Levels of Play
Charlotte United, the Family Club, has defined age and developmental levels of soccer to assist in providing a better understanding of the soccer offerings in the Charlotte area. Our desire is to provide a basis for everyone to better understand these developmental levels to improve the overall enjoyment of the beautiful game.
Soccer in North Carolina is separated into three distinct categories: Recreation, Academy and Classic.
Recreational (Rec.) Soccer
The objective of Recreational soccer is to have fun while learning more about the basic skills of soccer (passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting) and sportsmanship, while developing long-lasting friendships with other children and parents. Recreational soccer is generally available to children ages U5 – U15 (the U stands for under an age as of 8/1 of a given year – Example: Your child would be considered U7 if they are six as of 7/31). At certain ages, some teams may be (are) coed: at other ages they are boys only or girls only. Teams are grouped into divisions based on age.
Click Here for more information about Recreational Soccer and Charlotte United affiliated organizations.
Pre-Academy Soccer
In the Fall of 2011, Charlotte United introduced our U7 and U8 program, the Pre-Academy.
This program is for 6 and 7 year old boys and girls. We offer the Pre-Academy at three different locations; Speed (based out of the Freedom and Randolph Park area),Harris Y (based out of the Harris YMCA), and Hellenic (based out of the McKee Road area).
Click Here for more information about Academy soccer.
Academy Soccer
The Academy Program philosophy is to emphasize player development over team development and focus on the technical development of each child without the pressures of short term wins/losses/results. It is for the U9 & U10 age groups. Charlotte United has joined forces with Charlotte Junior Soccer (Speed), Harris YMCA, and Hellenic Park to bring you some of the best academy soccer in the Charlotte area.
Click Here for more information about Academy soccer.
Classic Soccer
Starts at U11 and is played by boys and girls. This level of soccer is reserved for the most committed and talented players. If selected to a Classic team, U11 - U14 players are usually required to play both Spring and Fall, while U15 - U18 Boys play in the Spring and U15 - U18 Girls play in the Fall. U15 - U18 Boys & Girls teams that qualify for Region III play will play in both the Spring & Fall.
Click Here for more information about Classic soccer.