THE UNITED PROGRAM
A youth soccer professional immersion experience designed to UNITE the best players in the region, regardless of league/club affiliation, and EDucate simultaneously. This program is a perfect balance of fantastic, high-level competition and preparation for collegiate and/or professional soccer!
Gothia Cup (Sweden)
July 12-23, 2023 > 2006 Boys and Girls
Rey Cup (Iceland)
July 24-31, 2023 > 2010 Boys and Girls
Vildbjerg Cup (Denmark)
July 29-August 7, 2023 > 2008 Boys and Girls
OPEN ID TRYOUTS: New in 2023, all United teams will have open tryouts (Jan 22) for players from any club and league, regardless of affiliation. All interested players are invited to attend. This is an international soccer experience for aspiring players.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE TRYOUTS [2023 Tryouts Complete].
Note: Tryouts are free!
Date? January 22, 2023
Time? 10:00am-11:30am and 1:00-2:30pm; players need to attend both ID Tryouts.
Location? River City Sportsplex, 13030 Genito Road, Midlothian, Virginia 23112
Check-in? Yes, at the concession stand in front of Field #9.
What happens if I cannot make both tryouts or none? We strongly recommend attending both for best identification and evaluation. If not both, one is better than none. If you cannot make it all, please connect with your Club Director / Head Coach so that they can submit a Player Recommendation Form.
Selections: United 2023 Rosters Announced (here); scroll down to see archived rosters.
# of Teams: We reserve the right to select one or more teams per age group and gender for each event. If there are two or more teams per age group, per gender, it will be a first team, second team, etc.
2023 INFORMATION PACKET (Updated 021723. Click Here). Please download the PDF to learn about COSTS, expectations, and more for each trip!
Announcements: Since 2016, United teams have collected over 18 trophies!!
United Girls playing in Gothia Cup Tipselit Division Semifinal Match!
United Boys Finalists!
PROGRAM DETAILS: In 2016, we launched the United Program to provide top-level youth soccer players a one-of-a-kind youth professional soccer immersion experience versus some of the World’s best youth academies and top travel teams. We select U17 players to create teams to attend the Gothia Cup in Sweden. We then choose U15 players to form teams to attend Vildbjerg Cup in Denmark. Finally, U13 players are selected to create teams to attend the Rey Cup in Iceland.
Along with a dedicated United Coaching Staff and the exceptional international friendly matches before the events, the complete experience is second to none. Unique to the Gothia and Vidlberg Cups, teams arrive before the main event to participate in pre-event training and/or friendly matches so players and coaches can prepare accordingly. Teams will train and play domestically for the Rey Cup before traveling to Iceland. Note: Gothia Cup allows up to three over-age players and a roster of 18 to participate on a team. Vildbjerg Cup and Rey Cup allow a roster of 18 to participate on a team. United Head Coaches reserve the right to select fewer than 18 players. Also, through the Club Champions' membership to the National Clubs Alliance (NCA), fill-in players may come from partner clubs around the country.
PLAYER SELECTION / CRITERIA OF SELECTION:
1) Open ID Tryouts.
2) Club Director, Technical Staff, and Coaching Staff recommendations. Interested players should also connect with their club’s TD/DOC.
3) Scouting during matches, events, showcases, combines, etc.
4) Identification and recommendation from opposing Directors, Technical Staff, and Coaching Staff throughout league play.
5) Identification at College Showcase events.
As the destination league for college-bound soccer players, we have created a College Combine (8th graders and older). The Combines are for all eligible, aspiring student-athletes to participate in training sessions led by top college coaches. This Combine will also provide the United Coaching Staff a final time to assess and evaluate players for any final roster spots on a United team. These opportunities are only available to players! Click here to attend the College Combine.
QUICK SCHEDULE:
Open Tryouts, Fall Matches, College Showcases, College Combine, and Club Director/Head Coach evaluations are used to help finalize rosters
November 15. United Program Information Packet: sent to all clubs, teams, players, and team managers for distribution to age-appropriate eligible players
December 9-11. Adidas College Showcase (Richmond, VA)
January 22. United OPEN Tryouts (Glover Park, Glen Allen, VA). Open to all interested players. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Note: Open Tryouts are free.
February 3-5. USYS Regional College Showcase (Richmond, VA)
February 22. United Team Selections
February 26. United Player Commitments February 26 Deposit of $300.00 due to confirm and secure roster spot
April 3. United Parent Package Deposit Due.
April 15. United Player Second Payment Due.
May 15. United Player Final Payment Due.
May 30. United Parent Package Payment Due.
June 11. United Training Center #1. TBD
June 25. United Training Center #2. TBD = All Teams and includes Parent Meeting
July. Prepare for a great trip!
July. College Combine. A great place to be identified for the next year's United teams!
Note: the Head Coach may add additional training sessions to help prepare for each event. Head Coaches will communicate directly with the team for additional sessions.
"I just want to say thank you so much for taking such good care of all the kiddos on the Denmark Trip, especially my Aiden. He had such a good time and speaks very highly of all of the staff that was there. He loved playing with the boys he got play with and was sad when it was over. It’s definitely an experience he’ll never forget. Also thank you for the daily Reels and photos, it made us a little more at ease being able to see our boy in action. You guys did a FANTASTIC job!!"
Sincerely,
Melissa Hardwick