About the Program

Everything you need to know about playing with Rebels FC — from practices and game days to costs and how to join.

About the Club

What is Rebels FC?

Rebels Futbol Club is a non-profit, volunteer-run youth travel soccer program based in West Chester, PA. We started as one team and a handful of volunteers and have grown to fifteen teams supported by dozens of volunteers and US Soccer licensed coaches — all while continuing to foster the family-oriented environment we were built on.

What makes Rebels different from other travel clubs?

A few things set us apart. First, we're 100% volunteer-run — every dollar in fees goes directly toward league registrations, referees, field rentals, tournaments, and equipment. There are no paid coaches or administrative staff, which keeps costs significantly lower than most travel programs in the area.

Second, we believe in team stability. Unlike many clubs that stack-rank all players in an age group and rebuild rosters every year, Rebels players stay with their team. Your child builds real friendships and develops chemistry with consistent teammates throughout their youth soccer experience.

Finally, we're supportive of multi-sport athletes. We have no restrictions on extracurricular activities. We understand kids have other interests and commitments, and we work with families to make it all fit.

How are teams organized?

Teams are organized according to US Soccer's school year age group guidelines. Each team has its own coaching staff, manager, and budget. Visit our Teams & Tryouts page to see which age groups currently have active teams and any upcoming tryout dates.

Schedule & Season

When does each season start and end?

Rebels is a year-round program covering three seasons, with a summer break:

Fall (Aug – Nov): Training starts in early August with 2 practices per week. ~8 league games and 2–3 tournaments on weekends. Season runs through mid-November.

Winter (Dec – Feb): 1–2 practices per week, typically on indoor turf. Indoor league games and/or futsal on weekends. Schedule varies by team.

Spring (Mar – Jun): 2 practices per week starting in late March. 5–8 league games and 2–3 tournaments on weekends. Wraps up by early June.

All teams break for the summer. Some teams may participate in a June tournament before the break, and some coaches may organize an optional preseason mini-camp in the summer if interest and availability allow.

Each season (Fall, Winter, Spring) involves a separate registration process, which means the roster can flex at different times of the year as some players focus on other activities.

When and where are practices?

Most teams practice twice a week during the Fall and Spring, typically on weekday evenings for about 90 minutes. Practice days and locations vary by team, but our primary fields are in the West Chester area — including local parks and school district fields such as East Bradford Park, Henderson, and Rustin.

During the Winter, teams move to indoor turf facilities in the area (such as United Sports Training Center and YSC in Wayne) for 1–2 sessions per week.

Each team's coach will share their specific practice schedule and locations once the season is set.

When are games and where do we play?

League games are primarily on weekends — most commonly Sundays in the Fall and Spring. Home games are played in West Chester. Away games are within roughly a one-hour drive, as our leagues are regional. Winter indoor games vary by team and facility.

What leagues does Rebels compete in?

All of our leagues are sanctioned by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association (EPYSA). Teams have historically competed in local and regional leagues including:

We encourage our coaches to place teams in divisions that match or stretch their level of competition.

How many tournaments do you compete in?

Most teams compete in at least two tournaments each in the Fall and Spring. Popular Fall events have included Jack Walsh, Explorer Cup (October), and Hempfield Classic (November). In the Spring, FC Delco (April) and Alliance Cup (June) have been favorites. Many of our teams also compete in EPYSA State Cups in the Spring.

Most tournaments we select are approximately an hour or less drive time with no overnight travel required, though some teams have collectively decided to register for stay-and-play events and have traveled to Delaware beaches, Hershey, and Lancaster. Check with team coaches for specific plans.

We select tournaments that challenge our teams and help our players grow — not just ones where we're likely to bring home a trophy. Development over hardware.

Can my child play for their middle school or high school team too?

Yes. Historically, our players have been able to play for their school teams and continue with Rebels. Many of our teams adjust their training and league schedules to accommodate school soccer seasons. For example, some of our older teams register for a late fall league that starts after high school soccer has ended. We ask that parents and players keep coaches in the loop about scheduling so everyone can plan ahead.

Cost & Uniforms

How much does it cost?

Each team builds its own annual budget, so costs vary depending on the age group, league choices, number of tournaments, and roster size. As a general guide, total annual player fees (covering Fall, Winter, and Spring) typically fall in the range of $1,050–$1,200 per player, excluding uniforms. RFC sets a minimum fee that each team must charge to ensure a consistent baseline experience across the club.

