Challenge
Challenge
Challenge soccer is a competitive program that requires a higher level of commitment than Recreation, but a lower time and financial commitment than Classic.
Players are required to tryout and teams are formed by age group, creating an environment focused on development, competition, and long-term growth.
Quick Facts
- Intermediate competitive program for U9–U19 players
- Teams train 2x per week
- Weekend league matches
- Tryout-based team placement
- Optional local and travel tournaments
Coaching Support
- Teams led by passionate volunteer coaches
- Supported by a full-time Challenge Director
- Additional support from full-time administrators
- Focus on player growth and enjoyment of the game
- Positive, safe, and development-focused environment
Program Commitment
- Higher commitment than Recreation
- Lower commitment than Classic
- Balanced competitive environment
- Built for players continuing their soccer journey
- Flexible pathway for long-term development
Season Structure
U9–U14
Two-season commitment including Fall (August–early November) and Spring (February–early May).
U15–U19 Girls
Fall-only season structure designed to accommodate the high school soccer season.
U15–U19 Boys
Spring-only season structure designed to accommodate the high school soccer season.
Field Locations
Players select a designated region during registration, which helps determine team assignment. Every effort is made to place players on age-appropriate teams within their selected region. Find our field maps here.
About Our Coaches
The Challenge program is led by passionate volunteer coaches who are committed to creating a positive experience for every player.
Our overall goal is to provide a fun, competitive, and safe environment where players can continue developing their skills and grow their love for the game.
Interested in becoming a coach? Contact our staff to learn more about opportunities within the Challenge program.
Players interested in joining the NCFC Youth Challenge program must complete the Intent to Play registration and attend their designated tryout evaluation.
If you missed tryouts and remain interested in the Challenge Program, please complete this form. If an immediate opportunity arises in your division, we will be in touch.
You may also reach out to us in early July to early August as some rosters/divisions may have changed which may provide additional opportunities.
Challenge Player Interest FormThe Challenge Program will hold the main tryouts for U15–U19 Boys (Older Boys Division – Spring Only), and a supplemental tryout for all other age groups in late fall. More information will be posted here when available. If you are a returning rising U15–U19 current Older Boys Challenge player, your Team Invite (return to team registration) will be sent to you in the fall!
Age Group Calculator
Enter your child's birth date to find their age group for the 2026–27 season
Challenge teams participate in NCFC Youth's Challenge Scheduling League which is sanctioned by NCYSA.
Game schedules are available through the SINC schedule page as well as your team's PlayMetrics page.
To view schedules in PlayMetrics, login to your account, click on your Team page, then open the Games tab.
NCFC Youth Challenge players who accept a spot on a Challenge team are committing to the Fall & Spring seasons (barring extenuating circumstances), will pay the Challenge Club Fee upfront or in installments, and purchase a uniform kit every two years.
| Age Group | Full Year Fee |
|---|---|
| U9–U10 | $700 |
| U11–U12 | $730 |
| U13–U14 | $740 |
| U15–U19 | $440 |
| Date | U9–U10 | U11–U12 | U13–U14 | U15–U19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Fee | $175 | $185 | $185 | $225 |
| July 15 | $175 | $180 | $185 | $215 |
| September 15 | $175 | $185 | $185 | — |
| October 15 | $175 | $180 | $185 | — |
Fall 2025 begins the first year of our 2-year Adidas uniform cycle. NCFC Youth Challenge players will be using the Challenge uniform kit through the end of the Spring 2027 season.
We provide a number of coaching education opportunities to coaches at all skill levels. Click the links below to learn more.
Qualified candidates must have passion, energy, enthusiasm, and desire to work with young players.
We provide a weekly session for the length of the season that is easy to follow, implement or adapt to your environment. These plans are created by our Director of Coach Development and are developmentally appropriate for each age and format.
Understand the rules of the game for whichever age group you are coaching.
We provide a number of coaching education opportunities, both through US Soccer and NCFC Youth, to support our coaches at all skill levels and coaching ambitions. Let us know if you are interested in pursuing the coaching pathway!
Head coaches receive a SOCCER.com gift card, cones, and bibs to help you get started on the field.
Each season kicks off with a pre-season coaches meeting led by our Challenge Director.
Please direct any questions to your area administrator:
U9–U12 Age Group Administrator
U13–U19 Age Group Administrator
