Financial Aid

Dear VA United Soccer Families,


We are pleased to announce that financial aid applications for the 2025/2026 travel soccer season are now open. As tryout dates will be announced on Monday, February 10th, with most sessions taking place in March and April, we strongly encourage interested families to submit their applications as soon as possible. Early submission ensures we can prepare your award determination (if applicable) in time for your tryout offer.


Financial assistance applications will be accepted through Friday, May 23rd, 2025. Additionally, we will soon announce two "open office" days where our staff and Spanish interpreters will be available on-site to assist with completing applications.


VA United offers individual need-based financial assistance to help offset a portion of travel and academy program registration fees. Please note that financial aid awards do not cover team fees, uniforms, tournament fees, travel expenses, or coaches' travel costs. All family information is kept strictly confidential throughout the application and award process.


How to Apply Through PlayMetrics:


On Mobile Device:


- Click on "Programs" at the bottom of the screen

- Click on the small triangle next to "Programs"

- Select "Financial Aid" tab

- Click on the blue button with the plus sign to complete the application

- Upload proof of income documents


On Computer:


- Click on the "Club Programs" tab

- Click on the "Financial Aid" tab

- Click the blue "Request Financial Aid" button

- Complete the application

- Upload proof of income documents


Required Documentation:


- Submit your most recent 1040 tax form (2023 tax information is acceptable if 2024 is not yet available)

- If you expect your 2024 income to differ significantly, please update us once your new tax documentation is complete

- Additional documentation may be requested as needed


Important Notes:


- Applications should be completed prior to tryouts or within 72 hours of receiving an offer

- All applicants must pay either the full registration fee or a minimum $150 acceptance fee (please contact office@vaunited.org if you are unable to meet this requirement)

- The Financial Committee reviews all applications and communicates decisions via email

- Approved applications may receive registration fee reimbursement based on the determined assistance level


Eligibility:


- Financial assistance eligibility is determined through individual assessment using completed application responses and supporting documentation

- Evaluations follow U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines

- Qualified families receive a percentage-based fee reduction on program registration costs only


Service Requirement:

Recipients of financial assistance are required to volunteer with club activities, including tournaments, winter indoor programs, field management, and other assigned duties.


If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Brooke.carnevali@vaunited.org.


Best regards,


VA United Soccer Club

Financial Assistance FAQs 25/26 Season Answers
Who is eligible to apply for financial assistance? Anyone may apply for financial assistance. VA United uses the Income Eligibility Guidelines that are provided by the US Department of Agriculture to assess Free and Reduced Lunch qualification to determine player need.
How do I apply for financial assistance? Login to PlayMetrics. If using a phone – Click on “Programs” at the bottom of the screen, then click on the small triangle next to “Programs” and select “Financial Aid” tab, click on the blue button with the plus sign tocomplete the application and upload proof of income documents.If using a computer - Click on the “Club Programs” tab, then click on the “Financial Aid” tab and thenthe blue “Request Financial Aid” button to complete the application and upload proof of income documents.
What information do I have to provide to apply for assistance? Please provide demographic information, income information, and household information along with proof of income that includes your most recent tax return and all W2 or 1099 forms. If federal tax forms were not filed for the previous year, please email brooke.carnevali@vaunited.org to discuss alternative validation options. We understand that you may not have your 2024 tax documentation as of the date of your application. Please use your 2023 tax data. If you need to update your information once you have your 2024 documentation in hand, please email brooke.carnevali@vaunited.org to discuss your options.
What is the deadline to apply for assistance? May 23rd is the deadline to apply if you wish to be considered for financial assistance.
What does financial assistance cover for a player? Financial assistance provided will reduce a player's CLUB PACKAGE fees only. A notification will be sent via PlayMetrics with an award amount, if eligible, or to notify that the player/family does not qualify for assistance.
What is NOT covered by financial assistance? Uniforms, tournament fees, hotel costs, food costs, and other team fees (to cover coach's expenses) are NOT covered by financial assistance. Players that accept a roster spot with VA United need to be prepared to cover these fees individually.
How much cost should a family expect for uniforms and tournament/team fees? Uniforms: $200-250 per new uniform cycle (this is for the initial purchase; uniforms are kept for two years per cycle). 2025/2026 IS a uniform buying year. We will pause payments for the month of June to allow you to put those funds towards your uniform purchase. Tournament/Team Fees: varies by level and age; averages $350 per SEASON (one season per year for ages U15-U19, two seasons per year for U11-U14)Hotel/Food Costs: number of tournaments vary by level and age; on average teams play 2-3 tournaments per SEASON. Hotel costs vary widely by location; if needed, can consider commuting to tournaments daily to avoid hotel costs or can utilize different hotels if more affordable. Food costs are those costs to feed the player and family memebers in attendance and are at the family's discretion.
What if a player cannot afford the fees that are not covered by financial assistance? Registration fees that are not covered by assistance can be set up on a payment plan that will run from July 2025 to March 2026. Additional fees (as mentioned above) can be paid via additional assistance programs. VA United offers opportunities to work Bingo for credits and/or can be trained as a referee to earn money towards additional fees. Note that any member of the family age 14 or older can work bingo for player credits. Team fundraisers can also be conducted once approved by the VUFC executive board.
What is required of players/families that accept financial assistance? Any family that accepts financial assistance will be required to volunteer with the club up to 25 hours throughout the 25/26 season, work a minimum of 5 bingo sessions, or for players 13 or older consider training as a referee to assist with reffing during non-game days or over winter. The volunteer hour requirement will depend upon the level of assistance received. There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the club such as field setup/takedown on game days, field lining, tournament volunteers and much more.
Who can I contact if I have questions about financial assistance? Please email brooke.carnevali@vaunited.org if you have additional questions.
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