Fees cover league and tournament registrations, referee fees, field rentals, insurance, equipment, and club operating costs. Because we are 100% volunteer-run, every dollar goes directly toward your child's experience on the field — not toward salaries or overhead.

Most teams offer the option to split payments across the year rather than paying everything up front. Your team's coach or manager can share the specific budget and payment schedule.

What about uniforms?

Mandatory uniform items (game jerseys, shorts, and socks) run approximately $200. There are additional optional team-branded items available for around $150. We aim to get at least two years out of uniform purchases, so parents aren't buying new kits every season. After a player joins a team, you'll receive a link to the team's uniform store to place your order.

How does Rebels compare to other clubs on cost?

We are significantly more affordable than most travel programs in the area. Many comparable clubs charge $2,000–$4,000+ per year before uniforms and tournaments. Our volunteer-run model keeps costs low without compromising on the quality of competition, coaching, or the player experience.

Tryouts & Joining

How does my child join a team?

Teams generally hold tryouts each Spring to welcome new players. Tryouts are open to any player in the appropriate age group. If your child is interested, fill out our Player Interest Form and we'll connect you with the right team and coach.

Many teams also welcome prospective players to attend a practice beforehand so they can get a feel for the team and the coaching style. Just reach out and we'll coordinate it.

Does my child need travel soccer experience?

Not necessarily. We welcome players at different experience levels. Our coaches evaluate potential, attitude, and coachability alongside current skill. That said, players should have a basic foundation in soccer — most of our players come from rec leagues or school teams before joining. If you're unsure whether Rebels is the right fit, we encourage you to come to a tryout or reach out to chat with a coach.

Will my child be cut from the team?

Rebels FC values team continuity, and we generally do not cut players. Tryouts are primarily about welcoming new players and building energy heading into the new season. Our coaches are invested in every player's development, and if someone is working through a skills or fitness gap, the coaching staff will communicate with the family and provide support and a plan to improve.

Can my child play other sports too?

Absolutely. There are no restrictions on extracurricular activities at Rebels. We understand kids have lots of interests, and we think that's a good thing. We just ask that parents keep coaches in the loop about scheduling so everyone can plan ahead. We'll work together to make it fit.

Coaching & Development

What is the coaching philosophy at Rebels?

Our teams are led by parent coaches who are licensed through US Soccer, adhere to Positive Coaching Alliance ideals, and embrace ongoing coaching development. We focus on developing well-rounded players and people — building technical skills, tactical understanding, and a love for the game while fostering teamwork, resilience, and friendships that last beyond the field.

Parents and players have an opportunity to provide feedback each season, and coaches maintain an open-door communication policy throughout the year.

Do I need to hire a private trainer?

No. All of our coaches are trained or in training through US Soccer and will bring skills training, team play, and fun to every practice session. That said, practice time at any club is limited, so any additional work on skills and fitness outside of team sessions can be beneficial. Our coaches encourage players to work on their own between practices, but private training is entirely optional and not expected.

Does my child receive feedback and evaluations?

Yes. Player evaluations are part of the Rebels experience. The specifics vary by team and coach, but the goal is always to help players understand their strengths, identify areas to focus on, and feel good about their growth. We want evaluations to be a positive, motivating part of development.

Do you videotape games?

Many of our teams include video recording as part of their budget and plan, using cameras like Veo or Trace to record games. Check with your team for specifics.

Does the team hold social events?

Each team organizes their own social events — team building activities, holiday celebrations, end-of-season gatherings, and more. We also try to hold at least one club-wide event annually. Previous events have included open play nights and attending a Philadelphia Union game together.

Good to Know

Does the club carry insurance?

Yes. Players, coaches, and the club are all covered by EPYSA registration fees with liability insurance, which extends to all team-sanctioned events. This is the same insurance policy that covers all travel soccer clubs in PA. For winter and indoor competition, the club carries supplemental insurance for activities not covered under the EPYSA policy.

How can parents get involved?

Rebels runs entirely on parent volunteers, and there are many ways to contribute beyond coaching. At the team level, we need assistant coaches, managers, and treasurers. At the club level, there are roles in fundraising, newsletter, social media, kit management, website management, referee coordination, and more. Visit our Volunteer page for details.

How do I stay informed about team and club news?

TeamSnap is typically used for scheduling, player availability, and notices at the team level. At the club level, we publish a newsletter and share updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Your coach and team manager are always your best contacts for team-specific questions.

Ready to join? Fill out our Player Interest Form and we'll connect you with the right team and coach.