CHALLENGE
About the Program
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 birthyear (not grades).
For the 25-26 year, Challenge is offered to players born between 2017-2007 (U9-U19).
- U9-U14 is a two-season commitment that includes a Fall (August-early November) and Spring Season (February-early May)
- U15-U19 Girls play Fall Only to accommodate their HS Soccer Season
- U15-U19 Boys play Spring Only to accommodate their HS Soccer Season.
Quick Facts:
- Intermediate program for players ages U9-U19
- Teams train 2x/week and play a game on the weekend
- Teams are led by volunteer coaches supported by a full-time Challenge Director & 3 full-time Administrators
- Option to compete in select local/travel tournaments throughout the year
- U15-U19 Girls teams only play in the Fall season, U15-U19 Boys teams only play Spring season to accommodate the high school season.
About our Coaches
The Challenge program is led by passionate volunteer coaches.
The overall goal of our program and coaches is to provide a fun, positive and safe environment for our players to grow their love and development for the game.
Interested in becoming a coach?
Tryouts
Tryout Registration – New Players
In order to be evaluated for Challenge program, new players must:
- Create an account in PlayMetrics
- If you already have an existing PlayMetrics account, please login to register.
- Complete an Intent to Play – Challenge Program registration.
- Attend their respective tryout - please see the calculator to determine your age group for 2026-27.
Parents/Guardians should create an account in their name and add each child as a participant.
Tryout information will be emailed to registered participants closer to their tryout date. If you have any questions, please email us at Challenge@ncfcyouth.com
Current Challenge Players – Returning to their team in 26-27
You will receive a Team Invite (registration to return to your team) in mid-April.
Do not complete an Intent to Play Registration (this is for tryouts only).
(U15-U19 Challenge Boys will receive their Team Invites in October for the Spring season).
Current Challenge Players -Trying out for a new Challenge team in 26-27
Must register for Challenge tryouts by submitting an Intent to Play – Challenge Program registration and Decline their team invite. Doing so will forfeit their spot on their current team and does not guarantee placement on a new team.
Tryout Format
- U9-U13 Boys & Girls: tryouts are a two-day event. Players are expected to attend both days.
- U14 Boys & Girls: tryouts are one night only.
- U15 – U19 Girls: tryouts are one night only.
All tryouts are on an individual basis and not by teams, coach, or friend request.
U15-U19 Boys will have tryouts in November/December, as they play only during the Spring. More information will be available in the fall.
NCFC Youth Age Group Lookup
Enter your child's birth date to find their age group for the 2026-27 season
Tryout Dates and Times
All Tryouts take place at WRAL Soccer Park. Session time will be posted later this spring and specific field and check-in instructions will be emailed to registered participants closer to their tryout date.
Important Dates
Spring 2026 Play Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| February 23 | First Week of Practice |
| March 7 & 8 | Play Date |
| March 14 & 15 | Play Date |
| March 21 & 22 | Play Date |
| March 28 & 29 | Play Date |
| April 4 & 5 | No Games (Easter Weekend) |
| April 11 & 12 | Play Date |
| April 18 & 19 | Play Date |
| April 25 & 26 | Play Date |
| May 2 & 3 | Play Date |
| May 9 & 10 | City of Oaks Tournament - optional / No Regular Season Games |
Schedules
Challenge teams participate in NCFC Youth's Challenge Scheduling League which is sanctioned by NCYSA.
Game schedules are available to view both through NCYSA's SINC Website as well as your team's PlayMetrics page.
To view Schedules in PlayMetrics, login to your account, click on your Team's page and then on the Games tab at the top.
Field Locations
Players select a designated region during registration, which helps determine team assignment. We make every effort to place players on age-appropriate teams in their selected region of choice.
- Raleigh/Knightdale
- Durham/Chapel Hill (DCH)
- Holly Springs/Fuquay Varina (HSFV)
- Cary
- Garner
- Wake Forest
Club Fees
2025-2026 Full Year
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 |
|---|---|
| 2017 (U9) - 2016 (U10) | $675 |
| 2015 (U11) - 2014 (U12) | $705 |
| 2013 (U13) - 2012 (U14) | $715 |
| 2011 (U15) - 2007 (U19) | $425 |
Installments - Full Year
| Date | U9-U10 | U11-U12 | U13-U14 | U15-U19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Fee | $180 | $180 | $185 | $225 |
| July 15 | $160 | $175 | $175 | $200 |
| September 15 | $180 | $175 | $180 | -- |
| October 15 | $155 | $175 | $175 | -- |
Installments - Mid Year (Supplemental New Players & Older Boys
| Date | U9-U10 | U11-U12 | U13-U14 | U15-U19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Fee | $180 | $175 | $180 | $225 |
| January 15 | $155 | $175 | $175 | $200 |
Uniforms
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.
2025-2027 Challenge Uniform Kits:
| Uniform Size | Approx. Cost* |
|---|---|
| Youth Kit | ≈$175 |
| Adult Kit | ≈$195 |
*Estimated uniform costs are based on minimum required uniform kit items and do not include taxes or shipping, if applicable, and may change based on sizes, mix of sizes, etc.. Economy shipping is free on orders over $100.
Coach Support
We provide a number of coaching education opportunities to coaches at all skill levels. Click the links below to learn more.
Coaching Application
Qualified candidates must have passion, energy, enthusiasm, and desire to work with young players.
Season Plans
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.
Rules of Play
Contact Us
Please direct any questions to your area administrator:
Patty Scharville
Assistant Challenge Director
U9-U12 Age Group Administrator
Christine Rocchio
Assistant Challenge Director
U13-U19 Age Group Administrator
¿PREGUNTAS?
Comuníquese con el administrador de Español, Ramon Gallardo
