Q: What is travel soccer, and how is it different from recreational soccer?

A: "Travel" soccer refers to our club competitive program. Players participate in year-round training and compete in the Rochester District Youth Soccer League (RDYSL), playing against other clubs throughout Monroe County and the surrounding region. Recreational soccer is a summer-only program designed for general participation and exposure to soccer without the year-round commitment, while above club travel soccer are additional levels of Premier and Academy based travel teams, that feature higher levels of commitment, competition, travel and costs.

Q: Why should my child play travel soccer?

A: Travel soccer provides a structured environment for player development that goes well beyond what a recreational season can offer. Players receive consistent, high-quality coaching across a season that runs from late fall through summer. The benefits include:

• Skilled coaching focused on individual and team development.
• Competitive match experience against peers across the region.
• Opportunities to build lasting friendships and team chemistry.
• Development of character traits like discipline, communication, and resilience.
• A pathway for players who aspire to compete at the premier,  modified and high school levels and beyond.

Q: Who can try out?

A: Boys and girls ages U8 through U18 are welcome to try out. Tryouts are open to all players regardless of experience — you do not need to be a Brockport, Clarkson or Hamlin resident to participate – we’d love to have you no matter where you call home! If your child loves soccer and wants to improve, we encourage them to come out.

Tryouts for our youngest players (U8) are designed to be welcoming, not high-pressure. At this age, we focus on player development and fun. New families with questions are always welcome to reach out before tryouts.

Q: What is the competitive season commitment?

A: The Blizzards travel program is approximately a 10-month calendar, running from fall through the following July. This includes indoor training sessions (mid-October through early May), outdoor practices, RDYSL league games, and tournament play. Families should plan for weekly time commitments during both indoor and outdoor seasons.

Q: How do I know what age group my child belongs to?

A: Age group placement is determined by US Soccer's Age Matrix, which aligns to the school year. For the 2026-2027 season, please note that US Soccer reverted to school-year-based age groups — your players age group may have changed from prior seasons, however that does not mean they will play with a new team. Existing Brockport teams will be “grandfathered” in based on the goal of keeping teams as intact as possible from prior years, assuming no negative effects on team formation. The youngest ages potentially may see some adjustments.

* Age group definitions are established annually and may change from year to year. Always verify at rdysl.com/agematrix.htm.

Q: Can my child play up in an older age group?

A: Playing up is handled on a case-by-case basis – we understand with the new age matrix applying to all clubs this year, there may be some confusion around the matrix and how it may/may not impact a returning or new player. Please reach out before or during tryouts if you’d like to understand more on how the club plans to navigate the new matrix with your specific player.

Q: When and where are tryouts held?

A: Tryouts are held annually, typically during the last full week of July, at Sweden Town Park in Brockport, NY. Specific dates, times, and field assignments will be announced in advance. We strongly encourage all players to attend — it is in every player's best interest to be evaluated each year.

Please avoid scheduling family vacations during tryout week whenever possible.

Q: Is there a tryout fee?

A: Yes. There is a $25 non-refundable tryout/insurance fee due at registration. The good news: this $25 fee will be applied directly toward your annual dues if your child makes a team. Your season cost of $400 will be credited for that amount at the time of registration.

Q: What happens at tryouts? What should we expect?

A: Each player is evaluated by club coaches across small-sided games and skill activities. Coaches assess technical ability, soccer IQ, attitude, and coachability.

• Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to check in
• •  Team invitations are sent within one week after the final tryout date

Q: What should my child bring to tryouts?

• Cleats and shin guards (required)
• Age-appropriate soccer ball
• Water bottle
• Weather-appropriate clothing — we play through rain

Q: What if it rains on tryout day?

A: We play through rain. If tryouts are cancelled due to severe weather, registered families will be notified by email. A rain date will be used as needed.

Q: How are teams selected after tryouts?

A: Coaches and evaluators score players across multiple sessions. Final rosters are decided by the coaching staff in the week following tryouts, with notifications going out to families shortly after.

Q: What are the annual dues for the travel program?

A: Annual travel dues for the Brockport Blizzards are $400 per player for the 2026-2027 season. The $25 tryout fee paid at registration is credited toward this amount, so your remaining balance after making a team is $375.

Dues cover:

• Indoor and outdoor practice time (mid-October through July)
• RDYSL summer league fees
• NYSWYSA and league registration fees
• Field and training equipment at Sweden Town Park
• Referee fees

• Registration to the Brockport Tournament(s)

Q: What is NOT included in the annual dues?

• Club uniforms (ordered separately — details provided after team placement)
• Additional, tournament entry fees — most teams fundraise to join other local or regional tournaments (indoor & outdoor)
• Any optional indoor leagues or additional tournaments individual teams may choose to enter

Q: Are payment plans or financial assistance available?

A: Yes. We understand that participation costs can be a barrier for some families. Please contact a board member directly if you are experiencing financial hardship — we are committed to keeping soccer accessible for our community. All conversations are confidential.

Q: What is the refund policy?

A: The $25 tryout/insurance fee is non-refundable. Season dues, once committed, are generally non-refundable. The board may consider exceptions that arise from extenuating circumstances such as:

• Serious injury or illness
• Death in the family
• Family relocation

To request a refund consideration, please submit a written request to the board for review at the next scheduled board meeting.

Q: What does the full season look like?

Indoor Season (Mid-October through Early May)

• 1-2 weekly indoor practice sessions at local facilities
• Individual team training may also utilize school gym space as availability allows

Outdoor Season (May through July)

• Team practices held on weeknights or weekends, typically 2–3 times per week
• RDYSL league games begin mid-May and run through the end of July
• Most teams participate in 2–3 weekend tournaments in May–July (extra cost)

Q: Where do practices take place?

A: Outdoor practices and home games are held at Sweden Town Park. Indoor practice locations will be communicated by your team coach at the start of the indoor season (typically either TSE or the Dome on Route 104)..

Q: What is the RDYSL and how does league play work?

A: The Rochester District Youth Soccer League (RDYSL) is the primary competitive league for the Blizzards travel program. League games run from late May through the end of July.

• U8–U16 teams typically play 12 games per season (6 home, 6 away)
• U17–U18 teams play approximately 10 games
• Games are played throughout Monroe County and surrounding areas — travel distance varies based on divisional placement
• Schedules are posted through the team management app and will sync to your personal calendar

Q: Do we need to be Brockport residents to participate?

A: No. The Brockport Blizzards welcome players from Brockport, Sweden, Hamlin and all surrounding communities. You do not need to reside within a specific school district to try out or participate.

Q: How do I register or find out more?

A: Registration for tryouts opens online in advance of the July tryout window. Visit brockportsoccer.org for registration links, schedules, and club news. You can also reach us through the Contact Us page on the website or find us on Facebook at Brockport Soccer Club.

Q: How do I contact the club?

• Website: brockportsoccer.org
• Facebook: Brockport Soccer Club Inc.
• Mailing Address: Brockport Soccer Club, PO Box 121, Brockport, NY 14420

Board member contact information is listed on the website under Board of Directors.

Q: Where can I find game and practice schedules?

A: Schedules are managed through the TeamSnap platform. Once your player is rostered, you will receive an invitation to your team's TeamSnap page, where schedules, communications, and availability tracking are all managed. The app also syncs to your personal calendar.

Q: What is the Code of Conduct?

A: All players, parents, and coaches are expected to represent the Blizzards with respect and sportsmanship — toward referees, opponents, teammates, and coaching staff. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disciplinary action. A full Code of Conduct is available on the club website.