Travel Soccer

Travel soccer offerings at FC Ellicott City include both boys and girls beginning with our U8 travel all the way through our U19 travel teams. FC Ellicott City’s technical staff are soccer professionals who have played, coached and excelled at the highest levels which allows that experience to make sound and educated soccer decisions for all players in the club. Below we outline some initial information regarding FC Ellicott City’s travel team program.

REGISTER FOR TRAVEL TRYOUTS

FC Ellicott City Travel Overview 2026/2027 Seasonal Year


FC Ellicott City Travel Team Structure

  • FC Ellicott City offers three levels of travel teams within each age group to ensure the right environment for every player’s development:

Elite (First Team)

  • This is the top team in each age group. Elite teams are made up of the highest-performing and most committed players. They train and compete at the highest level available, with a focus on advanced development. 

Premier (Second Team)

  • Premier teams are strong, competitive teams for players continuing to develop toward the Elite level. These teams train in a challenging environment and compete in competitive leagues, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and progression.

United (Third Team)

  • United teams provide a structured and supportive travel experience focused on development, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. These teams compete at an appropriate level while helping players build skills and grow within the club.

Overall Philosophy

  • All three levels are part of one club pathway, with opportunities for players to move between teams as they develop.


Training Environment

  • City coaches are professional, experienced, and licensed- Minimum of 2 team practices per week run by the team coach- Winter Technical/Agility Training- Goalkeeping Training for goalkeepers in the club
  • Minimum of 2 team practices per week run by the team coach
  • Winter Training for small sided teams - U8- U12. 
  • Goalkeeping Training for goalkeepers in the club


Leagues

  • FC Ellicott City coaches and leadership will place travel teams in leagues and divisions that will provide an appropriate level of competition
  • FC Ellicott City teams will participate in local leagues with games primarily within a 1-hour radius with home games scheduled in Howard County
  • There will be an average of 8 league games in the fall season and 8 league games in the spring season


Tournaments

  • All teams will be placed in 4 tournaments/events per year
  • Tournament events determined by the teams coach and club directors
  • State Cup Competitions are a potential option for selected teams


FC Ellicott City Team Fees Fund

  • League Fees
  • Tournament/Event Fees
  • Referee Fees
  • Field Rental Fee’s
  • Club wide goalkeeping and technical/agility training
  • Coaches Fees
  • Travel Player registration and team rostering
  • **FC Ellicott City uniforms are a separate cost (Soccer.com is our clubs retailer)


FC Ellicott City Club Dues Fund

  • Administrative Costs
  • Risk Management/Background Screenings for all coaching staff
  • Off-the-Field educational opportunities
  • Club Insurance
  • Equipment Purchases
  • Coaching Education
  • All Travel team players receive a club customized soccer ball


Club Benefits and Off-the-Field Opportunities

  • Written Player Feedback from the team’s head coach
  • Sports Counseling available as needed
  • Mental Health Awareness
  • Special Needs Clinics – Volunteer Opportunities


International Travel (Optional)

  • FC Ellicott City will organize international trips to play in the Gothia Cup for interested teams and players in the U13-U15 age groups. Participants will experience the worlds largest youth soccer tournament which is held in Gothenburg, Sweden in mid-July 2027. Information for the 2027 tournament will be sent out to families at a later time.

  • Are Tryouts Required?

    Yes. Tryouts are required for all travel teams U8 - U18 and are scheduled and posted on the website once times and locations are confirmed.  All age group coaches and other FC Ellicott City coaching staff members are at tryouts to provide input to select the teams. 

  • Who Coaches?

    Our local coaches are selected by the clubs leadership staff and are USSF licensed coaches who have experience working with youth players of all ages. Background checks are mandatory on all coaching staff members in the club in all programs, to include assistant coaches. 

  • Travel Program Length:

    The Travel team program begins in mid to late August and plays through the month of May.

  • Practice Frequency:

    Travel teams will practice a minimum of 2 times per week, in fall, winter, and spring seasons. Optional technical sessions will be available at selected times during the seasonal year. 

  • Games/Leagues:

    FC Ellicott match days are played on the weekend typically Saturday or Sunday.  League schedules are finalized about 2-3 weeks prior to both the fall and spring seasons. Club staff will determine the appropraite league level of play following the tryout process. 

  • Uniforms:

    Our club's uniform supplier is Adidas.  Our retailer is Soccer.com  The players in the club are required to purchase new uniforms every two years.  Fill in uniform options are available every year.

  • Program Fees:

    Our Travel program fees are all-inclusive and include team fee’s, club dues, tournament fees, technical training, facilities and more. The clubs’ costs are all-inclusive and cover all on and off the field expenses to operate the club.  Uniforms are a separate cost incurred by the participating families.

  • Financial Aid:

    Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify.  If you hope to receive financial aid, please complete the financial aid questionnaire and submit your request to the financial committee for review.