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?
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 10 & 11 | 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
Comuníquese con el administrador de Español, Ramon Gallardo
