Director of Coaching - Challenge
Challenge Teams and Coaches
Fall 09 Practice Schedule - U9-U13 Charlotte
Fall 09 Practice Schedule - Cabarrus
Supplemental Training - Pending
CAYSL Challenge League Game Schedules
Tournament List
Fee Structure and Payment Schedule
Request Information

Challenge Program Overview

Charlotte Soccer Academy offers a Challenge program for boys and girls ages U11, U12 and U13/U14 in the Charlotte area. Our North Charlotte division offers challenge soccer for U9 and U10 boys and girls in addition to the older age groups.  Challenge soccer in North Carolina is considered to be one step up from recreational level soccer and provides a good introduction to the player and family commitment required by competitive soccer. Players must try out for the program each May and if selected for a team, must commit to playing for the team for a full year. Each player is depended on as an important member of the team and all Challenge-level players are expected to place a priority on participating in games and practices with few absences.

Challenge teams practice a minimum of two nights per week and may participate in the weekly supplemental technical training, speed and agility training and goalkeeping training offered by CSA to its members. CSA challenge coaches specialize in player development and sharing their love of the game. Most are former or current players; all hold youth coaching licenses and are compensated by CSA.

Challenge teams will typically play a fall season and a spring season in the Charlotte Area Youth Soccer League (www.CAYSL.org), a Charlotte-based league that may also include associations from the surrounding counties. Games are typically played on Saturdays and on Sunday afternoons. Teams will also participate in approximately four tournaments over the course of the year, some of which may include our-of-town travel and overnight stays.  

Challenge soccer is a good introduction to both the time and financial commitment of competitive soccer; the cost of competitive soccer is much higher than families have experienced in recreational soccer. There are two separate fees associated with Challenge soccer. The CSA association fee includes registration, league fees, uniforms, coaching fees, and field usage. Players must also pay team fees, which include variable team-specific costs such as referee fees, tournament fees and travel reimbursements for the coach.