We have exciting news to share! Starting next fall, all United teams will transition to Vale Soccer Club. After a successful fall and winter collaboration with Vale for our high school United teams, we know this move will bring big benefits to our players and families. This change doesn’t affect our in-house and Travel teams, that stay under the umbrella of the club.

Why the Change?

Our United premier program has grown successfully, but we’re facing challenges that limit its long-term success.

1.        We need more players to sustain strong teams.

·        Our program isn’t large enough to consistently offer teams for every age group and gender, which is not optimal for player development.

·        Growing United further would require a large-scale marketing effort that goes beyond what a community club can manage.

2.        We want to offer a better pathway for our players.

·        United has improved dramatically over the past 10 years, but we are now hitting a glass ceiling.

·        Higher-level leagues (like ECNL) require professional infrastructure, including turf fields, which we don’t have. Our best players often have to choose between slowing their development or leaving the club.

3.        Vale provides the resources we need.

·        Vale has a strong recruiting network to attract more premier players and keep improving teams’ competitiveness.

·        Their professional infrastructure and new Middletown facility will open doors to higher-level leagues.

·        Vale’s coaching and administrative support will improve scheduling, communication with parents, and overall organization.

·        At the same time Vale’s culture is very much aligned with ours, grounded in a competent coaching staff focused on players’ development.

What’s Staying the Same?

·        Practice & home game locations: Cheshire (younger teams), Choate (middle/high school), and Hamden arena (winter).

·        United coaching staff will continue leading our Cheshire teams.

·        Team-centered coaching philosophy and strong community culture.

·        Registration: Fees will remain in line with the past evolution of the United fees, for the next three years.

What’s Changing?

·        Uniforms: players will switch to Vale’s Nike uniforms. Only game and practice outfits will be required for the first season. The rest of the package (eg backpacks) will be optional.

·        Registrations for the premier program’s next season (2025-2026) will go through the Vale website. Registrations for the in-house and Travel programs will remain on Cheshire Soccer Club’s website.