Challenge Soccer
Charlotte United has joined forces with some of the strongest recreational programs in the Charlotte area to bring Challenge level soccer to our combined members.
Overview: Challenge soccer starts at U11 and is played by boys and girls. Players may tryout to move up to the Challenge level or remain at the Recreational level. If selected to a Challenge team, players are usually required to play both Spring and Fall. Challenge soccer also provides an opportunity for players and parents to develop an understanding of the time commitment that is involved with the next level. Challenge teams play in the Charlotte Area Youth Soccer League (CAYSL).
Objectives: To develop deeper technical and some early tactical skills while enjoying higher levels of competition and having fun are the primary objectives. Challenge Soccer also provides an introduction of the commitment required for travel soccer to both parents and players.
Age Groups/Gender: Challenge soccer is generally available to children ages U11 – U14 (the U stands for under an age as of 8/1 of a given year – Example: Your child would be considered U9 if they are eight as of 7/31). Teams are grouped into divisions based on age, gender and level of play.
Team Selection: Tryouts are held annually in May. Charlotte United has partnered with some of the finest Recreation programs - Charlotte Junior Soccer, Harris YMCA, Mint Hill AA, Morrison Y, The Palisades & University City YMCA - to offer Challenge soccer. Further, Charlotte United offers Challenge programs at it's facilities at Harrisburg Road Soccer Complex and The Palisades.
Seasons: Typically there is a Fall season and a separate Spring season.
Competitive Level: Challenge soccer is an intermediate level of competition for U11 - U14 players. While scores/wins & losses are kept, the focus is clearly on developing a love for the beautiful game.
Coaching: Challenge coaches can be paid professional coaches or parents who have experience playing and a love for teaching the beautiful game. Most will have coaching licenses.
Training: Practices and/or training sessions are generally held twice per week with a focus on continuing to develop core soccer skills (dribbling, passing, trapping, shooting) along with age appropriate tactics.
Games: Games are played on the weekends (sometimes multiple games in a weekend). Most Challenge teams play in one or two tournaments per season.
Travel: Games and practices are held at venues throughout the greater Charlotte area.
Financial Commitment: Challenge soccer is greater financial commitment than recreational soccer and a smaller commitment than classic soccer. There are generally two types of fees for Challenge - club fees and team fees. Club fees cover items such as trainers, fields, player insurance, while team fees can cover team tournament fees and items of that nature. Financial assistance is available for those who apply and qualify.
Locations:
| Program | Location | Contact |
| Harris Y | South Park | Bryan Mogford Email or 704.953.0515 |
| Hellenic Park | McKee Road/Matthews | |
| Morrison Y | Ballantyne | |
| The Palisades | Steele Creek/The Palisades | |
| Speed | Cotswold/Dilworth/Eastover/Myers Park |