The Garden City Centennial Travel Program offers a more advanced level of soccer for players aged 9 to 19. There are several levels of play for both the recreational and competitive player. The Select and Olympic Development Programs are available through the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), respectively.

How are players selected to a travel team?
Tryouts are held for each age group after the completion of the spring season in mid-June, prior to school letting out. The new U-10 teams are selected by members of the Travel Committee and team coach, who observe players performing a variety of skill-based drills as well as participating in small and full-sided scrimmages during a two day period. All other teams are selected once a year by the coach and evaluators, chosen by the coach, in conjunction with a member of the Travel Committee. Returning players are not guaranteed a spot on a team for the upcoming year--all players must tryout for the team.

How are the travel coaches selected?
An advertisement is placed in the Garden City News in January, requesting interested coaching candidates to call the Travel Director for an application. The Travel Committee interviews candidates in February and makes its recommendations to the Board of Directors at the March directors' meeting. The Board of Directors then votes on the candidates. All travel coaches must have a "C" license or higher from the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

How is playing time for each child determined?
For U-10, playing time is more evenly distributed. The philosophy at this level is to 1) develop the young soccer player's technical skills, 2) increase the understanding and employment of team tactics, and 3) make the team experience fun. At the U-11 level and beyond, the game understandably becomes more competitive. While we still stress the preceding principles, playing time will be more at the discretion of the coach and is based upon the player "earning" time through exhibiting their work ethic and skill in practice and games.

What commitment is involved?
Teams practice twice a week during the season. League and Cup games are played on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the age group, against teams throughout Nassau and Suffolk, as well as Queens. The season lasts 8-10 weeks. Teams usually enter tournaments, which are often held on holiday weekends. Preseason practices begin in July, and again in January. Selection to a travel team requires a commitment on the part of all players to regularly attend practices and games.


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