program at a fun and competitive level for the residents of Bethel Park, PA.  The association is a member of PA West, the governing body for soccer in Western Pennsylvania, and adheres to all ethical rules set forth by that governing body.  As such, BPSA has high expectation for adherence to the Code of Conduct by all coaches, players, parents and spectators participating in the program.