pre-travel program
6-12 years old
Created for aspiring U7 to U12 soccer players preparing for the shift to Competitive soccer.
Focus is on developing technical ability, game understanding, and a love for the game in a fun, challenging environment.
Train with purpose. Compete with confidence. Prepare for the highest level. ⚽
Overview
The Pre-Travel Program at Herndon Youth Soccer is the bridge between recreational soccer and the competitive travel pathway.
Designed for motivated U7–U12 (6 to 12 year-olds) players, Pre-Travel introduces higher training intensity, structured team concepts, and small-sided game competition, while maintaining a strong focus on individual technical growth.
Technical Foundation First
Ball mastery, 1v1 confidence, and comfort in tight spaces remain the priority.
Introduction to Team Structure
Players begin learning positional awareness, spacing, and basic tactical principles in 7v7 environments.
Professional Coaching
Sessions are led by experienced coaches aligned with the club’s long-term development model.
Competitive Environment
Players are challenged appropriately, preparing them for play at the highest level.
Mission & Purpose
Mission:
Prepare young players for competitive soccer through high-quality coaching, structured training, and positive competition.
Purpose:
Challenge players ready for more than recreational play, while increasing technical skills, soccer IQ, and love for the game without the full competitive travel commitment.
How does Pre Travel bridge the gap?
Professional and competitive travel training environment aligned with recreational seasonal commitment and schedule.
Goals & Objectives
The Pre-Travel phase is a developmental bridge between recreational soccer and full travel competition. It is intentionally structured around long-term player development, not short-term results.
- Technical Skills: Ball control, dribbling, passing, shooting, defending.
- Tactical Awareness: Spacing, movement, attacking/defending as a team.
- Game Intelligence: Smart decision-making and problem-solving.
- Growth Mindset: Confidence, resilience, and effort.
- Long-Term Development: Smooth transition to competitive travel soccer program when ready.
Core Skills
At the Pre-Travel stage, development must remain player-centered and technically driven. Results are secondary. The objective is to build tools that scale into 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 environments later.
- Dribbling: All surfaces of the foot, moves like scissors and stepovers.
- Passing & Receiving: One-touch play, controlling with different surfaces.
- Shooting: Finishing from various angles, under pressure.
- Ball Mastery: Juggling, footwork, balance, and comfort on the ball.
- First Touch: Soft, directional control to set up the next action.
- Tactical Play: 1v1, 2v2, small-group tactics, spacing, transitions.
- Mental Skills: Decision-making, awareness, resilience.
- Social Skills: Teamwork, communication, leadership.
Program Structure
Spring Season
- Begins 1st week of March and concludes 1st week of June
Fall Season
- Begins 2nd week of August and concludes 2nd week of November
Families may choose:
- One-Day Option: Tuesday or Thursday training
- Two-Day Option: Tuesday & Thursday training
Sessions are led by the Program Director and licensed travel coaches, following the club’s established methodology and age-specific curriculum.
Weekend Games
- Games played Saturday or Sunday
- Small-sided format (5v5 > 7v7) appropriate to age group
Registration & Cost
U7–U8 Pre Travel Program
- One-Day (16–18 sessions: 10 practices + 6–8 games): $225
- Two-Day (26–28 sessions: 20 practices + 6–8 games): $375
- Uniform Fee: $30 (2 jerseys)
U9–U12 Pre Travel Program
- One-Day (10 practices): $175
- Two-Day (20 practices): $250
- Uniform Fee: $30 (2 jerseys)