Based in Bristol, Connecticut, Valley Football Club draws players from across central Connecticut. According to the club, its philosophy centers on player development within a team environment for recreational, competitive, or collegiate pathways. In competitive standings, the club holds a top-3 U13 boys team in CT according to PitchRank.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Why families choose this club
Competitive league access
Premier teams compete across leagues including EDP Futures, EDP Championship, USYS National League, and National Academy League.
Experienced sideline staff
The club states its staff includes college and high school coaches, describing itself as among the top development environments in the region.
Speed and agility
Athletes receive targeted conditioning through a Speed, Agility & Quickness program focusing on explosiveness, coordination, and reaction time.
Early player academy
Younger players have access to a dedicated curriculum centered on technical skills, game-specific techniques, and individual growth to build strong foundations.
Open summer tournaments
Off-season options include a summer slate open to both members and non-members that features two Summer Tournaments plus fitness and tactical training.
PROGRAMS
Programs
Valley FC serves boys and girls from Youth Development ages 7–10 through Premier teams ages U8–U19, including college-bound players up to 18. The Premier Program requires travel to local, regional, and out-of-state games/tournaments over a 10-month season running September 1–June 1. Competitive play begins in the fall as part of 10-month competitive season play, followed by continued Premier season competition through the winter. In the spring, the Premier season concludes and tryouts and evaluations held help form rosters for the subsequent cycle. To round out the calendar, a Development Academy and Summer Program provide training, conditioning, and two tournaments.
FallPremier season play begins; part of 10-month competitive season
WinterContinued Premier season competition (within Sept–June season)
SpringTryouts and evaluations held; Premier season concludes
SummerSummer Program with training, conditioning, and two tournaments
TUITION
Cost to play
While full Premier program dues are not published publicly on the club's website, Valley FC lists pricing for seasonal camps and off-season training clinics. Published rates include a five-day World Cup summer camp for $350, summer team training for $450 with an optional $75 tournament fee, and a spring break camp priced at $175.
COACHING
Coaching
Director of coaching
Director of CoachingOlgert Dalipi brings 25+ years coaching in Connecticut, holds a USSF C License and UEFA B Diploma, and is a former CCSU assistant coach and Albanian professional player.
Girls program leadership
Girls Director of CoachingJames Perkins is a former CCSU player, current CCSU Goalie Coach, and President of Elite Soccer Performance.
International pro career
Gerhard Progni, Head Coach, Valley FC 2009, 2013 & 2015 Boys, holds a UEFA B Diploma and is a former professional player in Albania, Kosovo, and Azerbaijan.
High school coaching
Jason Apruzzesse, Head Coach, Valley FC 2015 Boys White, brings 15+ years coaching experience, serves as Head Coach at Torrington High School, and is USSF Grassroots Certified.
Collegiate and MLS
Luke Albertini, Assistant Coach (2006 EDP Premier Boys), is a former New England Revolution player, former CCSU team captain, and current CCSU assistant coach.
Regional coaching roots
Rodrigo Giraldo, Head Coach, Valley FC 2016 Boys Navy, is a former CCSU player who previously coached at West Hartford Soccer Club.
Goalkeeper training
Goalkeeper CoachMelina Ford directs keeper instruction club-wide with an emphasis on technical skills, positioning, and decision-making.
National team callup
Sophia Dalipi, Head Coach, Valley FC 2015 Girls, is a University of New Haven student-athlete who was called up to U-19 Albanian National Team in 2023.
Premier qualifications
According to the club's bios, staff qualifications also feature high-level credentials such as the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma.
Olgert Dalipi
Director of Coaching
25+ years coaching in Connecticut; USSF C License, UEFA B Diploma; former CCSU assistant coach and Albanian professional player.
James Perkins
Girls Director of Coaching
Former CCSU player, current CCSU Goalie Coach; President of Elite Soccer Performance.
Luke Albertini
Assistant Coach (2006 EDP Premier Boys)
Former New England Revolution player and CCSU team captain; current CCSU assistant coach.
Jason Apruzzesse
Head Coach, Valley FC 2015 Boys White
15+ years coaching experience; Head Coach at Torrington High School; USSF Grassroots Certified.
Gerhard Progni
Head Coach, Valley FC 2009, 2013 & 2015 Boys
Former professional player in Albania, Kosovo, and Azerbaijan; holds UEFA B Diploma.
Rodrigo Giraldo
Head Coach, Valley FC 2016 Boys Navy
Former CCSU player; previously coached at West Hartford Soccer Club.
Melina Ford
Goalkeeper Coach
Focuses on technical skills, positioning, and decision-making for goalkeepers club-wide.
Sophia Dalipi
Head Coach, Valley FC 2015 Girls
University of New Haven student-athlete; called up to U-19 Albanian National Team in 2023.
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