“My son, Skyler, loves to play soccer. He started playing when he was 5 and has been hooked on the beautiful game ever since. Not long after turning 8, Skyler became a player in the Roanoke Star academy program. Skyler now plays for an Elite travel team, plays league games in the VCCL and his team participates in several top rated tournaments each year. Roanoke Star provides Skyler with knowledgeable coaches and the opportunity to maximize his potential. He trains with players who share his passion for soccer and has forged friendships across county lines and school districts. Roanoke Star allows him to pursue his desire to become a great player. I would recommend Roanoke Star soccer club for anyone who wants a positive, safe, competitive environment for a youth soccer player.”
Jeff Mattox
“Approximately ten years ago my son touched his first soccer ball and the fire was ignited. He was hungry demanded more than a recreational league could provide. A Coach from a local travel team noticed his passion and offered the opportunity for stronger competition and growth. Father and Son started down the path toward enlightenment; our enjoyment of the sport was so contagious, my daughter soon joined in.
Two years ago reality set in, the learning curve had become a flat line. The kids were the “big fish” in the small pond; without competition there is no reason to grow. We looked around for the highest level of competition and found it, “The Roanoke Star Soccer Club”.
My Son came over first; the change from BRCL play to VCCL play re-ignited the spark all over again. The players feed from each other, challenging each other to expand their abilities. After witnessing one season with the Roanoke Star, my daughter also came into the club with the same results.
Our only regrets are that we had not joined Roanoke Star years ago.”
Chris Cowan
“We have been with the Roanoke Star for a couple of seasons and have been very pleased. Our son is very dedicated to the sport, and we wanted to take him somewhere where he could continue to grow and prosper as both a teammate and individual, at the next level. We have found that with the Roanoke Star. The staff is very professional, anywhere from the Office Staff to the Coaching Staff, and they all show a desire to match your child with the best program available to fit his or her needs. They instill discipline, yet allow your child to have fun while learning at the same time. There are so many training opportunities to improve technique, conditioning and skill level available to your child that you can’t get anywhere else. You play the “best of the best” in soccer competitions in and around the State. You win and lose as a team, and go away a better person ready to play another day. We took our child to the next level, now it is up to you!”
John M. Rocha Jr.
“We moved to Roanoke in the summer of 2005 and my kids were 14, 9, and 9 at the time and already heavily involved in soccer. I was really happy with the club they played in at the time in Charleston, SC and did a lot of research to make sure we found the right program in Roanoke. Boy did we! Roanoke Star has been a terrific experience for all 3 of my children. Our son now plays soccer in college and both daughters play for the U15 Elite team. Not only has the soccer experience been wonderful, but off the field all 3 of my children's best friends are also teammates. Our time with the club has been really great and we look forward to 3 more years!”
Mark Meyer
“Roanoke Star has been a part of our lives for the past six years. Our daughter started in the Academy program along with just five other girls. From the beginning, she was nurtured and encouraged to improve her skills on the field and her character wherever she went. She has had the opportunity to train with varying levels of players and has been coached by a group of individuals with diverse soccer experiences. From former international players to college-level coaches, the level of coaching and expertise far exceeds any other program in the area. The players are given many opportunities to further their soccer aspirations by training and playing at different levels and in many programs throughout the state and in Europe. Our daughter has played in the Blue Ridge Classic League, the Virginia Club Champions League (VCCL), with the Virginia Olympic Development Program and is now participating with the VCCL Select Team, all the while preparing to play overseas in Denmark and Sweden. She has never said she didn’t want to go to soccer practice, even when recovering from an injury. Has she left practice exhausted? Absolutely, but she has dreams and she knows the training she receives through Star may help her realize those dreams. Roanoke Star takes pride in all their players and makes a point to get to know, not only the player, but his or her family as well. Friendships are formed among the players and parents alike. Three of those girls that started together six years ago, still play on the same team today. We are amazed at how, in six short years, the Academy program boasts such a large number of young girls excited to play soccer. That, in itself, says how important the Star program has become in the Roanoke Valley.”
Tommy Whitaker
"We have two daughters playing with Roanoke Star. Sophia is 8, and plays in the Jr. Academy. Emily is 11 and plays on the U11 Elite team. Bringing our girls to Roanoke Star was the best thing we could have done for them. Both have played in the recreational leagues in Botetourt County, but they wanted to take their skills to the next level.
Emily will be entering her 3rd season with Roanoke Star this fall. She is hoping to play soccer on her middle school and high school teams as she gets older. She has also expressed a desire to play in college as well. The training she has received with Roanoke Star will definitely be instrumental in helping her reach these goals. The coaching staff is the best around.
We could not be happier with our experience at Roanoke Star. Our team is like an extended family to us. The girls want to be out there, and work very hard at becoming better players. Everyone is very supportive, and encouraging. It is a very positive environment. We recommend Roanoke Star highly to anyone who wants to work at becoming a better player and has a love for the game of soccer."
Stephen & Mikki Barranco
When Cameron began with the Roanoke Star instructional program over 12 years ago, little did we know what soccer would come to mean to him and where he would go with it. Thank you for all the excellent coaching and experiences you have provided him over these years. Thank you also for the guidance and everything else needed to help him achieve his dream of attending and playing college soccer at the University of his Choice!
Diane and Richard Chavira
Ned’s overall experience with the Star program was really great. We know he will cherish the many friendships made (as we do), the many league and tournament experiences, and the character attributes he developed by virtue of his participation.
You and the coaching staff have had many positive influences on Ned. We particularly appreciate your personal support of Ned, especially during this past year when he was so ill. Getting back to playing again has been a big psychological boost for him. And we think that Roanoke College and Scott Allison will be a great fit for Ned’s further development.
Though we will miss not having Ned playing for the Club, Betsy and I will remain steadfast supporters!
Greg and Betsy Feldmann
“Chandler has worked very hard to be a good player but his work ethic is huge. I believe that developed work ethic has spilled over into other areas of his life. His love for soccer may even be stronger than those heading off to play college soccer simply because it did not come as easily for him. Every success or bit of praise was huge. The physical training and the maturity that has come from being a part of something so well run as the Star program has definitely impacted him in such a positive way. The trip to Europe will be a forever memory for him and he would love to go back. Maybe he will someday look to be involved in coaching or even work in the business end of soccer. I know soccer will always be a lifelong passion for him whether as a player or only a spectator. This passion grew because of the opportunities he was given through the Roanoke Star program.”
Jann Swartzendruber
**If you would like to write a Testimonial about your child's experiences with Roanoke Star then please email acrowder@roanokestar.com.