Travel Teams

Welcome to the NPSL Travel Soccer League Website. All you need to know about NPSL Travel Soccer is available here, or through the provided links. Addtional key information can be found under the Travel Info Packet.

Misson Statement:

“Niagara Pioneer F.C. Travel Program Key Objectives:

1. Development: To impart soccer knowledge and improve soccer skills through player training and instruction.

2. Sportsmanship: To foster a desire in each player to emulate fairplay, respect, and sportsmanship on and off the field.

3. Competiveness: To encourage each individual player to perform to their maximum potential at a competitive level. “

The NPSL board recently passed the below outlined Volunteer Proposal regarding Volunteer Opt-Out Payment/Deposit for the 2011 season:

A registration policy for travel players, beginning with the 2011 registration requiring each family, regardless of the number of family members playing in our program, to select either to pay an additional $40 at registration and opt-out of volunteer service, or to remit the $40, as a refundable deposit and agree to volunteer.  Upon completion of their volunteer service, the Volunteer Coordinator, through their Team Manager, will provide the family with a refundable voucher which can be utilized upon registering family members in the subsequent season, or may be submitted to the Treasurer of the League for a refund, if no players from that family register for the subsequent season.

Tracking volunteer commitments will be the responsibility of the individual team mangers, reported through the Volunteer Coordinator to the Board of Directors. We will post volunteer opportunities on our website.

Travel Team Signup Dates:
June 26th, 10:00am to 12:30pm – Red Brick
July 10th and 11th, 12pm to 5pm – Fort Niagara – Near the Niagara Pioneer Tent
July 15th , 6pm to 8pm – House League PicNic at Fort Niagara

Tryout Dates for the 2011 Season:
Saturday July 24 from 9-11 am
Sunday July 25 from 6-8 pm
Saturday July 31 from 9-11 am
Sunday August 1 from 6-8 pm

Most travel rosters are complete for the 2010 season. Please contact Alessandro Renzi for information.

What is travel soccer?
Travel soccer is a more competitive level of soccer than the opportunities available through our House League. The NPSL Travel Soccer Club is affiliated with Buffalo & Western New York Junior Soccer League and the New York State West Youth Soccer Association.

Who is eligible?
Eligibility is determined by birth date. The general rule to follow is the age of the player on August 1 of the current summer season. If a player is 12 years old before August 1, he or she is eligible to play on an U12 team. However, if a player turns 13 before the August 1 deadline, he or she must play on the U13 team for that summer season. NPSL encourages players to play at their age level, but in some situations, a player may be better served playing on an older team. The NPSL policy on playing up outlines the process that must be followed in the event a player wants to be considered for an older team.

Are there tryouts for NPSL travel soccer?
Yes! We will register people for tryouts on June 26th, 10:00am to 12:30pm at the Youngstown Red Brick School, July 10th and 11th, 12pm to 5pm at Fort Niagara, mear the Niagara Pioneer Tent and July 15th, 6pm to 8pm at the House League Picnic at Fort Niagara. Tryout dates are Saturday July 24 from 9-11 am, Sunday July 25 from 6-8 pm, Saturday July 31 from 9-11 am, and Sunday August 1 from 6-8 pm.

This strategy allows coaches to work with players during the winter months and to participate in indoor soccer if there is sufficient interest. Tryout dates appear in local newspapers, and are announced in the Lewiston-Porter School District.

When possible, a second team in an age group will be formed to accommodate additional players. However, some players may not make the travel team. Those players not making the travel team are encouraged to continue to develop their soccer skills, participate in house league, and in winter soccer.

How far do you travel?
The travel league for Buffalo and Western New York includes teams from north, east, and south of the Buffalo metropolitan area. Clubs playing in the travel league last year included Kenmore, Lockport, Grand Island, Lancaster, Akron, Amherst, Niagara Falls, and Clarence.

When is the season?
The travel soccer season begins in early May and ends in early August. Typically, U10 teams play on Friday evening, U12 teams play on Monday evening, U14 teams play on Tuesday evening, U16 teams play on Thursday evening, and U19 plays on Wednesday evening.

How often do travel teams practice?
A travel team’s practice schedule is determined by the coach of the team. Most coaches attempt to practice at least once or twice during the week at the Fort Niagara facility.

How much of a time commitment is travel soccer?
Players and parents are asked to make a commitment to the travel team. A player’s commitment includes outdoor and indoor training, scrimmages, games, and tournaments. A parent’s commitment includes providing transportation to practices and games, and volunteering to help with field and equipment maintenance.

What are the costs of NPSL travel soccer?
NPSL soccer costs $135.00 for the spring-summer season. The cost includes the fees NPSL pays to BWNYSL, a home and away uniform with socks and shorts, and equipment for the team. In addition, NPSL sponsors a tournament in July at the Fort, and teams can participate in two additional tournaments with NPSL travel paying the tournament registration fees.

What is the NPSL refund policy?
If a player is not rostered on a team after tryouts, the fee of $135.00 will be returned in full.  If a player is rostered on a team but opts not to play for that team, there is no refund.  If a player is rostered on a NPSL travel team and cannot participate due to unforeseen circumstances a full refund can occur on or before November 1st, and a 50% refund can occur after November 1st and on or before May 1st.

How do I register my child?
Click here for a registration form. Please complete the form and forward with supporting documentation and payment to the address on the form.