Valley AFC Arsenal News 

Freedom Soccer Club to join Valley AFC 

Valley AFC is pleased to announce that upon the conclusion of the spring season, the Freedom Soccer Club will become part of the Valley AFC Arsenal Travel Program. The combined resources will improve player development and further extend programs to our players in the Roanoke Valley.

John Faircloth, Valley AFC’s Director of Soccer, believes that “each club has a shared philosophy of player development. It makes sense for our clubs to come together in order to offer the best possible soccer opportunities for families in the Roanoke Valley.” Otis Chambers, FSC’s President, believes that “having a dedicated Director of Soccer and professional coaching staff allows our players to maximize their potential.”

Founded 27 years ago, Valley AFC’s motto is “Soccer For All”. The club provides Arsenal Travel, Recreational Soccer, Indoor Futsal and Soccer Schools, Clinics & Camps. The club has over 1,200 players from around the Roanoke Valley making it one of the largest soccer programs in southwest Virginia.
 

• Arsenal Travel Handbook
• About Arsenal Travel

 

FAQ’s

Q. Why is FSC becoming part of Valley AFC?
A. FSC has relied solely on volunteers to run the club which limits the club’s ability to grow. Valley AFC has a Director of Soccer, paid administrator and a professional coaching staff. This allows the club to make the primary focus on player development and improving the clubs operation.

Q. Will FSC board members and parents have input at Valley AFC?
A. Yes. We are constantly striving to improve our club and welcome input from all of our parents. Immediately Otis Chambers, Sean Goldsmith, Jason Huntley & Jeff Simpson will join Valley AFC’s Travel Committee to ensure that there is a voice from the area.

Q. Will FSC change its name?
A. Yes.  FSC will become Valley AFC Arsenal.

Q. When & where will tryouts be held?
A. Tryouts will be held at the Merriman Soccer Complex in Roanoke. U15-U18’s will tryout the week of May 16th and the U11-U14’s will tryout the week of May 23rd. Players must register for tryouts.

• Select "New Travel Player" when registering
• Select the appropriate FSC team for "Current VAFC/FSC Travel Team"
• Detailed tryout information and the link to register for tryouts can be found here>>

Q: What will Valley AFC Arsenal fees be for former FSC players?
A: The fees will be the same as the rest of Valley AFC with one exception. Former FSC players that have already played U15 or above, will have their fee locked at $300 for the remainder of their time at Valley AFC.

• U11-U12: $415 (covers fall & spring seasons)
• U13-U14: $465 (covers fall & spring seasons)
• U15-U18: $395
   

Q. Will new uniforms need to be purchased?
A.  Yes.  However, former Freedom players will be able to use their white jerseys next year.  Green jerseys, shorts and socks will need to be purchased.  This will help to keep the initial cost down.  White jerseys will still be available for purchase.

Q. Do we need to purchase new soccer bags and warm-ups?
A. No.  They will be available for purchase, but this is an optional purchase.

Q: Will teams be combined from Valley AFC and former FSC players?
A: If there are sufficient numbers from the area, we will keep geographic teams together. They will train and play locally. If there aren’t sufficient numbers we will vary the practice location to accommodate where players live.
 
Q. How many practices will there be?
A. Generally speaking, teams practice twice a week for 1 ½ hours during the regular season. Valley AFC also provides an optional third training session (Skills & Keeper). Valley AFC also conducts winter training.

If you have additional questions, please contact John Faircloth, Valley AFC's Director of Soccer.