Thunder Youth Travel Teams | Thunder Soccer Club of Howard County

Thunder Youth Travel Teams

Thunder Soccer Club offers competitive travel soccer in the U8 thru U19 age groups.  Players are primarily in the local travel leagues (National League/EDP/NCSL/CMSSL) and have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge of the game through the Club’s excellent youth development program. Players enjoy the benefits of expert training and coaching to play premier travel soccer. Thunder Soccer Club provides a fun, positive and committed environment for our young players to learn and enjoy soccer year-round from some of the best coaches available.

Our impressive coaching staff consists of MANY current and former ODP coaches, professional coaches, college coaches, high school coaches, professional players, and national team players!  

Travel Program. For motivated and committed players wanting to play on U8-U18 travel teams.

  • Players attend tryouts in May/June and are placed on tiered teams.
  • We form 2-3 levels of travel teams in each age group for boys and girls.
  • The program is specific for the age and developmental level of the players.
  • Players attend training 2-3 times per week with their coach &/or trainer in a program directed by the Director of Coaching.
  • There is also additional opportunity for technical & speed/agility training (academy style), goalkeeper training and summer camps.

Travel Program Goals.

As players move through the travel program, the following technical, tactical, physical and psychological areas are covered:

Technical – individual skills under the pressure of time, space, and an opponent

Tactical – principles of attacking and defending, team and individual tactics of the game

Physical – fitness with and without the ball

Psychological - foster a desire to play, encourage decision-making, creativity, increase demands, discipline.

Games/Tournaments.

  • Teams are given a schedule appropriate to their level of play.
  • League games will be ½ or more in Howard Co, ½ at various clubs in the league (MD, VA, & PA).
  • Teams will participate in tournaments play depending on the level of the team.

Travel Team Tryouts.

  • Tryouts run over 2-3 days the end of May/early June.
  • Players need to attend as many days as possible.
  • Registration for tryouts opens May 1 each year.
  • Players need to register for tryouts (no charge).
  • The tryout process includes evaluation of individual skills, small-sided to regulation games, understanding of the game, fitness and effort/attitude.
  • At tryouts, parents are provided with a list of plans for each travel team in the age group including coach information, proposed league play and proposed tournament play.

Cost Fees are set each year by the program and club.

Please contact the office for a fee schedule.