COVID-19 Update, May 21, 2020

May 21st, 2020 

As of Thursday May 21, 2020, VBR Star is planning to re-open training for Spring Program club members (this includes Championship, Elite, & Youth Academy), as soon as standards are in place for all participants to adhere by. This may take a couple days up to a few weeks (TBD). Please read this update as a look into what is to come, and that the VBR Staff is looking to be a leader in the area of return to play, while respecting the need for detail.

The Virginia Governor, along with the CDC have provided our club (and other businesses) a set of guidelines to follow and achieve before we can open the doors for training. We ask that our members have a good understanding, that soccer will look different when we return to the field.

Phase 1 guidelines will create a different looking club environment: individual development not team competition, focused group training not socializing, groups not teams.

· Appointment Only, players will have to RSVP, not able to show up without notice.

· Keeping Social distancing, upon arrival, during exercises, when leaving.

· Groups of maximum 8-9 players.

· Hand washing or sanitizing prior to playing.

· Zero access to other training groups.

· Parents to remain in cars.

(* this is just a small sample size of standards, families will receive a full list of these expectations as we get closer to return)

This is tricky though, as many other sports and businesses do not require personal contact between players ("customers") to compete, and if they do, most are not returning to play. We understand many kids will be excited to see each other, and will show affection or just be kids, and touching will occur. These types of scenarios, are discouraging, as our coaches want to enjoy their return to the field with players, and not have to correct their every move that is outside the realm of soccer. The reality is tough to understand, as many families do not mind the contact, while the government and other families may be against the contact.

As the staff looks to move forwards with the details about moving forward into the potential re-opening, club members will be asked to acknowledge understanding of the expectations set forth by the club to provide a safe and healthy training environment.

Without 100% certainty and trust that this can be handled without a hitch, the club remains cautious to return. When we do return, we ask that your player and family show patience, and hold back your criticism, as it will be outside our regular comfort for youth sports, and many people will be trying to create an opportunity for the player. 

Our desire to return is not handled lightly, and it is completely understood that some families may not want to participate, which we respect and honor that decision. Phase 2, will allow much more freedom, and will feel more normal.

Games are not guaranteed, as many parts of the state are recovering at different speeds.  Club Champions League will look to provide opportunities where they present themselves, but this will require safe and understandable playing environments.

Danny Beamer- Executive Director

Chris McClellan- Director of Coaching & Player Development

Contact Us

Contact

2002 Highland Farms Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24017

Office: 540.345.7820
Fax: 540.345.7840

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Who We Are

VBR Star Soccer Club began in 1986 with the aim to become the premier youth soccer club in the Roanoke Valley. Over the course of 35 years, it has grown to over 1200 kids and 52 travel teams, competing in some of the top youth soccer leagues on the east coast,  ECNL - Regional League and NPL.

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