DEVELOPMENTAL

Zone 1: U11 - U12 Travel Soccer (9v9)



Zone 1  refers to our U11 - U12 Travel Soccer teams that play in a 9v9 Format and age appropriate goals. Across the country, US Soccer have players at these age groups play on slightly smaller goals in a 9v9 format instead of full 11v11 to allow players more time on the ball. The smaller goals make it more fair for goalkeepers to defend their net.


At Zone 1, here are our primary objectives:


  • Provide players an encouraging & positive environment that makes players feel safe to explore and feel comfortable making mistakes or trying new things.
  • Teach individual technical skills and ball mastery to encourage creative, thinking players on and off the ball.
  • Train players to solve problems under pressure and challenge them to think about their situation in new ways.
  • Introducing individual and small group tactics aligned with NRU's Game Model & Systems of Play that is aligned with our club's new curriculum combining the best training methodologies and tactical theory from the most respected soccer federations around the world.
  • Focus on improving the quality of the soccer that we play within matches instead of worrying about results. We prioritize teaching players to implement NRU's Style of Play on match day.


Tryouts Dates for the 2026-27 Seasons beginning the first week of August:


U11 & U12 Boys & Girls Tryouts
April 22  (Wednesday) and April 24  (Friday)

  • Girls: 5:15 – 6:45 PM
  • Boys: 7:00 – 8:30 PM


Location: VT Rec Turf

Address: 540 Beamer Way, Blacksburg, VA


NRU's's Travel Tryouts encourages all interested players to attend tryouts

(no invitation is required). Refer to the Age Group Chart to see which age your player will be with for Tryouts.


Please Note: Any U10 Players interested in our Travel Program will need permission from the Director of Player Development (Zone 1 Director) in order to be granted permission to attend tryouts.


For any questions about our U11 - U12 Travel Soccer Programs please contact:


David Shriver

Director of Player Development (Zone 1)

Email:  shriver@newriverunited.com