Which Program is Right for My Child?
Getting started with soccer can be overwhelming with so many different options to choose.
Recreation Soccer
Recreational Soccer is a good introduction to the sport and is great for kids trying out the game. It is also a great option for players who want to stay active and just have fun. Recreation soccer matches do not keep score, have volunteer parent coaches, and win and loss records are not recorded. Recreation soccer is a single season commitment. Simply show up, work on some skills, and have fun!
Travel Soccer
Our competitive soccer program (also called Travel Soccer or Community Soccer) is, for most players, an introduction to competitive soccer matches and serious training. It is a start for children who want to make soccer one of “their sports”.
Travel teams in North Ridgeville are coached by professional and licensed coaches (see our Coaches page for more information) and is for families looking for the next step after recreation soccer.
Most matches are held in communities less than 20 minutes from North Ridgeville including Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Elyria, Westlake, Fairview Park, Bay Village, Strongsville, North Olmsted and Olmsted Falls. Signing up for Travel is a year long commitment to play in the spring AND fall seasons. Practices are typically on Tuesday and Friday evenings with matches on Sundays.
A uniform kit is also required and purchased outside of the travel registration fees.
Why Should I Choose NRASL Travel for my Soccer Experience?
- For rising players who want to make the jump from recreation soccer to competitive soccer.
- For established players to play WITH and FOR YOUR COMMUNITY and friends.
- For club players to get extra touches and training.
- To get a jumpstart on preparation for playing at the high school level with access to the North Ridgeville High School coaching staff and developmental philosophy.
What is the Difference Between Club and Travel?
Navigating the Ohio soccer landscape can seem overwhelming at first. Most families often wonder if they are placing their child in the correct environment to learn and grow. There are three main differences between Travel and “Club” soccer:
1. The financial cost of club is often 5-7 times greater than Travel soccer.
2. Club soccer has access to higher level of play leagues than Travel (Community) soccer.
3. Travel requirements for Club are generally much higher than Travel soccer. Practices are generally not local and single matches can be in different states. Tournaments are also generally 2+ hours from home and require overnight stays.
Club soccer is a great environment for families looking for access to higher level competition and merit-based playing time. Many current and past NRASL board members have children that play club soccer at all of the league levels.
