Programs and Registration
Watchung Hills Soccer Association offers recreational and travel soccer for players from 18 months through high school. Find your child’s age group below, explore the program that’s the right fit, and register in just a few clicks.
Overview
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Watchung Hills Soccer Association (WHSA) provides outstanding soccer development and training for the youth players in our area. Professional trainers coach at every level of our program, starting at the recreational level through the elite division
Since the start of our club in 1978, we have served youth soccer players from Warren, Long Hill, Watchung, Green Brook and the surrounding areas. On average, the young athlete in our program will play for 10 years and will
maintain the benefits of youth sports for years to come
Recreational and Travel Information
TRAVEL
WHSA’s Travel program is built for players ready to take their game to the next level. With
professional coaching, a full seasonal schedule, and regular competition against clubs from across the region, Travel is designed for committed athletes looking to grow through higher-level play. Tryouts are required, and WHSA’s Director of Coaching oversees the curriculum across every Travel team.
RECREATION
The recreation program is open to all children from pre-kindergarten to 9th Grade and primarily serves residents in Warren, Long Hill, Watchung and Green Brook. The fundamental goals of the program include developing soccer skills, fostering proper attitudes toward competition and sportsmanship, learning the rules, teaching respect and the value of teamwork, and promoting self-confidence.
Ready to Register? First, find your age, then select the program you are interested in joining
Pre-K
Our Pre-K program introduces the youngest players to the game in a fun, low-pressure
environment. Sessions focus on basic movement, coordination, and getting comfortable with the ball — all through games designed to keep kids smiling.
- No experience necessary
- Parent involvement encouraged
- Focus on fun, movement, and coordination
- Small-sided games in a safe, supportive setting
A great first step into organized soccer for our youngest players.
U7
Recreation soccer for U7–U9 players builds foundational skills — dribbling, passing, and teamwork — while keeping the focus on fun and making new friends. No tryouts required, just a love of the game.
- Seasonal commitment, no tryouts needed
- Small-sided games build confidence on the ball
- Coached by trained volunteers and WHSA staf
- Open to all skill levels
Perfect for kids building their first real soccer skills.
U8
Recreation soccer for U7–U9 players builds foundational skills — dribbling, passing, and teamwork — while keeping the focus on fun and making new friends. No tryouts required, just a love of the game.
- Seasonal commitment, no tryouts needed
- Small-sided games build confidence on the ball
- Coached by trained volunteers and WHSA staf
- Open to all skill levels
Perfect for kids building their first real soccer skills.
U9
Recreation soccer for U7–U9 players builds foundational skills — dribbling, passing, and teamwork — while keeping the focus on fun and making new friends. No tryouts required, just a love of the game.
- Seasonal commitment, no tryouts needed
- Small-sided games build confidence on the ball
- Coached by trained volunteers and WHSA staf
- Open to all skill levels
Perfect for kids building their first real soccer skills.
U10
Players in this age range can stay in Recreation or take on an added challenge with the Pre-Travel Academy, a skill-focused track that blends weekly training with festival-style play days to help players grow toward travel soccer.
- Recreation and Pre-Travel Academy pathways available
- Technical training with experienced coaches
- Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
- Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
U11
Players in this age range can stay in Recreation or take on an added challenge with the Pre-Travel Academy, a skill-focused track that blends weekly training with festival-style play days to help players grow toward travel soccer.
- Recreation and Pre-Travel Academy pathways available
- Technical training with experienced coaches
- Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
- Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
U12
Players in this age range can stay in Recreation or take on an added challenge with the Pre-Travel Academy, a skill-focused track that blends weekly training with festival-style play days to help players grow toward travel soccer.
- Recreation and Pre-Travel Academy pathways available
- Technical training with experienced coaches
- Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
- Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
U13
Players in this age range can stay in Recreation or take on an added challenge with the Pre-Travel Academy, a skill-focused track that blends weekly training with festival-style play days to help players grow toward travel soccer.
