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Arlington Soccer Travel Soccer Program
OVERVIEW
With more than 95 travel soccer teams, Arlington Soccer Association is one of the largest and most established clubs in Northern Virginia. Our travel program provides a clear pathway for motivated players seeking high-level competition in a professional, player-centered environment.
Under the leadership of Technical Director German Peri and Director of Coaching Mo Tayari, and supported by a large, diverse, and highly qualified technical staff, Arlington Soccer is committed to long-term player development—on and off the field. Our staff works collaboratively to ensure every player is challenged, supported, and given the tools to reach their full potential.
The Arlington Soccer travel program begins at U9 and continues through U23, offering development opportunities across all stages of the player journey. Teams compete in top regional and national platforms, including the ECNL National and Regional Leagues, NCSL, and select teams participating in both Region I and National League competitions.
TRAVEL SOCCER PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The mission of Arlington Soccer’s travel program is to develop complete players and confident individuals. While technical and tactical excellence are central to our training, we also emphasize character, responsibility, and a lifelong passion for the game and a healthy lifestyle.
Our program is focused on developing:
- Smart, confident, and technically skilled soccer players
- Competitive players who are committed, resilient, and willing to give their best effort for the team
- Well-rounded individuals through a holistic player-development model that includes:
- Education (ethics, habits, accountability)
- Technical development
- Tactical understanding
- Physical development
- Social growth and leadership
Through this comprehensive approach, Arlington Soccer aims to develop not only successful soccer players, but positive contributors on and off the field.
2026-2027 SEASON - ARLINGTON ECNL ACADEMY COACHING STAFF
Arlington ECNL Academy Girls Coaching Staff:
ECNL Academy Girls Teams:
- U13 – Roberto Parada – USSF A License
- U14 – Joe Nemzer – USSF A License
- U15 – Erin Grand – USSF A License
- U16 – Izzy Cotto – USSF A License
- U17 – Joe Nemzer – USSF A License
- U19 – Izzy Cotto – USSF A License
ECNL Girls Academy Coach:
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Molly Menchel – USSF C License
ECNL Girls Academy & Club Leadership:
- Academy Director – Erin Grand
- Academy GK Director – Vahid Talebloo
- Club GK Director – JP Begazo
- Match Analysis & Player Development Director | Academy Coach – Sean Hart – UEFA A License
- College Recruiting Advisory Group – Joe Nemzer, Izzy Cotto, Erin Grand
- Women’s Director & WPSL Head Coach – George Hales – USSF A License
Arlington ECNL Academy Boys Coaching Staff:
ECNL Boys Academy Teams:
- U13 – Elvin Arbaiza – USSF B License
- U14 – Omar Ismail – USSF B License
- U15 – Oscar Feliu – USSF A License & Academy Director License
- U16 – Elvin Arbaiza – USSF B License
- U17 – Alan Portillo – USSF C License
- U19 – Alan Portillo – USSF C License
- Academy Coach – Jamil Walker – USSF A License
ECNL Boys Academy & Club Leadership:
- Academy Director – Oscar Feliu
- Academy GK Director – Andreas Tsaousis
- Club GK Director – JP Begazo
- Match Analysis & Player Development Director | Academy Coach – Sean Hart – UEFA A License
TRYOUTS - ECNL Identification (ID) Sessions and Regional League (RL) Tryouts - Boys & Girls
👉 Understanding Recent League Changes
We recognize that recent league mandates and timeline adjustments may be confusing, especially for families who are newer to the ECNL/RL process or whose players currently compete on Red, White, Blue, Black, or Silver travel teams.
Our goal is to provide as much information as possible to help families navigate these changes with confidence.
👉 Tryout Changes - Why Is This Happening Earlier This Year?
This year, the league implemented a new change that allows clubs to move ECNL and RL tryouts earlier than in past seasons.
For the 2026–2027 season, the timeline has been moved up to Sunday, February 1, 2026.
League Announcement Highlights:
- All ECNL clubs in Virginia can now hold open tryouts as early as Sunday, February 1, 2026.
- This applies to all ECNL registered players, including those in:
- ECNL Club Competition
- ECNL Regional League (RL)
In addition, U.S. Soccer has introduced a new birth-year mandate, which all clubs are required to follow.
👉 What This Means for Our Club
To ensure we are aligned with league and U.S. Soccer requirements and to provide players with appropriate evaluation opportunities, we will conduct ID sessions and tryouts as outlined in the coming weeks.
Important Notes:
- Participation in any ID session or tryout is NOT mandatory
- Players should attend ONLY if they are interested in being evaluated for an ECNL or RL team
👉 U13-U18/19 ECNL ID Sessions
Who Should Attend?
- Current 2013–2009/2008 RL players, who would like to be evaluated for ECNL.
- Current 2014 Pre-Academy 1 and 2 can attend all ECNL scheduled ID sessions.
Participation is optional.
PLEASE NOTE: Players should only attend the ECNL ID session if they are interested in ECNL consideration.
👉 U11–U18/19 Regional League (RL) Tryouts
Who Can Attend?
These are open tryouts.
U11–U12 Players
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Pre-Academy 1 & 2 players and players currently on any travel team: Red, White, Blue, Black, or Silver may try out for the Regional League (RL) team if they choose.
U13–U18/19 Players
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Players currently on any travel team (Red, White, Blue, Black, or Silver) may try out for RL
Outside Players
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Players not currently in the club are also welcome to attend RL tryouts
Important Reminder: Trying out for the Regional League (RL) is not required. Families should only attend if they are interested in RL placement.
👉 U9 Tryouts
U9 Tryouts will take place on April 11, 12, and 18. More information will be shared as we get closer to the dates.
👉 Registration Information
- All players must register in advance through PlayMetrics to attend any ID session or tryout
- Registration must follow the new birth-year mandate for the upcoming season
- Players who wish to be considered by grade must contact their current coach and age group manager in advance
- Families without a PlayMetrics account will need to create one
To create an account in Playmetrics, please download the app or use this link:
If you have previously registered through Playmetrics with another club, please use the link below as a guide to register with Arlington Soccer:
👉 Additional Team Tryouts
Age Groups & Teams:
Age Groups: U13–U18/19
Teams: White, Blue, Black, Silver
Age Groups: U10–U12
Teams: Red, White, Blue, Black
- Tryouts for all travel teams will take place in late April and early May
- These will be open tryouts within each age group
- Players will be evaluated for placement across all team levels
- Additional details will be shared closer to that time
👉 More Questions
For more information and questions, please contact info@arlingtonsoccer.com.
TRAVEL PROGRAM - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please click HERE to read the Travel Program FAQ's.
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