What is the time commitment for Travel soccer?

Travel soccer demands a fairly large time commitment since our soccer year extends from August to June.  Players should not enter a Travel soccer program without the expectation of attending at least 75% of practices and 90% of games.  Travel soccer does not usually interfere with after school activities; however, occasional evening games on school nights do occur, as do multi-game weekends. Our Club supports all efforts and communications by the US Youth Soccer Association to caution against the over-scheduling of young athletes.

In addition, our Club requires every family on each Travel Team work their volunteer hours at the Palatine Celtic Cup and have one volunteer per team on a Palatine Celtic Cup committee.

Is Palatine Celtic Soccer run by the Palatine Park District?

Our Club is one of several Palatine Park District affiliates using public fields and operating in partnership with the PPD.  Field use policy, residency requirements, and other strategic decisions are made in collaboration with the Park District.  The volunteers on the Club’s Board of Directors primarily manage our Club’s operations, with assistance from the Park District Staff.

Is club soccer expensive?

We feel our packages, with prices ranging from $700-$800 per year, are very reasonable and still offer an excellent level of training and competition that matches with and even exceeds other clubs in the area.  To help offset the costs, individual families will have numerous opportunities to conduct fundraising efforts and help cover their expenses.

What kinds of fundraising opportunities are available?

 Club-wide fundraising opportunities will be available such as Palatine Celtic Cup ad sales, selling value cards, or selling sports memorabilia to name a few.

How are Travel teams formed?

Our Club conducts open tryouts following a process recommended by the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.  To help ensure accurate, objective player ratings, our professional coaches along with an independent evaluator conduct every age group’s tryout.  Tryout results are announced by a postcard mailing, and in some situations, direct contact by the coach to players via telephone.

Should I insist my child try out for a Travel team?

No.  Travel soccer, and club sports in general, is best suited for aggressive, athletically minded children who thrive on competition.  Most children playing House or recreational soccer are aware of the Travel Program by the end of their second grade year.  Because of the tremendous time commitment on the part of the players, we encourage parents to let their children decide whether or not to try out.

What’s this big tournament on Labor Day Weekend?

For over 23 years, our Club has hosted the Palatine Celtic Cup, widely recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious Travel youth soccer tournaments in the state.  All our Travel teams participate and all Travel parents serve as volunteers.  In turn, this tournament provides fundraising opportunities for our teams and generates income which benefits our Club as a whole.