The Rivertowns soccer community is fortunate to have complementary youth soccer organizations serving the range of players in our community -- Rivertowns AYSO has recreational and special needs programs and Rivertowns United FC (RUFC) offers a competitive travel program.

RUFC fields travel teams from U9 through U19. Dedicated professional trainers help elevate individual and team skill levels, alongside committed parent volunteer coaches. RUFC teams compete at appropriately competitive tiers of league play -- standard travel, premier, and elite. RUFC coaches promote a positive approach to player and team development.

Rivertowns programs strive to promote love and respect for the beautiful game of soccer and welcome players at all stages of their soccer journeys.

Rivertowns United FC has limited openings on its Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 travel teams at the following age levels:
Girls -- 2016, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010
Boys -- 2016, 2014, 2010, 2009

Ongoing evaluations may be arranged by appointment over the summer.  Email [email protected] to inquire -- and include the following info for the player:
-- player full name, gender, birth year
-- home town and school
-- experience and position (if relevant)

Travel team placement and registration is by invitation only. Coaches or club leadership evaluate and observe players on the pitch for travel team readiness. Eligible players are invited to teams if openings exist. 

Travel teams are formed by birth year as mandated by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) -- the national organization that governs youth soccer leagues and the soccer clubs (like RUFC) and teams that play within the league.

U9 teams -- 2016-born players
U10 teams -- 2015-born players
U11 teams -- 2014-born players 
U12 teams -- 2013-born players 
U13 teams -- 2012-born players 
U14 teams -- 2011-born players 
U15 teams -- 2010-born players 
JV and Varsity teams -- combination of HS birth years (2010 and older)

Teams U9-U15 can have players of one birth year younger, if the players are evaluated and recommended to "play up." However, U9-U15 teams cannot have players "play down."  

Players with a birth year that is +1 year older than the majority of their grade play on teams with children a school grade above them. The leagues grant exceptions only with a medical reason and documentation. If playing with grade-mates is important, Rivertowns AYSO's recreational program features teams are formed by school grade.

RUFC's Pre-Travel Development Program provides supplementary travel training to high-potential Rivertowns AYSO recreational players who have been identified and recommended by their NYCFC Coaches based on player performance during their AYSO soccer sessions. The target group for the Pre-Travel Development are the players with the birth year for the following fall's U9 travel teams (generally, players in second grade) If there are eligible players, there may be sessions for older age groups.

Players enrolled in the pre-travel program meet one weekday in the late afternoon or early evening during the latter part of the spring season for 60-minute sessions led by NYCFC Coaches. Parents are expected to stay to support their players. Additional information such as dates, times, location and the nominal cost to register is provided to invited players via email.

What are some of the differences between Rivertowns United FC travel program and Rivertowns AYSO recreational program?

1. AYSO is recreational. All players can participate - there are NEVER tryouts. Travel is competitive. Players must attend a tryout/assessment, be evaluated, and participation is by invitation.

2. AYSO runs on Saturdays and Sundays only. Travel team participation includes Saturday, Sunday, and weekday evenings.

3. Travel teams play 50% of games at home in the Rivertowns and 50% of games away against travel teams from other clubs. 

4. Travel registration fees, uniform price, and additional costs can add up to at least double the amount a family might pay to register a player in AYSO. Travel additional costs can include paid trainers, winter sessions, and tournament fees.

5. AYSO teams are organized by school grade. Travel teams are based on birth year.

Similarities: Children having fun, playing and learning the beautiful game of soccer!

If you have additional questions, please contact us at [email protected].