CATS Soccer Club: About Us

About CATS

What is CATS?
Formed in 1999, CATS (Caledonia Trea Travel Soccer) works to develop area soccer players to the best of their ability, and to play at the High School level. A non-profit organization, CATS provides players with high-level soccer skills training and competition in the Grand Valley Soccer Association (GVSA) leagues. CATS fields single-age teams in the U8-U18 boys and girls divisions.

What is ‘Travel Soccer’?
Travel or select soccer means that players tryout in order to make a team. 

What’s the Difference Between Rec Soccer (AYSO) and CATS?
Unlike recreational soccer (AYSO, YMCA), which groups team into 2-year brackets (U6, U8, etc), travel soccer teams are divided into single “U” ages. CATS offers a faster paced, competitive level of soccer with a focus on skills improvement and player development. This level of soccer is for players who have had success in AYSO and other recreational leagues and are interested in playing at a higher level. Teams practice 2 or more times per week and practices begin up to 4 weeks before the season begins. Teams play 8 games in the fall and 8 in the spring, with many playing in tournaments, indoor soccer leagues or participating in off-season training. CATS’ coaches are required to have either a D or E level coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). An E license requires 16 hours of training, while a D license is an additional 32 hours of training. While a number of CATS coaches are volunteers, a growing number are paid coaches. With an increased level of commitment from the players, the coaches and the entire CATS organization, playing soccer for CATS is a solid stepping stone to premier and high school level soccer.