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Challenge Program

To provide a safe, enjoyable soccer experience with a primary focus on player development.

The Challenge Program is an advanced recreation league, composed of players selected through a player placement process. Challenge serves eager and talented players in local programming through an appropriately competitive and challenging league environment. Players train with and play against like-minded and advanced ability players who are seeking the next step in soccer development.

Challenge participation requires a substantial commitment from both the player and family. The program also requires high standards of behavior by all participants.

Rockbridge United Challenge teams play in the Valley Challenge Division with Challenge teams from Augusta County and the Harrisonburg area.  Some crossover play with other Virginia Soccer Alliance clubs from Charlottesville and other areas is possible as well.  Half of the matches will be played at home in Rockbridge with the remainder at other clubs locations.

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Program Coordinator

Rick Derflinger

[email protected]

Important Information

  • Rockbridge United Soccer Club is committed to growing the game of soccer in our community.  If you would like to be a part of these efforts please contact us with your interest.  Help us bring the world’s game to Rockbridge and the surrounding area.

  • General Info

    Currently the Challenge program is offered in the U10/U9 age group

    Players should have a birthdate between Aug. 1 2016 – July 31. 2018 for 2026-27 season

    The U10 Challenge Program this program offers a competitive environment focused on player development. The Challenge program is a merit based program and requires a tryout for placement. The RUSC Challenge program is an Advanced Rec program for our top players at u9/u10 for both boys and girls.

    Program Details:

    • Two (2) Training Nights each week
    • Matches on Saturdays in the Valley Challenge League
    • Full-year Commitment: Players are expected to fully participate in all team events throughout the year.
    • 10 week match schedules for both the fall and spring season
    • Participation in the SOCA Sunburn Tournament is included at the end of the spring season.

    Who is the Challenge Program for?

    The Challenge Program is perfect for players who:

    • Are looking for high quality coaching
    • Thrive in an organized, competitive environment
    • Excel in their current program
    • Are interested in advancing to travel soccer in the future
  • Fall 2026 Details

    IMPORTANT DATES: 2026-27

    Fall 2026

    • Training Begins – the week of August 24
    • First Fall Match Date: September 12th
    • Last Fall Match Date: November 14th
    • Possible Makeup date: November 21st

     

     

     

  • Team Selection

    Challenge teams are formed through a merit-based tryout process.   All players must be evaluated and selected for the program to participate.  The annual tryout takes place each May for the following year of play.  Other opportunities to be evaluated may be possible throughout the year as well.

    Interested candidates should contact [email protected]

  • Costs

    A Fall and Spring season commitment is expected in the Challenge program

    Fall Price- $244
    Spring Price – $194

    Spring Only Price – $244

    *** Financial Aid and Payment Plans available – see the next tab below

    Refunds are only available if an injury prevents the player from continuing or if a family is moving out of the area.

    All refunds have a $20 processing fee

  • Financial Assistance

    The purpose of the RUSC Financial Aid program is to provide financial support for families with the greatest need so that they may participate in RUSC programs without financial hardship. Financial aid is available in the fall and spring for qualifying families in the Recreation, Challenge and Travel programs based on demonstrated need and RUSC’s ability to fund the assistance.

    FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION AND APPROVAL

    All families requesting financial aid must complete a Financial Aid Form. All financial aid requests will be reviewed by staff and will be kept confidential. Applicants for financial aid MUST APPLY EACH TAX YEAR (April 15-April 15), with complete and current Information. The level of aid for which an applicant qualifies can be requested for programs throughout the year.  However, each financial aid request must be approved for each program.  Each financial aid request is subject to available funds. Any financial aid awards given will apply only to the current program registration.

    Financial Aid Forms:

    Please email all completed forms to [email protected]

  • Equipment & Uniforms

    All players are expected to have their own soccer ball, shin guards and cleats.

    Challenge uniform kits include a jersey, shorts and socks from Capelli Sport.  These uniforms are to be used for the entire year of play (Fall and Spring seasons).

    RUSC Challenge kits are provided by the club and are a part of the registration fees.

  • General Info
  • Fall 2026 Details
  • Team Selection
  • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
  • Equipment & Uniforms

General Info

Currently the Challenge program is offered in the U10/U9 age group

Players should have a birthdate between Aug. 1 2016 – July 31. 2018 for 2026-27 season

The U10 Challenge Program this program offers a competitive environment focused on player development. The Challenge program is a merit based program and requires a tryout for placement. The RUSC Challenge program is an Advanced Rec program for our top players at u9/u10 for both boys and girls.

Program Details:

  • Two (2) Training Nights each week
  • Matches on Saturdays in the Valley Challenge League
  • Full-year Commitment: Players are expected to fully participate in all team events throughout the year.
  • 10 week match schedules for both the fall and spring season
  • Participation in the SOCA Sunburn Tournament is included at the end of the spring season.

Who is the Challenge Program for?

The Challenge Program is perfect for players who:

  • Are looking for high quality coaching
  • Thrive in an organized, competitive environment
  • Excel in their current program
  • Are interested in advancing to travel soccer in the future

Fall 2026 Details

IMPORTANT DATES: 2026-27

Fall 2026

  • Training Begins – the week of August 24
  • First Fall Match Date: September 12th
  • Last Fall Match Date: November 14th
  • Possible Makeup date: November 21st

 

 

 

Team Selection

Challenge teams are formed through a merit-based tryout process.   All players must be evaluated and selected for the program to participate.  The annual tryout takes place each May for the following year of play.  Other opportunities to be evaluated may be possible throughout the year as well.

Interested candidates should contact [email protected]

Costs

A Fall and Spring season commitment is expected in the Challenge program

Fall Price- $244
Spring Price – $194

Spring Only Price – $244

*** Financial Aid and Payment Plans available – see the next tab below

Refunds are only available if an injury prevents the player from continuing or if a family is moving out of the area.

All refunds have a $20 processing fee

Financial Assistance

The purpose of the RUSC Financial Aid program is to provide financial support for families with the greatest need so that they may participate in RUSC programs without financial hardship. Financial aid is available in the fall and spring for qualifying families in the Recreation, Challenge and Travel programs based on demonstrated need and RUSC’s ability to fund the assistance.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION AND APPROVAL

All families requesting financial aid must complete a Financial Aid Form. All financial aid requests will be reviewed by staff and will be kept confidential. Applicants for financial aid MUST APPLY EACH TAX YEAR (April 15-April 15), with complete and current Information. The level of aid for which an applicant qualifies can be requested for programs throughout the year.  However, each financial aid request must be approved for each program.  Each financial aid request is subject to available funds. Any financial aid awards given will apply only to the current program registration.

Financial Aid Forms:

Please email all completed forms to [email protected]

Equipment & Uniforms

All players are expected to have their own soccer ball, shin guards and cleats.

Challenge uniform kits include a jersey, shorts and socks from Capelli Sport.  These uniforms are to be used for the entire year of play (Fall and Spring seasons).

RUSC Challenge kits are provided by the club and are a part of the registration fees.

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