The Valley AFC Recreational Soccer Program, in conjunction with the Roanoke County Parks & Recreation Department, is the best way for children from 6-18 years old to be introduced to and cultivate a love for soccer. Children of all ages are coached to learn basic soccer skills in an environment that supports sportsmanship and healthy competition.

Eligibility

As much as we would like to accept any child into our program, there are certain restrictions placed on our club by the local youth sports organizations. Valley AFC Recreational Soccer is open to all youth aged U7-U19 who reside within the boundary lines for the following elementary schools:

• Back Creek
• Bent Mountain
• Cave Spring
• Clearbrook
• Green Valley
• Oak Grove
• Penn Forest

Residents of other parts of Roanoke County, Roanoke City and Salem City need to contact their Parks and Recreation Department to locate a club that serves their area. 

Exception to the above jurisdictional requirements: If you attend a public county school within Roanoke County that is within our jurisdictional boundaries, but do not live in this area, you may participate on a Valley AFC Roanoke County team. However, you will be assessed an extra athletic fee by Roanoke County which allows you to participate in all youth sport programs in Roanoke County.

Valley AFC Recreational Fall Soccer Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 1^st and the season is typically over by November 1^st.

When are the first games? – Valley AFC holds an Opening Day, which is the weekend (Saturday) before the Labor Day Weekend.  For example for the Fall 2019 Season, Opening Day will be August 24, 2019.

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 AFC 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 AFC 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 AFC 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 AFC practice locations.  U10 Divisions typically play most of their games at Starkey Park North (Baseball Field #4) or Clearbrook as Valley AFC usually have a large number of U10 teams.