Frequently Asked Questions
What is the impact of this partnership on boys?
Virginia Reign will afford our region of Hampton Roads the opportunity to form its most elite boys teams. When executed collaboratively and properly, we will have teams here locally that can and should rival other regional conglomerate teams.
Legacy boys’ travel programming and the Sharks boys’ travel programming will remain intact. For those boys who reach for placement within Virginia Reign and aren’t selected, they still have the opportunity to compete at a high level within the Sharks and Legacy travel programs. In short, Virginia Reign raises the bar for the best soccer experience our area has to offer without diminishing the quality and competitiveness of the Legacy and Sharks programs.
As with any significant organizational shifts, some players and families will benefit from these changes more than others. For example, the higher-skilled boys on second-tier teams within the Sharks and Legacy clubs will likely have an opportunity to move up into the first-tier teams as some of those first-tier players move into the Virginia Reign club. The lower-skilled boys on first-tier teams will likely have an opportunity to get more playing time on the first-tier teams as the best players on those teams move into Virginia Reign. However, in this latter example, there is a tradeoff to this benefit, as first-tier teams within Legacy and Sharks will temporarily be displaced from the ECNL to allow Virginia Reign to compete at the highest level currently available.
What is the impact of this partnership on girls?
Historically, both the Sharks and Legacy girls travel programs have been challenged by limited numbers of available players. By combining the two programs into one, greater numbers of girls will be present at each age level. By increasing the number of girls, we will stimulate fresh competition and athlete development.
This will result in our best girls teams being more competitive than they are today, and it will allow for multiple teams at many age levels. The more the young girls of our community can enjoy the benefits of this united program, the more we will see the continued growth and flourishing of girls soccer in our area.
Finally, pooled resources and staff will create a more comprehensive and excellent approach to girls soccer. Our girls deserve the best, and combined resources will give it to them.
What does this partnership mean for club personnel?
No coaching staff or club personnel will be laid off or relieved of duties due to these changes.
On the boys' side of the house, some coaches will take on additional duties to fill roles in both VA Reign and in their club of hire (Sharks or Legacy). On the girls’ side of the house, coaches will receive fresh team assignments in accordance with the best interests of the club and of each team.
Historically, both clubs see annual changes to the assignments within their coaching rosters. So although we may see a few more reassignments this year than in a typical year, this shuffling of personnel should feel more or less like “business as usual” for our players.
What will the programming be like?
Programming highlights for Virginia Reign include:
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Higher-level tournaments
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Extracurricular features such as sports performance, year-round programming, joint access to Sharks/Legacy facilities, weightlifting, futsal and sports psychology
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Training that extends beyond the standard Legacy and Sharks schedules
What league will VA Reign play in?
Virginia Reign will play in the ECNL Regional League until they perform well enough to be promoted into another league. Currently, the most elite teams in Legacy and in Sharks play in the ECNL-RL. These Legacy and Sharks teams will in the Virginia NPL and other leagues until the possible promotion of Virginia Reign, making space for reentry by Legacy and the Sharks.
At U11 and U12, the most elite teams in the Sharks and Legacy will remain in the ECNL Regional League.
What is the geographic playing range?
The playing range for Virginia Reign will be determined by the ECNL Regional League game schedule. Training sessions will occur in Williamsburg, Yorktown, and on the Peninsula.
How will this compare to other regional conglomerate clubs?
Virginia Reign is a newer club than other regional conglomerate clubs (e.g. Richmond United). It will take time to develop an identity of excellence, but we are up for the challenge. As the club matures, we expect to provide a level of programming and player experience similar to our regional peers.
When are tryouts for VA Reign?
Tryouts will be held late April, early May each year. For players interested in attending a tryout/practice outside this time frame - please contact the Technical Staff.
What are the club fees?
Due to the extensive and robust nature of Virginia Reign’s player programming, fees will be higher than those at Legacy and the Sharks. Players and their families can be assured, however, that club fees will be competitive with those of other regional conglomerate clubs (e.g. Richmond United, etc.).
