Challenge Soccer
The Challenge program is the intermediary division of soccer at NCFC Youth. Challenge soccer is a competitive program that requires players to try-out and provides a higher level of competition compared to the Recreation program, but with a lower time and financial commitment compared to Classic. Challenge teams range from U9-U19, and the program is led by Challenge Director Brett Malone.
Team Formation
All new players interested in playing Challenge soccer must register and attend try-outs. Try-outs are held in June for the following year, and supplemental try-outs are held in December for just the Spring season (click on "Supplemental Try-outs" above for try-out dates and times).
Click to register for Supplemental Try-outs
Click here for Challenge Veteran High School Boys Registration
Challenge teams are based on players' birth year (mandated by USYS) and region in which they live: Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, Holly Springs, and Durham-Chapel Hill. After each player is fairly evaluated at try-outs, Challenge Coaches will use a draft system to pick their team in effort to form competitively balanced teams in each region. Only children of NCFC Challenge head coaches are guaranteed placement onto a NCFC Challenge team.
Once players accept a roster spot on a Challenge team, they do not need to participate in our annual try-outs if they want to stay on the same team.
All tryouts will be held at WRAL Soccer Park (7700 Perry Creek Road).
2003, 2002, 2001, 2000/1999 Boys
(U15-U19) | | Friday, December 8, 2017 | | Check in - 5:00pm
Tryouts - 6:00 - 8:00pm |
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2009, 2008 Boys and Girls
(U9-U10) | | Saturday, December 9, 2017 | | Check in - 9:00am
Tryouts - 10:00am - 12:00pm |
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2007, 2006 Boys and Girls
(U11-U12) | | Saturday, December 9, 2017 | | Check in - 12:00pm
Tryouts - 1:00 - 3:00pm |
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2005, 2004 Boys and Girls
(U13-U14) | | Saturday, December 9, 2017 | | Check in - 3:00pm
Tryouts - 4:00 - 6:00pm |
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FAQs
Have a question about Challenge Soccer? Check out our FAQ page!
FAQs
Ages
Kids born in 2009-1999 (ages 9-19) are able to play in the Challenge Division.
2017-2018 Age Group Chart
| Child's Birth Year | Age Group |
| 2009 | '09 (U9) |
| 2008 | '08 (U10) |
| 2007 | '07 (U11) |
| 2006 | '06 (U12) |
| 2005 | '05 (U13) |
| 2004 | '04 (U14) |
| 2003 | '03 (U15) |
| 2002 | '02 (U16) |
| 2001 | '01 (U17) |
| 2000 | '00 (U18) |
| 1999/1998 | '99/'98 (U19 |
Player Pathway/Program Comparison
Not sure what program is right for your player? Check out the different programs we offer and at which age groups.
Player Pathway/Program Comparison
Coaches
All of our coaches are volunteers and pass a risk management/background check conducted by North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA). All coaches are expected to be in the process of attaining a coaching education license through either NCFC Youth, NCYSA, or NSCAA. We provide multiple coaching education opportunities throughout the year and give our coaches various resources to help them be successful.
Seasons
Challenge soccer is a year long program played in the Fall (end of August - end of October) and Spring (mid February - end of April). When players register in the Fall, they are automatically enrolled for the Spring season (on the same team).
Players can attend Supplemental Try-outs in December in attempts to make a Spring 2018 Challenge team, in which case they would only play Challenge Spring soccer.
High School Age teams (U15-U19) will only play one season in the challenge program as this allows players to play with their high school teams.
High School GIrls will play their challenge seaosn in the fall. Players wishing to play soccer can play our NCFC Youth Recreation division during the spring without losing their veteran status on their current Challenge team.
High School Boys will play their Challenge seasons in the spring. Players wishing to play soccer can play in our NCFC Recreation division during the fall without losing their veteran status on their current Challenge team.
Important Dates
| November 20 | | Veteran Registration and Supplemental Try-out Registration Deadline | | March 31-April 1 | | No Games (Easter Weekend) |
| Week of February 19 | | Challenge Practice Begins (weather permitting) | | April 7-8 | | #5 Play Date |
| February (Dates and Times TBD) | | Player Carding for HS Boys and New Spring Challenge Players | | April 14-15 | | #6 Play Date |
| March 3-4 | | #1 Play Date | | April 21-22 | | Bye Weekend |
| March 10-11 | | #2 Play Date | | April 28-29 | | #7 Play Date |
| March 17-18 | | #3 Play Date | | May 5-6 | | Rain Makeup |
| March 24-25 | | #4 Play Date | | | | |
**Teams will have one weekend with both a Saturday and Sunday game to give our challenge teams their 8 game for the spring season.Club Fees
The annual club fee (for both Fall and Spring seasons) includes Field Rentals and Usage, Coaches & Coaching Education, and Administration.
Learn more
Location & Fields
Players choose which area they want to be considered for during try-outs: Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary, Garner, Holly Springs or Durham-Chapel Hill.
Teams will practice in their region, however, games can be in any region.
Text Alerts: Text NCFCCH to 84483 to receive Challenge alerts from us. Text alerts include game/practice cancellations, weather updates and other emergency or last minute information.
Field Locations & Maps
Trainings & Games
All Challenge teams will play home games in the region in which they are assigned: Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Garner, Holly Springs, or Durham-Chapel Hill.
'09 (U9) - '04 (U14) teams
Teams train twice a week for 60-90 minutes (at the coaches discretion), generally younger teams will not train for the full 90 minutes due to the age of the player. Each team will play 8 games against teams in the NCFC Scheduling League. Games may be Friday evenings or anytime Saturday or Sunday. '03 (U15) - '99 (U19) Effective Fall 2017
Teams train 1 time a week for 90 minutes, and may request a 2nd weekly practice if they desire. Typically teams have 8 NCFC Scheduling League games and play Sunday afternoons to minimize conflicts with school activities. There may be an occasional game scheduled for Friday or Saturday though. Teams are only allowed to play one season of NCFC soccer due to high school seasons. The girls play Challenge in the Fall and boys play in the Spring.Important Dates
Tournaments
Teams are encouraged to attend 2-3 tournaments each season at the discretion of the Head Coach and team families. Typically, teams play in one local tournament and one "travel" tournament. If teams wish to participate in a 3rd tournament, there must be a 75% approval from the team's families.
Tournaments
2017-2018 Uniforms
Fall 2017 marks NCFC Youth's inaugural year and Year 1 of the adidas uniform cycle. All NCFC Youth players must purchase the uniform kit online using a link the Team Manager will provide in January. The Challenge "home" game jersey is Navy, the "away" jersey is White.
Uniform Kit
2009 (9U) Program
The 2009 (9U) age group is a developmental portion of the Challenge program. One of the goals for the Challenge program is to achieve parity across all teams in an age group.
9U Program
NCFC Scheduling League
The NCFC Challenge Scheduling League is comprised of NCFC Challenge teams and other Challenge soccer teams in the Wake County area. More than 160 teams participate in the league each season. Any teams interested in joining the league, please contact Brett Malone at [email protected].
Policies
Read more about NCFC Challenge policies including refunds, uniforms, insurance, and equipment.
Policies