If your child loves soccer, you may wonder if travel soccer is the right fit. We spoke with Thomas Cahue, Coaching Director at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy Chicago, to break down what it involves, what parents should expect, and how PSG Academy stands out.
What is travel soccer?
Travel soccer is for kids who want higher-level coaching and structured training. Players practice at least twice a week with weekend games, and as they progress, they may travel for tournaments — some even out of state or internationally.
“In travel soccer, kids are challenged to improve their technique, decision-making and understanding of the game,” Cahue explains. “They also learn discipline, responsibility and teamwork in a way that prepares them for success on and off the field.”
Unlike recreational soccer, which runs in short seasons, travel soccer follows a school-year cycle, typically from August through June.
What age can kids start?
Kids can start as young as U6 (under six years old) and continue through U19. Early training focuses on fundamentals through play, ensuring kids develop skills while having fun.
At younger levels, players work on:
- Dribbling, passing and shooting
- Teamwork and communication
- Confidence with the ball
As players grow, training shifts to tactical awareness, decision-making and game strategy to prepare them for higher levels.
What’s the time and financial commitment?
Travel soccer is a family commitment, not just a player commitment. Parents should expect:
- 2–3 practices per week, depending on age
- Weekend games — some requiring travel
- Costs for uniforms and tournaments, including travel
Families with multiple kids can find that they’re attending practice most days of the week.
How do travel soccer coaches differ in their approach to training?
At PSG Academy, players benefit from:
- Higher training intensity to develop competitive players
- Tactical decision-making for real-game situations
- Personalized player development based on skill level
What makes PSG unique is its direct connection to Paris Saint-Germain’s European training methodology.
“Our training comes directly from Paris, giving us the most updated methodology from Europe. Many U.S. clubs use older models. We implement the most current youth development techniques,” Cahue explains.
What makes PSG Academy Chicago different?
Many travel soccer clubs offer high-level training, but PSG Academy takes a whole-player approach, focusing not just on soccer but on personal growth.
Here’s what sets PSG apart:
- World-class European training methods — Coaches receive direct guidance from PSG, one of the world’s top clubs.
- Emphasis on character development — Players learn leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
- A family-focused environment — PSG fosters a healthy, supportive culture where players and parents feel valued.
- Multiple levels of play — Whether a child is elite or still developing, there’s a place for them at PSG.
PSG Academy also recognizes that soccer is more than just a sport — it’s a way to help kids become better human beings.
“Our job is to offer outlets for every player, whatever their goals are. The game teaches discipline, responsibility and dealing with emotions. Before we focus on competing, we make sure our players are doing well — on and off the field,” Cahue says.
The academy also prioritizes expanding opportunities for girls in Chicago, ensuring they receive the same elite training and competitive chances as boys.
How do tryouts work?
Unlike some clubs that focus only on elite players, PSG Academy welcomes all skill levels and places kids in the right program for their ability.
“We evaluate players fairly. If travel soccer isn’t the right fit yet, we have other programs where kids can still develop with PSG training,” explains Cahue.
Tryouts help families determine the right soccer path for their child, ensuring each player is placed where they’ll grow the most.
Is it right for your child?
If your child thrives in structured environments, enjoys competition, and is eager to improve, travel soccer might be the perfect fit.
Even if they’re not quite ready, PSG Academy offers multiple levels of play, so every child can train at the right pace.
Travel soccer tryouts are coming up! Players receive fair evaluations and are placed in programs that match their ability.
For families looking for elite coaching in a supportive, development-focused environment, PSG Academy Chicago stands out.
This content is sponsored by Paris Saint-Germain Academy Chicago. Discover PSG at psgacademychicago.com.