- Recreation and Pre-Travel Academy pathways available
- Technical training with experienced coaches
- Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
- Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
Festival-style play days apply skills in game settings
U14
At this level, players can compete in WHSA’s Travel and NJ Elite programs, with a pathway to Steel United Watchung Hills NJ Elite High School teams. Tryouts are required, and players train under professional coaching, with college recruitment guidance available as they get older.
- Tryouts required, yearly commitment
- Professional coaching staff, overseen by WHSA's Director of Coaching
- Regional travel and competitive league play
- College recruitment guidance available for older players
For serious players ready to compete at a high level.
U15
At this level, players can compete in WHSA’s Travel and NJ Elite programs, with a pathway to Steel United Watchung Hills NJ Elite High School teams. Tryouts are required, and players train under professional coaching, with college recruitment guidance available as they get older.
- Tryouts required, yearly commitment
- Professional coaching staff, overseen by WHSA's Director of Coaching
- Regional travel and competitive league play
- College recruitment guidance available for older players
For serious players ready to compete at a high level.
U16
At this level, players can compete in WHSA’s Travel and NJ Elite programs, with a pathway to Steel United Watchung Hills NJ Elite High School teams. Tryouts are required, and players train under professional coaching, with college recruitment guidance available as they get older.
- Tryouts required, yearly commitment
- Professional coaching staff, overseen by WHSA's Director of Coaching
- Regional travel and competitive league play
- College recruitment guidance available for older players
For serious players ready to compete at a high level.
U17
At this level, players can compete in WHSA’s Travel and NJ Elite programs, with a pathway to Steel United Watchung Hills NJ Elite High School teams. Tryouts are required, and players train under professional coaching, with college recruitment guidance available as they get older.
- Tryouts required, yearly commitment
- Professional coaching staff, overseen by WHSA's Director of Coaching
- Regional travel and competitive league play
- College recruitment guidance available for older players
For serious players ready to compete at a high level.
U18
At this level, players can compete in WHSA’s Travel and NJ Elite programs, with a pathway to Steel United Watchung Hills NJ Elite High School teams. Tryouts are required, and players train under professional coaching, with college recruitment guidance available as they get older.
- Tryouts required, yearly commitment
- Professional coaching staff, overseen by WHSA's Director of Coaching
- Regional travel and competitive league play
- College recruitment guidance available for older players
For serious players ready to compete at a high level.
Parent & Me
Parent & Me is a hands-on introduction to soccer for our youngest members, ages 18 months to 3.5 years. Parents and children play side-by-side, learning simple movements and ball skills together.
- For children ages 18 months to 3.5 years
- Parent participation required
- Focus on movement, balance, and fun with the ball
- No experience necessary for parent or child
A joyful first step onto the field for you and your child.
TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is WHSA’s community-based program for children and young adults with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities. Players participate at their own pace in a supportive, non-competitive environment, often paired with a trained volunteer buddy.
- Open to players of all ages and abilities
- Non-competitive, self-paced participation
- Trained coaches and volunteer buddies
- Focus on fun, inclusion, and skill-building
Every player belongs on the WHSA field.
Scholarships
We are proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship to one male and one female high school senior.
Awards are based primarily on past involvement in WHSA programs, an essay, and academic achievement.
Topsoccer
US Youth Soccer (TOPSoccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers.
Interested in coaching?
WHSA understands these requirements may seem excessive. However, the towns are serious about enforcing them and they are meant to protect the children in our program. You will not be permitted to coach without meeting these requirements.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Question
How do I know which program is right for my child?
Find your child’s age group above and choose Recreation, Pre-Travel Academy, or Travel depending on their experience and goals. If you’re not sure, email whsahelp@verizon.net and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Do I need to try out?
Tryouts are required for Travel and NJ Elite. Recreation, Parent & Me, and TOPSoccer are open enrollment — no tryout needed.
What towns does WHSA serve?
WHSA primarily serves families in Long Hill Township, Warren, Watchung, and Green Brook, though players from surrounding areas are welcome to join.
Who do I contact with registration questions?
Email whsahelp@verizon.net or call 908-376-9909, and our team will connect you with the right program contact.